2026 NFL Draft: Joel Klatt's 5 Biggest Risers Following the Combine
#Joel Klatt #NFL Scouting Combine #Arvell Reese #Caleb Banks #Omar Cooper Jr. #draft risers #2026 NFL Draft
📌 Key Takeaways
- Joel Klatt declares the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine as the best in history, leading to notable prospect risers.
- Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Reese, despite a top 40-yard dash time, was excluded from Klatt's risers list due to pre-combine high mock draft status.
- Florida DT Caleb Banks impressed with athleticism and size after an injury-shortened season, climbing draft boards.
- Indiana WR Omar Cooper Jr. is highlighted for his combine performance and key plays, with Klatt acknowledging personal bias.
📖 Full Retelling
🏷️ Themes
NFL Draft, Combine Performance
📚 Related People & Topics
Joel Klatt
American college football commentator and analyst (born 1982)
Joel Klatt (born February 4, 1982) is an American college football color commentator and analyst for Fox Sports. Klatt played college football for the Colorado Buffaloes. He was the first three-year starter at quarterback for Colorado since Kordell Stewart.
NFL Scouting Combine
Annual college football player showcase
The NFL Scouting Combine is a week-long showcase occurring every February at Lucas Oil Stadium (and formerly at the RCA Dome until 2008) in Indianapolis, where college football players perform physical and mental tests in front of National Football League coaches, general managers, and scouts. With ...
Caleb Banks
English politician
Caleb Banks (18 September 1659 – 13 September 1696) was an English politician who sat in the House of Commons between 1685 and 1696.
Arvell Reese
American football player (born 2005)
Arvell Reese (born August 30, 2005) is an American college football linebacker for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
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Deep Analysis
Why It Matters
This news matters because the NFL Scouting Combine is a critical event that can significantly alter the draft stock and future careers of college football prospects, directly impacting their earning potential and team opportunities. It affects NFL teams by providing essential data for draft decisions, influencing roster construction and strategic planning for the upcoming season. Fans and analysts follow these developments closely as they shape the narrative around team building and future league competitiveness.
Context & Background
- The NFL Scouting Combine is an annual event where college football prospects perform physical and mental tests in front of NFL coaches, scouts, and executives to evaluate their readiness for the professional league.
- Mock drafts are speculative projections of which players will be selected by teams in the NFL Draft, often updated based on combine performances and other evaluations.
- Historical combine performances, such as exceptional 40-yard dash times or athletic scores, have led to players rising in draft boards, with examples like Byron Jones in 2015 setting records that boosted his stock.
What Happens Next
Following the combine, prospects will participate in pro days at their respective colleges for further evaluation, with the NFL Draft scheduled for April 2026, where teams will make selections based on combine data and other assessments. Analysts like Joel Klatt and Rob Rang will continue to update their big boards and mock drafts as more information becomes available. Teams will conduct private workouts and interviews with prospects in the lead-up to the draft to finalize their decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Klatt excluded Arvell Reese because Reese was already considered a top-10 pick in many mock drafts before the combine, so his strong performance, including a 4.46 40-yard dash, did not significantly change his draft stock compared to other prospects who made bigger leaps.
Caleb Banks is notable because he overcame a foot injury that limited him to three games in 2025, impressing at the combine with his size, athleticism, and a 5.04 40-yard dash, leading to a rise in draft rankings, including reaching No. 14 on Rob Rang's big board.
The combine impacts draft position by providing measurable data on athleticism and skills, allowing teams to assess potential beyond game tape; strong performances can boost a player's stock, while poor showings may cause them to fall in projections.
Analysts like Joel Klatt provide expert evaluations and insights based on combine performances and other factors, helping to inform public perception and team decision-making through rankings, mock drafts, and commentary on prospect trends.
Omar Cooper Jr. is mentioned because, despite Klatt's bias from a memorable game-winning catch, his combine performance was outstanding, demonstrating skills that justify his rise in evaluations independent of subjective factors.