What is the NFL combine?
The NFL Scouting Combine is a highly anticipated annual event where top college football players showcase their skills in front of coaches, general managers and scouts from the National Football League (NFL). Held each year in Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium, the combine features a series of physical and mental tests, including the 40-yard dash, bench press, vertical jump and position-specific drills. Beyond athletic performance, players also participate in interviews and medical evaluations, making the event a crucial step in the journey toward the NFL Draft. The combine not only measures raw talent but also helps teams assess a player’s work ethic, preparation and potential to succeed at the professional level.
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Sonny Styles, who had a great year at Ohio State, recorded 83 tackles, finished on the Big Ten All-Conference team and helped Ohio State win a National Championship in 2024. Styles weighs 244 lbs and stands at 6-foot-5. He recorded a 43.5-inch vertical, the best leap for a player at that position per ESPN Research. He also ran a 4.46 40-yard dash, which is the fastest for his position.
Taylen Green, QB, Arkansas
Despite going 2-10, Taylen Green showed this past season why he is a top-tier quarterback in the country. He threw for 2,714 yards and rushed for 777 yards. Green showed a lot of toughness, helping keep Arkansas in close games with multiple ranked teams. Green is primarily known for his speed, as evidenced by a 40-yard dash time of 4.36, the second-fastest ever for a quarterback. Green also recorded a vertical jump of 43.5 inches and a broad jump of 11 feet, 2 inches. Both results are the best for a quarterback at the combine, per ESPN Research.
Markel Bell, OT, Miami
Markel Bell made a ton of buzz this year for simply being 6-foot-9 and 346 pounds. Bell finished All-ACC third team and was a part of one of the best O-lines in the country. Bell only did one drill, which was the 40-yard dash, where he finished at 5.36 with a 1.84 10-yard split. For a person his size, he showed great mobility and it certainly exceeded his ceiling.
Skyler Bell, WR, UConn
Skyler Bell and his quarterback Joe Fagano were one of the best duos this past season. Skyler Bell ended with the second-most receiving yards in the country with 1,278. Bell also finished on the 2025 All-American team. Bell had a 4.4 40-yard dash and finished in the top five in the vertical jump, recording a 41-inch vertical. Bell also performed great route running and displayed great hands.
Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia
Georgia has produced a lot of outstanding defensive backs in the past, and Daylen Everett is another one. Everette is 6-foot-1 and weighs 195lbs and ran an outstanding 4.36 40-yard dash. Everette is one of the best zone coverage defenders in the country and is viewed as a 3-day prospect.
D’angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
D’Angelo Ponds helped Indiana win their first national championship ever. He was the best cornerback on that team, and people didn’t really know about him until the middle of the season. He finished the year with 60 tackles and 2 interceptions. Ponds had the highest vertical in his position with a 43.5-inch vertical. Ponds is undersized at 5-foot-9 and 170lbs, but has made it up with his speed and excellent footwork.
Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Dillon Thieneman started off at Purdue, then transferred to Oregon for his senior year. Thieneman had a great year with 92 tackles, 2 interceptions and a sack. Thieneman had a surprising 4.35 40-yard dash and showcased his speed in all of the drills. Thieneman finished first in his position with 18 reps on the bench press and finished second in the vertical jump.
With so many players showcasing great combine performances, this year’s draft is sure to be unpredictable and has NFL fans excited for the future of the game.
