The NFL Scouting Combine is a highly anticipated event, bringing together the best collegiate athletes with a chance to showcase their skills and potentially boost their draft prospects. This year's combine, held in March 2026, did not disappoint, with several under-the-radar players stealing the show and making a strong impression.
One of the key tools used to evaluate these athletes is NFL IQ, a platform that provides an in-depth analysis of prospects, offering insights to fans and experts alike. NFL IQ grades players on athleticism, production, and an overall draft score, giving us a comprehensive view of their potential.
Let's dive into some of the standout performances from this year's combine and explore how these players elevated their draft stock.
Top Prospects Shine Bright
While the spotlight was on top prospects like Jeremiyah Love, Sonny Styles, and David Bailey, there were also some lesser-known athletes who exceeded expectations. These players, often overlooked before the combine, seized the opportunity to showcase their skills and prove their worth.
Under-the-Radar to On-the-Rise
UCF · EDGE: Lawrence's Leap
Lawrence, a mid-range prospect with a pre-combine draft score of 67, turned heads with his exceptional performance. He dominated the drills, posting impressive times and distances. His 40-yard dash time of 4.52 seconds, vertical jump of 40 inches, and broad jump of 10 feet, 10 inches, earned him an athleticism score of 86, the highest among edge rushers. This performance boosted his overall draft score to 73, and experts like Zierlein now consider him an NFL-caliber edge rusher.
Arkansas · RB: Washington's Wow Factor
Few players at the combine made as big an impact as Washington. With a pre-combine draft score of 57, he left Indianapolis with a score of 71, a remarkable 14-point jump. Washington's 4.33-second 40-yard dash was the best among running backs, and his athleticism score of 92 ranked first in his position group. This outstanding performance has certainly put him on the radar of many NFL teams.
Texas Tech · LB: Rodriguez's All-Around Excellence
Rodriguez, the linebacker from Texas Tech, impressed in every drill. He entered the combine with a draft score of 71 and left with a score of 79, ranking fourth among all linebackers. His speed and agility were on full display, leading all linebackers in the shuttle run and three-cone drill, and ranking sixth in the 40-yard dash. This performance could see him move up a few spots in the draft, with his athleticism score of 86 among the highest in his position group.
North Dakota State · WR: Top Wideout
The wide receiver from North Dakota State, with a pre-combine draft score of 78, finished the combine with an impressive 86, the highest among all wide receivers. He achieved an athleticism score of 99, the maximum possible, thanks to his 4.34-second 40-yard dash, 41.5-inch vertical jump, and 11-foot-1-inch broad jump. NFL analyst Chad Reuter believes this performance gives him a chance to be a top-75 pick in April.
Stanford · TE: Roush's Size and Skills
Roush, the Stanford product, entered the combine with a draft score of 66, ranking 22nd among tight ends. He left with a score of 75, moving up to seventh among participating tight ends. While his combine drills were solid, it's his size (6-foot-6, 267 pounds) that makes him an attractive prospect. NFL analyst Lance Zierlein suggests his size and blocking ability could push him into Day 2 consideration, despite questions about his catch production.
LSU · WR: Thomas' Speedster
Thomas, with the lowest pre-combine draft score of all receivers (55), had the biggest draft-score jump of any prospect across all positions, leaving Indy with a 69. His 4.28-second 40-yard dash, ranking third overall at the combine, was a standout performance. Chad Reuter believes his speed and return experience add value, making him a likely Day 3 pick.
Kansas · OT: Cruz's Athleticism
Out of the 25 tackle prospects, Cruz ranked 24th with a draft score of 64. He moved up to 14th (71) with a solid showing in Indy, including a 4.94-second 40-yard dash, a 35.5-inch vertical jump, and a 9-foot-8-inch broad jump. His athleticism score of 90 was second only to Lawrence's, and he was the only tackle not in DJ's Top 50 prospects to earn an "elite" athleticism score.
Stephen F. Austin State · CB: Cornerback Standout
The Stephen F. Austin cornerback entered the combine with a draft score of 72, ranking 14th among cornerbacks. He left as the second-ranked corner with a draft score of 79 and an athleticism score of 88, the highest among corners. His 4.41-second 40-yard dash, 42-inch vertical jump, and 11-foot broad jump were all fantastic performances. This impressive showing may see him move up in Reuter's mock draft.
Kentucky · DT: Gusta's Potential
Gusta had the biggest jump among all defensive tackles, moving from a pre-combine draft score of 65 to a post-combine score of 72. His 4.88-second 40-yard dash, ranking fifth among defensive tackles, earned him an "elite" athleticism score of 91. While not considered a top prospect, Gusta's performance has certainly caught the attention of NFL scouts.
Cincinnati · WR: Caldwell's Height Advantage
Caldwell, ranked in the middle of the wide receiver pack before the combine with a draft score of 72, posted impressive times and distances at the combine. His 4.31-second 40-yard dash, 42-inch vertical jump, and 11-foot-2-inch broad jump boosted his draft score to 79. Earning top scores in all three categories, he achieved an athleticism score of 99, one of only two wide receivers to do so. His height (6-foot-5) is also a significant advantage.
Conclusion
The NFL Scouting Combine is a crucial event for these athletes, offering a chance to showcase their skills and potentially change their draft fate. These under-the-radar players have proven that with hard work and exceptional performances, they can elevate their draft stock and secure a brighter future in the NFL. It's a testament to the power of the combine and the opportunities it presents for these talented individuals.
