Linebacker class was particularly impressive with multiple standouts
Some prospects had concerning arm measurements that may affect draft position
Several prospects significantly boosted their draft stock with impressive performances
Growing trend of prospects being selective about combine participation
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ESPN draft analysts Matt Miller, Jordan Reid, and Field Yates evaluated the top performances from defensive linemen and linebackers at the first day of the 2026 NFL combine held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on February 26, 2026, as prospects showcased their athletic abilities to improve their draft positioning. The linebacker class stole the spotlight with multiple impressive performers, including Ohio State's Sonny Styles who delivered as expected, while Jake Golday, Anthony Hill Jr., and Kyle Louis also helped their draft stock with standout workouts. Notably, some prospects like Rueben Bain Jr. and Cashius Howell raised concerns with sub-31-inch arm measurements, potentially affecting their draft position despite their strong on-field performances. The combine also reflected a new era where more prospects are being selective about which drills they participate in, with teams showing understanding that sometimes college film provides sufficient evaluation without the need for combine workouts.
A Linebacker (LB) is a playing position in gridiron football. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and typically line up three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage and so back up the defensive linemen. They play closer to the line of scrimmage than the defensive backs (secondary).
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 ...
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Best NFL combine workouts, draft risers: The top performances and prospects from Day 1 --> Skip to main content Skip to navigation < > Menu ESPN scores Best NFL combine workouts, draft risers: The top performances and prospects from Day 1 Texas Tech Red Raiders 1m Matt Miller, +2 More NFL draft experts preview the combine workouts: Predictions, potential risers and speedsters to watch Ohio State Buckeyes 14h Mel Kiper Jr., +4 More Kiper's new NFL mock draft heading into the combine: Which teams could land a playmaker in Round 1? Arizona Cardinals 3d Mel Kiper Jr. Men's Power Rankings: Can any team catch Duke? Duke Blue Devils 13h Jeff Borzello Men's Bubble Watch: Georgia, Texas fall short of big wins -- but hold steady Michigan Wolverines 12h Neil Paine 'There's not one path': The unexpected rise of Keaton Wagler at Illinois Illinois Fighting Illini 13h Adam Rittenberg Women's Power Rankings: Stakes are high for UCLA, two teams rejoin the list UConn Huskies 2d Michael Voepel Wyshynski's NHL trade tier rankings: Which big names could bring a Stanley Cup? Anaheim Ducks 13h Greg Wyshynski 'Always trying to get a little better': How a mental health focus aided John Tavares' renaissance Toronto Maple Leafs 14h Kristen Shilton Way-too-early 2026 MLB All-Stars: Predicting full rosters for both the AL and NL Arizona Diamondbacks 14h David Schoenfield Buster Olney on MLB's top center fielders: Where do J-Rod, PCA and Buxton rank? Seattle Mariners 14h Buster Olney Let's grade NFL signings and trades: Why the Jets are the clear winner in the Johnson-Sweat deal New York Jets 9h Seth Walder NFLPA 2026 report cards: See the results for all 32 teams Arizona Cardinals 4h Kalyn Kahler Prospects to watch in the WBC: From the high school son of a former MLB All-Star to the next Mets ace New York Mets 14h Kiley McDaniel Max Scherzer's re-signing with Blue Jays fulfills wish from daughter's letter to the club Toronto Blue Jays 6h J.J. Post Matt Holliday's Stillwater estate listed for $1...
