On-field workouts began for prospects on Thursday at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis with defensive linemen and linebackers. Who wowed with their vertical leap? Who ran a blazing-fast 40? Who dominated the 3-cone drill? The results can cause players to rise and fall on boards and mocks as comprehensive information is gathered from Lucas Oil Stadium. Here are some of the players who likely improved their draft stock with top-tier debuts in Indy:
LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
Sonny Styles has been a locked top-15 pick and on Thursday he raised his stock even higher. Now he has the measurements and athletic profile to match the tape. At 6'5" and 244 pounds with a 43.5" vertical, Styles ran a 4.46-second 40-yard dash – the same as Bijan Robinson – and recorded a 135" broad jump, which is what Julio Jones posted. His vertical was the best for a player at his position dating back to 2003. Styles has exceeded expectations and could make his way into the top five. With his short-area quickness, sideline-to-sideline range and size, Styles checks the boxes.
Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech
David Bailey has been predicted as a top-10 pick and his performance in Indy matched the hype. Bailey ran a 4.50-second 40-yard dash with a 1.62-second 10-yard split, a 35" vertical and a 10'9" broad jump. The All-American had the fastest 40 of any defensive lineman and the force he showed during the bag drills portion only strengthened his impressive resumé. With his explosiveness, speed-to-power prowess and rush instincts, Bailey could jump as high as a number-two pick.
Edge/LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State
Arvell Reese played both as an edge rusher and off-ball linebacker for the Buckeyes. He clocked a 4.47-second 40-yard dash and his fluid movement skills were displayed. The 6-foot-4, 241-pound athlete showcased the quickness that led to his success on two-way go's and ability to tackle slashers in the open field.
LB Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
Jacob Rodriguez, a more under-the-radar player than those above, made his presence known in Indianapolis. He reached a top speed of 18.43 miles per hour during the backpedal and react drill, the fastest by any linebacker over the last four years, bypassing Jack Kiser, Jihaad Campbell, Trevin Wallace and Carson Bruener. Rodriquez nabbed the Chuck Bednarik Award, Butkus Award and Lombardi Award during his collegiate tenure but his age and size have led to middle-round projections. However, he led linebackers in the 20-yard shuttle and the 3-cone drill, showcasing his burst. Rodriquez had an FBS-leading seven forced fumbles in 2025 and his command of the field made an impact in Indy.
LB Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh
Kyle Louis impressed at the Senior Bowl and backed up that performance at the Combine. The versatile weapon's 40 time ranked fifth (4.53), his 10-yard split ranked third (1.58), his vertical jump ranked fourth (39.50) and his broad jump ranked second (10'9") at the linebacker position. Louis is undersized by NFL linebacker standards but he has the flexibility to play as a box safety or big nickel. Louis posted 24 tackles for loss, six interceptions and 10 sacks over the past two seasons and his suddenness was evident at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Edge Malachi Lawrence, UCF
Malachi Lawrence ran a 4.52-second 40-yard dash, second to only David Bailey. He generated 60 pressures over the previous two seasons and looked fluid during drills. Lawrence can win inside or outside and has the coveted height-weight-length combination. Lawrence adjusts with various entry angles to his rushes and his Combine debut has created buzz, potentially enough to see Lawrence picked in the second.
