NFL Combine Produces New Standouts

Ohio State's Lorenzo Styles Jr. made history by running a 4.27-second 40-yard dash, the fastest time ever recorded by a Buckeye at the NFL Scouting Combine. This was the fastest time among all defensive players at the event and the second-fastest overall. His performance likely secures him a spot in the draft, a significant jump from his pre-combine projections. Indiana's D'Angelo Ponds, despite being undersized at 5-foot-9, recorded a remarkable 43.5-inch vertical jump. This was the highest among all cornerbacks, tied for the best at the combine, and ranks as the sixth-best vertical for a corner in combine history. His explosiveness has analysts comparing him to impactful, smaller NFL corners. Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq set a new combine record for his position with a blazing 4.39-second 40-yard dash, the first tight end to ever break the 4.4-second barrier. Sadiq also impressed with a 43.5-inch vertical jump and 26 reps on the bench press. This athletic display has solidified his status as a projected first-round pick. Dillon Thieneman, a safety from Oregon, also boosted his draft stock with an elite 4.35-second 40-yard dash and a 41-inch vertical jump. His performance was a continuation of a strong collegiate career where he was known as a ball magnet, recording six interceptions as a true freshman. The Styles brothers became a major storyline, with Lorenzo's record-setting 40-yard dash coming just a day after his younger brother, Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, also had a standout performance. Sonny ran a 4.46-second 40 and posted a 43.5-inch vertical, making the duo one of the most athletic sibling pairs in combine history. Overall, the 2026 defensive back class showcased exceptional speed. The safety group averaged a 4.42-second 40-yard dash, the fastest average for the position since 2003, indicating a deep pool of athletic talent at the position heading into the draft.