2026 NFL Combine: Draft Stock on the Line in Indianapolis

The road to the 2026 NFL Draft runs through Indianapolis this week, as more than 300 prospects take over Lucas Oil Stadium for the NFL Combine. Measurements. Medical evaluations. Interviews. And, of course, the workouts that can make — or break — millions in draft value.

On-field drills kick off Thursday, and at BetNow, we’re breaking down the names bettors and fans should be watching closest over the next four days.

🔥 Workout Warriors to Watch

Kenyon Sadiq (TE, Oregon) enters Indy as the consensus top tight end in the class. At 6-foot-3, 245 pounds, scouts expect a vertical north of 41 inches and a 40-yard dash in the low 4.5s. If he hits those numbers, don’t be surprised if his draft position climbs firmly into the top 20.

Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State) could steal the show early. At 6-foot-4, 243 pounds, he’s projected to run in the mid-to-high 4.5s with a 40+ inch vertical and an 11-foot broad jump. A dominant performance could cement him as a top-10 selection.

Up front, Kadyn Proctor (OT, Alabama) and Monroe Freeling (OT, Georgia) headline a loaded offensive line group. Proctor’s rare size (6-foot-7, 366 pounds) paired with elite explosiveness could lock in his Round 1 status. Freeling, already viewed as a top-15 prospect by many evaluators, has the athleticism to surge into the top 10.

📈 Most to Gain (or Lose)

Rueben Bain Jr. (EDGE, Miami) is one of the most productive defenders in the class (9.5 sacks, 71 pressures last season), but arm length and straight-line speed are under the microscope. A strong 40 time could push him toward the top five.

Ty Simpson (QB, Alabama) might have the most riding on his throwing session. With limited starting experience, scouts want to see arm velocity and consistency. a clean, confident performance could solidify him as QB2 in a wide-open quarterback race.

Caleb Banks (DT, Florida) is another key name. After injuries limited his 2025 season, teams will want proof he’s fully back. A strong workout could return him to mid-first-round conversations.

🏃‍♂️ Fastest 40? Don’t Blink

Speed always steals headlines in Indy.

• Brenen Thompson (WR, Mississippi State) is the favorite to post the fastest 40, with buzz around a mid-4.2 time.

• Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame) could clock in the low 4.4s at 214 pounds — rare size-speed combination.

• Kaden Wetjen (WR, Iowa) and Demond Claiborne (RB, Wake Forest) are also expected to light up the timer.
  

On defense, keep an eye on Avieon Terrell (CB, Clemson), who reportedly “can fly.”

🧨 Explosiveness Tests

Brandon Cisse (CB, South Carolina) may dominate the vertical and broad jumps. A 40+ inch vertical is well within reach, and his tape already shows elite burst and fluidity.

🏥 Medical Watch List

Medical reports will be critical for:

• Jordyn Tyson (WR, Arizona State) — elite talent but durability concerns.

• Jermod McCoy (CB, Tennessee) — returning from ACL injury.

• Drew Allar (QB, Penn State) — recovering from a broken ankle.
  

Clean reports could dramatically shift Round 1 projections.

👀 Draft Buzz Heating Up

League chatter suggests Zion Young (EDGE, Missouri) could be the first defensive end off the board. Meanwhile, Olaivavega Ioane (G, Penn State) is generating top-15 buzz, rare territory for a guard.

Two potential late first-round risers:

• Gabe Jacas (EDGE, Illinois)

• Chris Johnson (CB, San Diego State)
  

And don’t sleep on Jaishawn Barham (EDGE, Michigan), whose versatility is drawing increasing attention.

🆕 Combine Change in 2026

The NFL has introduced a new isometric bench press test to measure functional strength. Prospects will hold the bar at a 90-degree elbow bend and generate maximum force for 3–5 seconds — a shift away from the traditional 225-pound rep test, which has seen declining participation in recent years.

With draft boards shifting by the second, the 2026 Combine is more than just workouts — it’s a betting market in motion. Every tenth of a second, every inch on the vertical, and every clean medical report could swing draft position dramatically.

Stay locked in with BetNow for updated odds, risers, fallers, and draft projections all week long.