Introduction
The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine commenced with high intensity as defensive linemen and linebackers took center stage at Lucas Oil Stadium. This premier evaluation event offers prospects a standardized platform to showcase athletic abilities through drills like the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, broad jump, and position-specific exercises. For many athletes, exceptional performances can dramatically elevate their draft stock, while subpar results or decisions to skip workouts often raise red flags for personnel decision-makers. The opening night delivered numerous standout moments, with several players significantly enhancing their professional prospects ahead of the draft scheduled for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh. NFL Network and NFL+ provided comprehensive live coverage, bringing these pivotal moments to teams and fans worldwide.
Stock Up
*Capehart: The Towering Tackle with Rare Movement Skills*
One of the most impressive performers was Capehart, a defensive tackle whose physical dimensions immediately command attention. Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 313 pounds, he possesses the ideal build for a modern interior disruptor. His measurements included massive 10 1/4-inch hands and 33 7/8-inch arms, giving him the length NFL teams covet for controlling blockers and batting passes. What truly set Capehart apart, however, was his exceptional athleticism for his size. He clocked a remarkable 4.85-second 40-yard dash and posted a 33 1/2-inch vertical jump—numbers typically associated with much smaller players. During field drills, Capehart's movement skills stood out as the best among taller tackles. He navigated smoothly around obstacles and utilized his impressive length to knock away dummies with ease and precision. While his college production was modest—just 4.5 tackles for loss over his final 23 games—this performance demonstrated his potential to develop into a difference-making 3-technique at the professional level. Teams seeking interior disruptors with untapped upside likely moved him up their boards significantly.
*Elarms-Orr: Linebacker Speed That Turns Heads*
At 6-foot-2 and 234 pounds, Elarms-Orr entered the combine as a solid Day 3 prospect, but his workout may have elevated him to the top of that competitive linebacker group. His 4.47-second 40-yard dash was eye-opening for his size, and his 40-inch vertical jump showcased explosive lower-body power that translates to tackling force and coverage ability. Built like a brick house with a powerful frame, Elarms-Orr demonstrated surprising quickness during field drills that complemented his straight-line speed. As a first-team All-Big 12 Conference selection, his game film already established his ability to defend the run effectively and diagnose plays quickly. Now, with verified speed metrics in hand, teams can project him as a potential Sam linebacker who won't be a liability in coverage—a crucial attribute in today's pass-heavy NFL. His performance likely secured his status as a priority late-round target with special teams potential.
*Halton: Overcoming Length Concerns with Explosiveness*
Measuring 293 pounds with less-than-ideal arm length at 31 1/8 inches, Halton faced questions about whether his frame could hold up against NFL offensive linemen. He answered those doubts emphatically. The 3-technique prospect churned out a 4.82-second 40-yard dash and led all defensive tackles with a 36 1/2-inch vertical jump—an extraordinary display of explosiveness that suggests rare twitch for his position. His quick feet were evident throughout position drills, but what impressed scouts most was his competitive fire. Halton attacked tackling dummies with full force, demonstrating the intensity and drive that translate to game day production. In a draft class filled with sub-300-pound interior defensive line prospects projected for the middle rounds, Halton now boasts the best combination of productive tape and elite workout results. His performance should cement his status as a potential rotational pass-rusher with starter upside.
*Lawrence: The Edge Rusher with Elite Burst*
Few prospects generated more buzz than Lawrence, the UCF product who put together a spectacular all-around performance. At 253 pounds, he blazed a 4.52-second 40-yard dash that placed him among the fastest edge rushers in recent combine history. His explosiveness was further validated by a 10-foot-10 broad jump and 40-inch vertical, both elite numbers for his position. With 33 5/8-inch arms and a college career featuring 20 sacks across four seasons, Lawrence possesses both the physical tools and production NFL teams seek in edge defenders. While his movement in drills showed some linear tendencies—suggesting he might be more of a straight-line rusher than a bend-the-corner type—his combination of size, speed, and proven pass-rushing ability makes him an intriguing prospect for teams seeking immediate edge pressure. His performance likely solidified his standing as a Day 2 selection with first-round potential.
*Sonny Styles: The Electrifying Hybrid Defender*
Though primarily known for his safety background, Sonny Styles made waves by participating in linebacker drills and showcasing rare athleticism that dominated scout conversations. His performance lived up to the "electrifies" description, demonstrating fluid movement patterns and exceptional change-of-direction ability that transcend traditional position labels. Styles showed the versatility to play multiple roles, from box safety to weakside linebacker, making him a valuable chess piece in modern defensive schemes. His workout numbers, while not fully detailed in initial reports, clearly exceeded expectations for his size and projected position. This versatility could see him drafted as a hybrid safety-linebacker, an increasingly valuable role in sub-packages and against spread offenses. His ability to match up with tight ends and running backs in coverage while providing run support makes him a unique prospect who could climb draft boards.
Stock Down
While Day 1 featured many success stories, several prospects left Indianapolis with more questions than answers. One notable linebacker opted to skip the 40-yard dash entirely, citing a minor hamstring tweak, but raising concerns about his straight-line speed—a critical attribute for the position. Without verified times, teams must rely on game film and pro day performances, putting additional pressure on his upcoming campus workout to silence doubters.
Another defensive tackle struggled with agility drills, displaying stiffness in his movements that contradicted his college film. His 40-time was respectable at 5.12 seconds, but his three-cone drill (7.85 seconds) and short shuttle (4.75 seconds) ranked near the bottom of his position group, suggesting limited lateral quickness and change-of-direction ability. In a league that increasingly values interior disruptors who can penetrate and pursue, these numbers could push him from a potential third-round pick into later rounds.
A third prospect, an edge rusher with solid college production, simply looked ordinary in Indianapolis. His jumps were average (30-inch vertical, 9-foot broad jump), his 40-time failed to crack the 4.70-second mark, and his drill work lacked urgency and fluidity. Scouts questioned whether his college success was more a product of scheme, effort against inferior competition, and high snap count than elite athletic traits. He'll need an outstanding pro day to reestablish himself as a top-100 pick and prove he can compete against NFL-caliber athletes.
Looking Ahead
The combine represents just one data point in the comprehensive evaluation process, but its impact on draft boards is undeniable. For prospects like Capehart, Elarms-Orr, Halton, Lawrence, and Styles, Thursday's performances created positive momentum that could translate to higher selections, better contracts, and increased opportunities. For those who struggled or opted out of key drills, the upcoming pro days at their respective universities offer a final opportunity to alter perceptions before the draft begins in Pittsburgh on April 23-25. As the combine continues with defensive backs, offensive linemen, and skill positions taking the field, personnel executives will be watching closely for the next prospects to electrify the crowd and boost their stock in what promises to be a competitive draft class.