Introduction

The NFL Combine is a pivotal moment on the annual football calendar, offering a unique opportunity for college prospects to showcase their skills and athleticism in front of coaches, scouts, and executives. As evaluations transition from subjective impressions to more objective analyses, this year’s event has underscored the significance of measurable attributes like 10-yard splits and relative athletic scores. Post-combine, draft positions can shift significantly, influenced by performance at this high-stakes event. This article explores six prospects—three who enhanced their draft status and three whose stock may have diminished during the 2026 NFL Combine.

The Rising Stars

1. Sonny Styles (Linebacker, Ohio State)

Sonny Styles was one of the standout performers at the combine, entering the event already established as a top linebacker in his draft class. With his impressive size and speed, Styles posted a perfect 10 relative athletic score, bolstering his case as a top-five pick. Notably, he demonstrated agility and explosiveness that might even rival that of Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher, who was a ninth overall pick in 2000. Styles' remarkable ability to command the field, wearing the green dot on Ohio State's national championship-winning defense, solidified his position as a premier defensive prospect.

2. Eli Stowers (Tight End, Vanderbilt)

Eli Stowers emerged as a surprise package, showcasing extraordinary athletic potential during the combine. With a stellar relative athletic score of 9.46, he set positional records with a remarkable 45.5-inch vertical jump and an 11'3" broad jump. While Stowers was not initially seen as a leading tight end, his outstanding performance suggests that he has immense growth potential. NFL teams may overlook his blocking deficiencies, favoring his explosive talent in the passing game instead, likely propelling him into the early Day 2 conversation of the draft.

3. Drew Allar (Quarterback, Penn State)

Drew Allar started the 2026 season as a promising quarterback prospect but was sidelined by an ankle injury that required surgery. Despite the setback, Allar's combine performance revealed flashes of his previous potential, exhibiting refined throwing mechanics and a strong arm. By competing despite lingering health concerns, he showcased his tenacity, which could make him an attractive option for NFL teams looking for a franchise quarterback.

The Falling Prospects

1. Cashius Howell (Edge Rusher, Texas A&M)

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Cashius Howell saw his draft stock take a significant hit at the combine, primarily due to his arm length measurements of just 30 1/4 inches—the shortest for a first-round edge rusher since at least 1999. His performance at the combine raised questions about his fit as an edge defender, given that his game is heavily reliant on quickness rather than size. Howell, who was previously projected as a top-25 pick, may need to adjust expectations and consider a Day 2 selection instead.

2. Denzel Boston (Wide Receiver, Unknown School)

Denzel Boston entered the combine as a potential first-round pick but failed to deliver during the workouts, not running the 40-yard dash and posting less impressive statistics than peers. Despite being a big-bodied receiver capable of dominating defenders, his failure to demonstrate solid hands, along with multiple drops, has raised concerns among scouts. With competition in this year’s receiver class being fierce, this lack of performance might cause him to slide down the board.

3. Kayden McDonald (Nose Tackle, Ohio State)

Kayden McDonald, once considered the top nose tackle in his class, struggled significantly during his combine workouts. Observations indicated stiffness and difficulty with agility drills, raising doubts about his potential as a dynamic player at the next level. With the competition among nose tackles being particularly strong this year, McDonald’s inability to showcase his skills may lead to a decline in his draft status, potentially causing him to lose his grip on the top spot at his position.

Conclusion

The NFL Combine remains a critical determinant in shaping the destinies of college football prospects. As teams analyze performances, the fine balance between measurables and on-field performance becomes crucial. While some players like Sonny Styles, Eli Stowers, and Drew Allar have positioned themselves favorably ahead of the draft, others such as Cashius Howell, Denzel Boston, and Kayden McDonald face uncertain paths. As teams assess their positional needs and the depth of talent available, the insights gained from the combine will certainly influence their draft strategies moving forward.