This year, the NFL combine took place from February 26th to March 1st, 2026, at the Lucas Oil Stadium. Around 320 athletes competed in events like the 40-yard dash, vertical, & broad jumps, and the bench press.

What makes the combine so special?

The combine acts as a four-day job interview, where, by invitation, the top college prospects in the country undergo intense physical, medical, and psychological “testing” in front of representatives from all 32 teams. The combine is crucial for boosting or destroying a player’s draft order.

Just because you get invited to the combine doesn’t mean you’ll get drafted. Approximately 30-32% of the 320 players invited go undrafted. Roughly 100 players who attend aren’t signed in the 7-round draft, and end up free agents. 

Performances that stood out

Although most of the players had very impressive performances, two stand out. Ohio State’s linebacker Sonny Styles and Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green. 

Styles produced historic marks running a 4.46 during the 40-yard dash, having a 43.5” vertical, and a 11”2” broad jump. Based on his 6’4”, 244-pound body, his vertical jump was the best since 2003. 

Green set QB records with a 4.36 during the 40-yard dash and a 43.5-inch vertical. Funny enough, his performance was pretty much perfect, and all top marks for QB’s since 2003. 

The positive effects of the combine

Before the combine, Sonny Styles was predicted to go 10-15. After the combine, he’s projected to go top 5. Before the combine, Green was projected to go in round 6 or 7. After the combine, he’s projected to go in the second or third round.