BETNOW SPORTS | 2026 NFL COMBINE RECAP

Speed. Explosion. Draft boards shaking up.

Indianapolis once again became the center of the football world, and Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Combine proved one thing loud and clear: this draft class is loaded with elite athleticism — especially in the secondary.

🔥 Speed Took Over

The cornerback group stole the spotlight.

An eye-popping number of corners broke the 4.5-second barrier in the 40-yard dash, showcasing one of the fastest CB classes in recent memory. Teams looking for length and speed on the outside had plenty to like.

The safeties didn’t disappoint either.

The group delivered historic-level average speed numbers, reinforcing just how deep and dynamic this year’s defensive back class is. Multiple safeties helped solidify Day 2 draft projections — and possibly pushed themselves even higher.

📈 Biggest Risers

🟦 Tacario Davis (CB, Washington)

At 6’4” with a blazing 4.41 40-yard dash, Davis turned heads. Rare size-speed combination that fits aggressive press schemes.

🟦 Daylen Everette (CB, Georgia)

Ran a 4.36 40, added a 37.5” vertical and 10’4” broad jump. Smooth, scheme-versatile defender gaining serious momentum.

🟦 A.J. Haulcy (S, LSU)

A physical 215-pound safety who clocked 4.54 in the 40. Tough against the run with proven ball production.

🟦 Chris Johnson (CB, San Diego State)

Answered long-speed questions with a strong 4.40 40-yard dash. Now firmly in late first-round conversations.

🟦 D’Angelo Ponds (CB, Indiana)

Didn’t run the 40, but posted a 43.5” vertical — best among corners. Explosive and competitive, trending toward Top-50 status.

🚀 Tight Ends Showed Elite Explosion

🟦 Eli Stowers (TE, Vanderbilt)

Set modern combine marks with a 45.5” vertical and 11’3” broad jump. Elite upside athlete climbing fast.

🟦 Kenyon Sadiq (TE, Oregon)

Ran a 4.4 40, added a 43.5” vertical and 11’1” broad jump. Cemented himself as the likely TE1 in the class.

👀 Names to Watch

• Colton Hood (CB, Tennessee): First-round measurables with first-round testing numbers.

• Dillon Thieneman (S, Oregon): 4.35 speed and explosive traits — strong Round 1 trajectory.

• Avieon Terrell (CB, Clemson): Smooth and fluid in drills; pro day could boost him even further.

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📊 BetNow Takeaway

Day 2 belonged to the defensive backs.

Elite speed, rare explosiveness and depth across the board have reshaped early draft projections. Teams in need of immediate defensive playmakers now have multiple legitimate options.

The 2026 Draft board is moving — and we’re just getting started.