Earlier this evening, the 2026 NFL Combine kicked off their skills showcase as the top Interior Defensive Linemen, EDGE Rushers and Linebackers in the upcoming Draft put their talents on full display. After watching the best of the best live from Lucas Oil Stadium, and then breaking down the film- Here’s my 10 biggest winners from Day 1 of the NFL Combine!
Interior Defensive Line
Caleb Banks: 3T, University of Florida– The 6 foot 6, 327lb 3Tech from the University of Florida was spectacular tonight. Despite only participating in explosive drills, Caleb Banks still put on a show. Banks recorded a 32″ vertical, alongside a 9 foot 6 inch broad jump. While impressive, Caleb Banks’ biggest highlight of the night came from his 40 yard dash, where he ran a 5.05 (1.76,10 yard split). Banks would finish the night with an unofficial 9.84 RAS out of a possible 10.00, ranking 34 out of 2046 DT from 1987 to 2026.
After an impressive week in Mobile, AL. during the Senior Bowl- Caleb Banks’ stock continues to skyrocket to an all-time high; as we now flirt with a potential top 15 selection.
Kaleb Proctor: 4i, Southeastern Louisiana- Despite being from FCS SE Louisiana, the 6 foot 2 Kaleb Proctor competed with the best of the best at the East West Shrine Bowl, earning himself an invitation to the NFL Combine. After touching the field in Indy, Proctor did what he does best- competed. The FCS playmaker would record a 33″ vertical alongside a 9 foot 5 inch broad jump, followed up by a lightning fast 4.80 40 (1.69 10 yard split). Mid 40, Kaleb Proctor reached a top speed of 20.95MPH, the 4th fastest IDL tempo over the last 4 years.
Proctor would follow up his explosive drills with a strong showing during positional work. During D-Line drills, Kaleb Proctor glided through speed rush work while viciously attacking the pads. Kaleb Proctor would finish the day with a 9.51 RAS Score, which ranks 101st out of 2,046 defensive tackles since 1987.
EDGE Rushers
David Bailey, Texas Tech- The superstar from Texas Tech did what he does best, and that is making everyone around him look silly. Bailey looked in a league of his own this evening. At 6 foot 4, 250lbs, David Bailey exploded during testing, recording a 35″ vertical and 10 foot 9 inch broad jump, before throwing down a group leading 4.5 40 (1.62 10 yard split).
While impressive, the potential top 5 pick Bailey put his skills on display during bag work- effortlessly commanding the drill section. While showcasing his vast array of rush moves, Bailey smacked a pad so hard it echoed through Lucas Oil Stadium. David Bailey scored an unofficial 9.67 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 68 out of 2046 DE from 1987 to 2026.
Keldric Faulk, Auburn– Keldric Faulk has been one of the highest risers in the 2026 Draft Class, and for good reason. Despite not participating in explosive testing, Faulk decided to let his skills do the talking. Keldric shined during hoop-drill, showcasing his unmatched bend as a pass rusher and body control, which is more than impressive for a 6 foot 6, 285lb backer.
George Gumbs, University of Florida- The 6 foot 4 edge man from the University of Florida leaped onto the scene in dramatic fashion with a 41″ vertical, a mere half inch away from the positional record set by Nolan Smith in 2023. Gumbs would also broad jump 10 foot 1 inch and run a 4.66 40, finishing the day with an unofficial 8.72 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 263 out of 2046 DE from 1987 to 2026.
Romello Height, Texas Tech- I was very impressed with Romello Height during positional drills. The 6 foot 3 prospect from Texas Tech showcased elite burst and motor all evening, flying through reps at an all-pro level. He also recorded a 39″ vertical, 10 foot 5 inch broad jump and 4.66 40.
Malachi Lawrence- University of Central Florida- Malachi Lawrence may be the ultimate winner of the day. The former fringe top-100 prospect could have very possibly tested himself into the second round. At 6 foot 4, 250lbs- Malachi Lawrence snapped my head around and dropped my jaw after I watched him jump a 40″ vertical and a 10 foot 10 inch broad. Lawrence continued to impress with a 4.52 40 yard dash that finished second only to David Bailey.
During positional drills, Malachi Lawrence’s natural athleticism and defensive versatility were on full display, with UCF’s 2025 sack leader thriving in coverage concept. Another drill Lawrence tested well in was the hoop-drill.
Linebackers
Arvell Reese, Ohio State- The elite 20 year old from Ohio State put on a clinic tonight. Despite not testing his vertical/broad jumps, the potential #2 pick Reese threw down a 4.46 40 yard dash to tie his teammate Sonny Styles. During positional drills, Reese displayed power you’d normally see from players 5+ years in the League. It’s going to be a very fun career for Arvell Reese, and he secured his top 5 potential.
RAS Score- N/A
Jacob Rodríguez, Texas Tech- The stand out from Texas Tech put his skills on display once again for the world to see. Rodriguez jumped a 38.5″ vertical before a 10 foot 1 broad, then ran a 4.57 on the 40 yard dash. While elite testing numbers, Jacob Rodriguez shined during positional drills, with his second-to-none ability to hawk footballs being broadcasted to the world.
Rodriguez would score an unofficial 9.23 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 249 out of 3215 LB from 1987 to 2026.
Sonny Styles, Ohio State- Sonny Styles may have put on the greatest NFL Combine performance we’ve ever seen. Ever. The former high school basketball star showcased the bounce with a 43.5″ vertical and a 11 foot 2 inch broad jump, immediately followed up with a disgusting 4.46 40 yard dash, tying with his teammate Arvell Reese.
Styles didn’t skip a beat during positional drills, flying through any gauntlet set in his way. After an incredible night like that, Sonny Styles has thrust himself into the top 10.
Styles finished the night with an unofficial 9.99 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 4 out of 3216 LB from 1987 to 2026.
Cover Photo Credits: Ohio State Athletics
