The on-field portion of the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine kicked off on Thursday Night and the highest defensive prospects within the 2026 NFL Draft didn’t disappoint. Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles stole the present, however his teammate, linebacker/edge rusher Arvell Reese, additionally stood out. Reese cemented himself as a prime 5 choice within the draft, whereas Styles seemingly elevated his inventory into the highest 10.
Those two weren’t the one ones who got here away as winners tonight. Texas Tech Edge Rusher David Bailey impressed, as did his teammate, defensive lineman Lee Hunter. Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks handled accidents this previous season, however has elevated his inventory this draft course of. His measurables had been elite, and he examined fairly nicely for a lineman of his measurement, too. This, paired together with his sturdy Senior Bowl efficiency seemingly locked him into being a first-round choose.
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Other lesser names like Zane Durant, Gracen Halton, Malachi Lawrence, DeMonte Capehart, and others had sturdy showings as nicely.
Ohio State LB Sonny Styles
Styles could have had the most effective exercise ever from a linebacker and perhaps a defensive prospect ever. He got here into the evening anticipated to have a robust displaying, and he didn’t disappoint.
He measured in at a formidable 6-5, 244 kilos with 10-inch arms and practically 33-inch arms. He jumped out of the constructing with an insane 43.5-inch vertical, had an 11’2” broad soar, a 7.09 3-cone drill, and a blazing 4.46 40-yard sprint.
Again, he did this all at 6-5 and 244 kilos.
Before the Combine, the dream of him in some way falling to the Broncos was lifeless and buried, and this displaying cemented that truth. He is now seemingly a prime 10 choose who could even go prime 5, with the highest of the category missing elite expertise.
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Styles isn’t just a exercise warrior both; he’s a legit prospect with actually good tape. Nick Emmanwori examined very nicely final yr and went on to have a fantastic rookie yr for the Seattle Seahawks. I may see Sonny Styles having an identical kind of influence for whichever protection drafts him.
Texas A&M EDGE David Bailey
Bailey was penciled in as a prime 5 choose getting into the Combine and will go away the weekend as the favourite to be the second general choose within the draft. While Miami edge Rueben Bain has to reply arm size questions, Bailey impressed in all areas of the Combine right this moment. His measurables are elite, he examined nicely, and appeared like a prime prospect tonight.
After the New York Jets traded edge rusher Jermaine Johnson to the Tennessee Titans for defensive sort out T’Vondre Sweat, the Jets are in want of an edge rusher. They have a number of choices, together with Rueben Bain and Arvell Reese, however I consider Bailey ought to be the favourite for that choose after his efficiency tonight.
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Ohio State EDGE/Linebacker Arvell Reese
Reese entered the evening as a prime 5 prospect, however some questions on the place he’ll play within the NFL. While a few of these questions seemingly stay, he showcased his elite athleticism tonight and cemented himself as a prime 5 prospect.
Some have Reese as an off-the-ball linebacker who can often rush the passer, whereas others consider he shall be an elite full-time edge rusher. I feel tonight, he proved he can do both at a high-level however will seemingly be utilized as an edge rusher. At 6-4, 241 kilos with a 4.46 40-time, he’s going to see break day the sting.
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If he doesn’t go 2nd general to the Jets, he shall be off the board rapidly quickly after.
Florida Defensive Tackle Caleb Banks
Florida defensive sort out Caleb Banks handled a foot damage this previous yr and solely performed a handful of video games. However, a robust Senior Bowl and now Combine displaying has the massive defensive sort out seemingly locked into the primary spherical of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Banks measured in at 6-6, 327 kilos, with 35-inch arms, practically 11-inch arms, and ran a 5.04 40-time at 327 kilos. He additionally jumped 32 inches, which is insane for a person of his measurement and weight.
Despite the injury-shortened 2025 season, Banks has elevated his inventory into the primary spherical. His inventory isn’t nearly as good as you’d hope, however his measurement, athleticism, and traits are tough to seek out, and a few crew will consider they will convey out the most effective in him.
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Other notable winners
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UCF EDGE Malachi Lawrence – The gifted edge rusher ran a 4.52 40-time, had a 40-inch vertical, and a formidable 10’10” broad soar. He did this all at 6-4 and 253 kilos with practically 34-inch arms. That measurement, size, and athleticism will get you drafted and drafted early.
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Texas Tech Linebacker Jacob Rodriguez – He had elite manufacturing in faculty and confirmed off his athleticism tonight. Ran a 4.57 40-time, had a 38.5-inch vertical, and measured in at 6-1, 235 kilos. He has solidified himself as a second-round choose and certain a really early second-round choose.
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Clemson Defensive Tackle DeMonte Capehart – Measuring in at 6-5 and 313 kilos and working a 4.85 40-time with practically 34-inch arms, will get groups taking a look at you. All eyes shall be on his Clemson teammates, however he proved that they need to take note of him, too.
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Oklahoma Defensive Tackle Gracen Halton – He ran a 4.82 40-time at 6-3 and 293 kilos. Like Capehart, that athleticism will get you drafted, and it backs up what you see on tape. He’s a fast and energetic participant who could hear his identify referred to as sooner than anticipated after his exercise.
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Texas Tech Defensive Tackle Lee Hunter – He didn’t check tremendous nicely, however the large, wide-bodied linemen showcased his character in interviews, which he reportedly aced. His tape is basically good, and the interviews matter greater than the exercises, and he definitely helped himself this week.
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