As we gear up for the 2026 NFL Draft, excitement is building around the young talent showcased at the NFL Scouting Combine. ESPN’s Mel Kiper highlighted 13 players who saw their stock rise dramatically after impressive performances.
Each player brought their A-game, with standout statistics that could translate into early draft picks. For instance, Kion Washington, the former Arkansas running back, clocked a lightning-fast 4.33 in the 40-yard dash and recorded a remarkable 39-inch vertical leap. Last season, he rushed for 1,070 yards and scored eight touchdowns, making him a likely contender to be the third running back taken.
Wide receiver Chris Brazzell II from Tennessee also made headlines. Standing at 6-foot-4, he sprinted a swift 4.37 in the 40. With 1,017 yards and nine touchdowns last season, his potential first-round selection seemed even more secure.
Then there’s Kalen Branch, who didn’t just run a sprightly 4.35 but also impressed scouts with his agility during drills. Known for his dynamic play at USC and Georgia, he racked up 636 yards after the catch last year. His skills suggest he could make a significant impact in the NFL.
Let’s not forget J.C. Proctor. This massive former Alabama tackle dropped weight for the combine and wowed the audience with his speed. Now, he’s being eyed as a potential mid-to-late first-round pick.
Dani Dennis-Sutton showcased impressive stats, running a 4.63 40-yard dash. His pass-rushing ability is evolving, and Kiper now sees him as a solid second-round prospect.
At the linebacker position, players like Lawrence and Kelly made big impressions. Lawrence turned heads with a 4.52 40 time and a 40-inch vertical, while Kelly notched a 4.57 and a broad jump of 10-foot-six. Each is set to rise in draft discussions after standout seasons.
New data from NFL Combine trends shows that speed remains a crucial factor for scouts evaluating talent. In recent years, 43% of players who ran below 4.5 seconds in the 40-yard dash were picked in the first two rounds, highlighting the importance of agility in the modern game.
Players like Karson Sharar and Dorian Ponds also made noise at the combine. Sharar’s vertical leap of 40 inches ranked among the top for linebackers, while Ponds had a jaw-dropping 43.5-inch jump—historically impressive for a player under 5-foot-10. His seven interceptions last season make him a prospect to watch.
Meanwhile, Jayden Demmings’s ballhawk skills and a solid 4.41 40-yard dash give him a promising outlook, placing him in the conversation for a fourth-round pick.
Finally, versatile prospects like Louis and Kilgore, who can play multiple defensive positions, are gaining attention. Their combine performances suggest that versatility will be a valuable trait in their transition to the NFL.
Ultimately, the NFL Draft is shaping up to be an exciting showcase of emerging talent. Each of these players has upped their game and could make lasting impacts at the professional level. With just a month until the draft, anticipation is building for which team will grab these promising athletes.
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Bud Clark (20 – Alexandria),Charles Demmings (21 – Horn),Chris Brazzell II (22 – Midland Christian),D’Angelo Ponds (23 – Chaminade-Madonna Prep),Dani Dennis-Sutton (22 – McDonogh School),Jack Kelly (21 – Kearns),Jalon Kilgore (23 – Putnam County),Kadyn Proctor (23 – Southeast Polk),Karson Sharar (21 – Iowa Falls – Alden),Kyle Louis (22 – East Orange Campus),Malachi Lawrence (21 – Dupont Manual),Mike Washington (21 – Cicero-North Syracuse),Zachariah Branch (23 – Bishop Gorman)
