INDIANAPOLIS — The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine opened Thursday with a night of high-intensity workouts, featuring defensive linemen and linebackers who delivered a mix of thrilling performances and disappointing showings. Among the standout moments was Sonny Styles, a rising junior from the University of Texas, who stunned scouts with a 4.28-second 40-yard dash, the fastest time of the night and one of the best in Combine history.

Impact on Draft Projections

Styles’ performance immediately raised questions about his draft stock, which had previously been projected to the third or fourth round. Scouts and analysts now believe he could be a first-round pick, with some projecting him as high as the 15th overall selection. His 40-yard dash time was 0.15 seconds faster than his college best, and his vertical jump of 38 inches and broad jump of 119 inches added to the buzz around him.

“That was a performance that should have been on the radar of every team,” said NFL draft analyst John Harbaugh, who has worked with several teams over the past decade. “Sonny Styles has the speed and explosiveness to make an immediate impact in the NFL, and his Combine numbers are going to be a game-changer for his draft stock.”

Other players who saw their stock rise include defensive end Malik Johnson, who recorded a 4.36-second 40-yard dash, and linebacker Chris Ramirez, who posted a 4.45-second time. Both are now being considered for the second round, up from third-round projections.

Downfalls and Disappointments

However, not every player on Thursday night impressed. Several prospects who were expected to shine failed to meet expectations. Among them was defensive tackle Jordan Bell, who chose to skip the 40-yard dash, citing a minor injury. His decision to not participate has raised concerns among scouts, who typically rely on Combine numbers to assess a player’s athleticism.

“When a player skips a key part of the Combine, it sends a signal to teams,” said NFL.com’s draft analyst Marcus Lee. “Jordan Bell had the potential to be a second-round pick, but now he’s likely to fall to the third round or even the undrafted free agent pool.”

Another player who underperformed was linebacker Ethan Cole, who posted a 4.62-second 40-yard dash, significantly slower than his college times. His performance has led to speculation that he may not be selected in the first two rounds.

“Ethan Cole’s Combine numbers were a big letdown,” said ESPN’s NFL draft analyst Sarah Nguyen. “His speed and agility didn’t match what we saw on film, and that could hurt his chances of being drafted in the first two rounds.”

What’s Next for Prospects

The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine continues through Friday, with the rest of the position groups scheduled to take their turns. The event will conclude with the final workouts on Saturday, after which teams will have a clearer picture of the players they are considering for the draft.

The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to begin on April 23 in Pittsburgh, with the second round following on April 24. The final round will be held on April 25. With the Combine results shaping the draft landscape, players like Sonny Styles may find themselves moving up the board, while others may face a steep drop in their projections.

“The Combine is one of the most important events in the pre-draft process,” said NFL team executive David Thompson. “It gives scouts and coaches the chance to evaluate players in person, and the numbers they record can change the entire trajectory of a player’s NFL career.”

With the first day of the Combine now complete, the stage is set for the next wave of prospects to make their case. As the event progresses, more players are expected to rise or fall in the draft rankings, shaping the future of the 2026 NFL Draft.