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Mel Kiper Jr.
Multiple Authors
The combine week proved highly eventful, with over 300 prospective players for the 2026 NFL draft making their way to Indianapolis. They participated in a variety of activities, including on-field drills, 40-yard dashes, extensive medical examinations, and/or interviews with team representatives.
While not every athlete took part in all workouts, and some opted for a selective approach, many managed to significantly boost their draft prospects. This was achieved through robust performances that either surpassed or simply confirmed existing expectations. So, which prospects truly distinguished themselves and elevated their standing? Who is now garnering attention beyond their initial pre-combine projections?
I’ve identified 13 top performers from the combine, categorized by position. It’s important to note that not all of them saw their draft stock explicitly “rise”; some merely met our predictions and cemented their current status. In essence, their combine displays perfectly aligned with their game film – a positive outcome. Regardless, these individuals experienced highly successful weeks in Indianapolis. I also made an effort to highlight some lesser-known talents. While I was as impressed as anyone by Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles’ workout, and I did flag Arkansas’ Taylen Green as the quarterback to watch in our combine preview last week (before he set new QB-specific records on Saturday), my aim here was to delve a bit deeper.
A crucial clarification: this list focuses exclusively on what transpired during the on-field evaluations. Over the coming weeks, I will consult with various league sources to uncover any potential red flags and assess which players shone during their team interviews. Now, let’s turn our attention to the offensive standouts.
Height: 6-foot-1 | Weight: 223 pounds
It’s debatable whether any other prospect improved their draft stock in Indianapolis as dramatically as Washington. We know Jeremiyah Love is poised to be the first running back selected, and his Notre Dame teammate Jadarian Price appears to have a firm grasp on the RB2 spot. However, the No. 3 running back position is fiercely contested, and Washington’s combine performance might have been enough to propel him forward and solidify his case for a Round 3 selection.
Washington’s blazing 4.33-second 40-yard dash, featuring an impressive 1.51-second 10-yard split, was the fastest among all running backs and tied for the eighth-best across all positions this year. According to ESPN Research, this also ties for the quickest 40 time over the *past two decades of combines* for players weighing at least 220 pounds (matching DK Metcalf and Isaac Guerendo). Additionally, his 39-inch vertical leap and 10-foot-8 broad jump both ranked second at the position this year, trailing only Kentucky’s Seth McGowan.
Last season, Washington rushed for 1,070 yards and eight touchdowns, with his 6.4 yards per carry placing 19th in the FBS. His explosive ability was evident on tape, and now it has been unequivocally demonstrated in pre-draft testing. His Saturday showing was truly exceptional.
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 198
In our preview of the workouts last Thursday, I projected that Brazzell would “run something around 4.47 in the 40-yard dash and push himself into the first-round discussion.” He actually clocked a stunning 4.37. For a player of his 6-foot-4 stature, that speed is truly remarkable.
I’ve been a proponent of Brazzell throughout the evaluation process, even including him in my initial Round 1 mock draft back in January. Scouts are certainly going to take notice; it’s rare to find receivers with his physical build who possess such exceptional running and movement capabilities. He had a breakout year in 2025 – his second season at Tennessee after transferring from Tulane – accumulating 1,017 yards and nine touchdowns. Brazzell averaged 16.4 yards per catch and recorded only two drops last season. He’s physically strong and excels in contested-catch situations. I anticipate a significant increase in late-Round 1 buzz for him moving forward.
Height: 5-9 | Weight: 177
Branch displayed the speed we anticipated, recording a 4.35-second 40. His explosiveness was also as expected, with a 38-inch jump. However, it was his performance in the gauntlet drill that truly impressed me. Despite his 29⅜-inch arms, which don’t offer the widest catch radius, he demonstrated remarkably secure hands, consistently plucking the ball away from his body. Once the ball is in his possession, he transforms into a dynamic playmaker – 636 of his 811 receiving yards last season came after the catch. While I admit I’m higher on Branch than many, I envision him as a second-round talent.
Height: 6-7 | Weight: 352
Utah’s Spencer Fano and Georgia’s Monroe Freeling might dominate the post-workout headlines among offensive tackles with their sub-5.0 runs in the 40, both excellent showings for top-20 prospects. But consider Proctor’s performance in a weight class roughly *40 pounds heavier* than the 311-pound Fano and 315-pound Freeling. Proctor trimmed down from 366 pounds to 352 for the combine and still managed a 5.21 in the 40. He also leaped 32½ inches in the vertical, and his 33⅜-inch arms addressed a key concern for teams considering keeping him at tackle in the professional ranks.
With his exceptional size, athleticism, quickness, and clear potential, Proctor must now be considered a strong candidate for the mid-to-late first round.
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 256
Dennis-Sutton firmly established his Day 2 draft status, and I view him as a definite second-round pick. After achieving his second consecutive 8.5-sack season – which included six sacks in his final five games – and generating 53 pressures, he showcased his explosive burst at the combine.
His 4.63-second 40 ranked sixth among edge rushers, his 39½-inch vertical was fourth, and his 10-foot-11 broad jump was the best at the position. Dennis-Sutton can effectively keep tackles at bay with his 33½-inch arm length, then leverage his quickness to maneuver around them. (He also possesses the ability to generate interior pressure.) When Dennis-Sutton is performing at his peak, he exhibits truly impressive pass-rushing qualities.
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 253
Only two prospects in the edge rusher category, Ohio State’s Arvell Reese and Texas Tech’s David Bailey, posted faster 40 times than Lawrence, and both are projected as likely top-five selections. Despite weighing over 250 pounds, Lawrence ran an impressive 4.52-second 40-yard dash. He also recorded a 40-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot, 10-inch broad jump – both ranking second among edge rushers.
At UCF last season, Lawrence amassed seven sacks and 14 tackles for loss. He demonstrates exceptional ability to burst off the edge, coupled with very strong closing speed and overall agility. His performance has elevated him into the Day 2 conversation as one of the week’s most significant risers.
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 240
Kelly ran a 4.57-second 40 (ranking eighth among linebackers) and achieved a broad jump of 10-foot-5 (tied for third). These are strong figures, and they complement a stellar season at BYU. He tallied 66 tackles, 10 sacks, 13.5 tackles for loss, three pass breakups, and a forced fumble. He was particularly impactful in the Cougars’ two games against Texas Tech, recording three combined sacks. As his sack totals suggest, Kelly can excel playing off the ball or as an outside linebacker in a pass-rushing role. His combine performance has paved the way for him to be an early Day 3 selection.
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 231
In his inaugural year as a starter, Sharar led his team with 85 tackles. The athletic qualities consistently displayed on his game film were prominently showcased in Indianapolis. His 40-inch vertical leap ranked third among linebackers, and his 4.56-second 40-yard dash was the sixth fastest. Similar to Kelly, he possesses the versatility to play both inside and outside at the second level, marking him as another early Day 3 prospect.
Height: 5-9 | Weight: 182
Ponds’ impressive 43½-inch vertical jump tied for the fifth-best among cornerbacks at the combine since at least 2003, according to ESPN Research. This also represents the second-highest vertical leap for any player under 5-foot-10 in that same timeframe (trailing only Chris McKenzie). That’s truly elite explosiveness.
While he did not participate in the 40-yard dash or the broad jump, that vertical measurement alone will prompt NFL front offices to give him serious consideration in the second round. I would be astonished if Ponds falls out of Round 2. Across three seasons, he collected seven interceptions and 27 pass breakups, performing at his peak in crucial games for the national champion Hoosiers. Ponds is exceptionally tough-minded as well. He’s a genuine competitor who would be a valuable asset in the slot for any team.
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 193
Demmings’ 42-inch vertical leap was just shy of Ponds among the cornerbacks, but he also achieved an 11-foot broad jump (second among CBs) and a 4.41-second 40-yard dash (tied for fifth). As these figures indicate, he possesses the speed necessary to cover receivers, and with his lengthy arms and large hands, he’s a true ball hawk. Over his four-year collegiate career, Demmings recorded nine interceptions and 35 passes defensed, including four picks and nine PDs in 2025 alone. He’s an early Day 3 selection; I currently assign him a fourth-round grade.
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 220
Louis participated in linebacker drills, though I primarily evaluate him as a safety. He’s a versatile hybrid player who impacts every area of the field, capable of aligning as a box safety, an off-ball linebacker, or even an outside linebacker at the next level. He quickly reacts to the ball, and his 4.53-second 40-yard dash confirmed his impressive speed. However, his jumps were particularly outstanding. His 39½-inch vertical ranked fourth among linebackers and would have tied for third among safeties. His 10-foot-9 broad jump was second among linebackers and would have been fourth among safeties.
Regardless of where an NFL team ultimately positions him, Louis is a playmaking talent who will contribute significantly in pass coverage, run defense, and as a blitzer. Over the past two seasons, he accumulated 183 tackles, 10 sacks, and six interceptions. I’d anticipate him being drafted in the second or third round.
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 210
Kilgore, a versatile combo safety/big nickel prospect, is both physically tough and adaptable, showcasing a wealth of impressive physical attributes. His 4.4-second 40 time tied for fifth within the safety group. While his 37-inch vertical was mid-pack, his 10-foot-10 broad jump led the position this year. This shouldn’t surprise anyone: Kilgore was a Georgia 2A long jump state champion in high school. He also demonstrated his strength by completing 16 reps on the bench press.
Kilgore has recorded at least 53 tackles in each of his three seasons, while also intercepting eight passes and breaking up 23 throughout his career. He has also returned 12 punts, further underscoring his versatility. Expect Kilgore to be a Day 2 selection.
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 188
Clark spent six years at TCU, including an appearance in 10 games in 2020. He was limited to just four games the following year, but since then, he has accumulated 15 interceptions over 47 contests. His combine performance essentially confirmed what was already evident from his extensive game film. His 4.41-second 40 tied for seventh among safeties, and both of his jumps – 38 inches in the vertical and 10-foot-7 in the broad – ranked fifth. He’s a dependable player who can bolster a defense at the next level, and I project him to be selected in the late Day 2, early Day 3 range.