NFL Combine: Stock Rises and Falls for Players

Bassyonni

Published: March 3, 2026 9:56 PM ET

The NFL Scouting Combine is a critical event for college football players as they seek to improve their draft prospects. This year’s combine saw a mix of performances, with some athletes solidifying their status as top picks while others faced challenges. Here’s a recap of significant performances that impacted players’ stock.

NFL Combine: Stock Rises and Falls for Players

Star Linebackers Shine

Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles (Ohio State) – Both linebackers excelled, leading their positions with a 4.46-second 40-yard dash.
Styles also distinguished himself with a 43.5-inch vertical jump and an 11-foot-2 broad jump, solidifying a likely first-round selection.

Breakout Performance by Jacob Rodriguez

Jacob Rodriguez (Texas Tech) completed a standout season, leading with a 93.0 PFF overall grade.
He improved his draft stock with a 4.57-second 40-yard dash and a 6.90-second three-cone drill.

Outstanding Showings From Safeties

Dillon Thieneman (Oregon) ran a remarkable 4.35-second 40-yard dash and posted a 41-inch vertical jump, positioning himself comfortably for a first-round pick.
Thieneman has demonstrated consistent performance, with PFF Game Athleticism Scores above 99 throughout his college career.

Offensive Linemen Impress

Monroe Freeling (Georgia) showcased his athleticism with a 4.93-second 40-yard dash and an 85.6 PFF pass-blocking grade, making him a strong candidate in the top 20 picks.

Emerging Tight End Talent

Eli Stowers (Vanderbilt) showcased both speed and explosiveness with a 4.51-second 40-yard dash and a 45.5-inch vertical jump, enhancing his standing as a top tight end prospect.

Wide Receivers on the Rise

Deion Burks (Oklahoma) impressed with a lightning-fast 4.30-second 40-yard dash, solidifying his place among top 100 selections.
Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State) and Jermod McCoy (Tennessee) faced medical questions, impacting their stock after limited participation in tests.

Players Facing Challenges

Malachi Fields (Notre Dame) faced concerns following an average 4.61-second 40-yard dash, which may hinder his draft prospects.
Emmett Johnson (Nebraska) recorded average performance marks, with a 4.56-second 40-yard dash, possibly pushing him to later rounds.

The NFL Combine has proven once again to be a defining moment for many draft prospects. With standout performances and some disappointments, scouts are left with much to consider as they prepare for the upcoming draft.