7 Biggest Winners From The 2026 NFL Combine

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 28: Jeremiyah Love #RB11 of Notre Dame participates in a drill during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

Getty Images

The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine wrapped up Sunday night, marking a week of performances that significantly changed the trajectory of many prospects vying for long pro careers.

Here’s a look at seven notable performances from the combine.

7 NFL Draft Risers From The NFL Combine

Linebacker Sonny Styles – Ohio State

Styles’ measurables are scary at linebacker. Standing 6-foot-5 and 244 pounds, Styles had the fastest 40-yard dash at his position (4.46) along with the best broad jump (11’ 2″) and the best vertical (43.5″). Styles’ vertical was the highest since 2003 among players measuring over 6-foot-4 or weighing more than 240 pounds.

Styles is a lock to be a top 10 selection, and this performance could very well move him into the top five. Styles, who converted to linebacker after starting his college career at safety, had 83 tackles (45 solo) last season with one interception, one sack and one forced fumble. Styles’ skills represent the evolution of football. He can effectively stop the run and fares extremely well in pass coverage as well. Styles’ balance of speed and aggression will serve him well in the NFL.

Quarterback Ty Simpson – Alabama

While Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza is likely the No. 1 pick in the draft, Simpson could be the next quarterback selected. Simpson had a great combine with passes that had zip and pinpoint accuracy. Simpson’s footwork and quick release were noticeable, and his throws looked more like game-speed mechanics than practice reps.

Simpson delivered accurate throws to every quadrant of the field, and he showcased as much deep-ball accuracy as any quarterback who threw at the combine. Simpson threw for 3,567 yards last season with 28 touchdowns, five interceptions and a 64.5% completion rate.

Running Back Jeremiyah Love – Notre Dame

Love is a player who can do it all at his position, displaying a rare blend of power, size and speed with an excellent pass-blocking prowess and great pass-catching abilities. Love’s athleticism and high ceiling were on display at the combine, where he made waves with his performance.

Love, who stands six-foot and 212 pounds, ranked No. 2 at his position with a 4.36 40-yard dash. Per NFL Next Gen Stats, Love’s combine performance had a total score of 94, ranking No. 1 at running back. Love projects to be a top 10 selection after a great college career where he totaled 2,882 rushing yards and 36 touchdowns along with 63 receptions, 594 yards and six scores.

Defensive End David Bailey – Texas Tech

Bailey’s 4.50 40-yard dash ranked No. 2 among defensive ends, reaching a top speed of 22.91 mph. He also ranked No. 3 in the broad jump at 10’ 9″. Bailey showed his explosiveness in drills and why he ranked No. 1 in the nation with 14.5 sacks last season.

Bailey is arguably the best pass-rusher in the draft and his combine performance only strengthened his draft status. Bailey has a strong chance of being selected in the top five.

Receiver Deion Burks – Oklahoma

The 5-foot-10 Oklahoma product put on a combine performance that showcased his incredible strength at the position along with top-tier speed. Burks ran a 4.30 40-yard dash, ranking No. 3 among receivers while posting the best vertical (42.5″) and best bench press (26 reps).

While Burks isn’t considered a top prospect at receiver, his combine performance should help his draft stock exponentially. Burks had 57 receptions for 620 yards and four touchdowns last season.

Tight End Kenyon Sadiq – Oregon

Sadiq had one of the best tight end performances in combine history, recording the fastest 40-yard dash ever at the position (4.39), the second-best vertical jump ever (43.5″) and the third-best broad jump ever (11’ 1″).

The 6-foot-3 tight end will be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses and linebackers. While his blocking could use improvement, Sadiq had 51 receptions, 560 yards and eight touchdowns in 2025 and showed he can leave defenders in the dust and run crisp routes.

Offensive Tackle Max Iheanachor – Arizona State

Iheanachor’s 4.91 40-yard dash marked only the seventh time since 2003 that an offensive tackle weighing at least 320 pounds ran under 5.0 seconds.

Iheanachor also looked explosive in drills, with NFL.com writer Nick Shook noting that Iheanachor displayed the fastest hip movements he has ever seen from an offensive lineman at the combine. Iheanachor can block downfield quickly with authority and will also be an asset blocking on outside runs. Iheanachor could start as a rookie and has entered the conversation to be a first-round selection. There are many teams that can use a standout tackle, and he could fit the bill and then some.