Fast‑Feet and Big Jumps: A Fresh Look at the 2026 NFL Combine

The 2026 NFL Combine in Indianapolis has turned into a showcase of speed and power that surprised many. While tight ends and defensive backs are the focus, the event highlighted how athleticism can change a player’s draft stock. Some of the most eye‑catching moments came from tight end Kenyon Sadiq, who shattered the record for his position with a 4. 39‑second 40‑yard dash. He was not alone; another tight end, Eli Stowers from Vanderbilt, also posted impressive verticals and broad jumps that made headlines. Safety Lorenzo Styles Jr. , the younger brother of a potential top‑five pick, ran the fastest 40‑yard time for a safety in over two decades—clocking 4. 27 seconds. What made his run even more remarkable was that he wasn’t fully healthy, yet he still posted the best time at this year’s event. Defensive backs also made their mark. Daylen Everette, a cornerback known for his aggressive play, demonstrated remarkable speed in on‑field drills and broke the 4. 4‑second barrier for a prospect this year. Washington’s Tacario Davis, standing at 6‑foot‑4, combined size and speed to run a 4. 41‑second 40, showing he can cover large areas quickly.Jumping ability was another key theme. Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman led the gym with a 41‑inch vertical and a 10‑foot‑5 broad jump, while Arkansas’ Julian Neal topped the list with an impressive 11‑foot‑2 broad. Even shorter players proved they could rise: Indiana’s D’Angelo Ponds, just over 5‑feet‑8, recorded the highest vertical jump among cornerbacks at 43. 5 inches. Teams watched not just raw numbers but how players performed in drills that mimic game situations. The Gauntlet, Teryl Austin, and Back Pedal drills all tested a player’s ability to catch the ball cleanly while maintaining speed, change direction quickly, and recover from a pass. Standouts included Marcus Allen and Colton Hood in the Gauntlet, while Malik Muhammad shone in the Teryl Austin drill. Overall, the Combine has shown that elite athleticism—whether it’s blazing speed or explosive jumps—can elevate a player’s draft profile, even if they come from smaller programs. Scouts are now weighing these performances against game film to determine who will be the next standout in the NFL.