NFL Scouting Combine 2026: Complete Invite List, Workout Schedule, Key Prospects and What Teams Will Learn

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights:
2. Introduction
3. Who’s Invited: The Full Roster by Position
4. Quarterback class: traits the league will chase in Indianapolis
5. Running backs and receivers: speed, timing and explosion
6. Tight ends and offensive line: strength, length and positional versatility
7. Defensive line and linebackers: burst, bend and scheme fit
8. Defensive backs and specialists: coverage instincts vs. measurable speed
9. Drills explained: what each test reveals and reasonable benchmarks
10. The schedule and how to watch
11. Medicals, interviews and measurements: the non-drill elements that move boards
12. How Combine results have shifted draft outcomes: historical context
13. Scheme fit and team priorities: decoding what results mean for organizations
14. Pro days and the Combine: how results interact
15. Who could rise the most in Indianapolis: early candidates
16. What the Combine means for fans, fantasy players and bettors
17. Risks and limitations of Combine metrics
18. Preparing for Combine takeaways: what to expect in the weeks ahead
19. FAQ

Key Highlights:

• The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine runs Feb. 26–March 1 in Indianapolis, with 319 invited prospects across all positions; on-field workouts will air daily on NFL Network.
• Testing and interviews will emphasize measurable traits (speed, explosiveness, strength) and off-field evaluations (medical checks, team interviews), with several high-profile quarterback and offensive-line prospects poised to shape the top of the draft conversation.
• Position-specific benchmarks and Scheme-fit takeaways matter more than raw numbers: teams will weigh Combine results against game tape, pro-day performances and medical reports to adjust board rankings.

Introduction

The NFL Scouting Combine remains the single most concentrated evaluation event on the calendar for teams, agents and prospects. Held each year in Indianapolis since 1987, the Combine compresses weeks of scouting conversations into four days of measurable testing, private interviews and medical exams. For some prospects, it’s a stage to validate a growing draft profile. For others, it raises questions that teams will spend the next month answering.

This year’s Combine—Feb. 26 through March 1—invited 319 players to Lucas Oil Stadium and the Indiana Convention Center. The invited list spans all positions and includes the established college standouts who are expected to headline the spring’s draft conversation, plus lesser-known names with potential to rise after strong testing or convincing interviews. The testing schedule and drills are familiar but remain critical: the 40-yard dash, three-cone shuttle, bench press and the jumps provide measurable context for on-field film. The interviews and medical checks that follow often create bigger ripples than a single timed sprint.

The following analysis organizes the invitees by position, explains what teams will search for during each drill, highlights prospects who will command attention in Indianapolis, and outlines how combine performance typically shifts draft evaluations. Expect headlines and hot takes; expect also that front offices will take the numbers as one part of a layered decision process.

Who’s Invited: The Full Roster by Position

This year’s Combine features a deep and varied class. Organizers invited players across every position group: quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, offensive and defensive lines, linebackers, defensive backs and specialists. The full invite list includes established names and developmental prospects. A few patterns stand out on the roster level:

• Quarterbacks: the group includes multiple high-profile names with pro-level size plus younger prospects who can rise with strong workouts and polished interviews.
• Offensive line: an unusually large contingent of draftable tackles and interior linemen gives teams many live comparisons at a position that rarely produces clear consensus prospects.
• Edge/defensive line: the DL list mixes well-known pass-rushers with productive collegiate run-defenders, promising athletic diversity across schemes.
• Defensive backs and wide receivers: an ample crop of speed and press-man tested athletes will allow teams to re-evaluate coverage matchups and route-defensive agility.

Detailed invite lists by position were released publicly and will serve as the foundation for draft boards heading into pro days and team visits.

Quarterback class: traits the league will chase in Indianapolis

Quarterbacks draw disproportionate attention at the Combine. Teams try to reconcile mechanics and accuracy on film with the athletic and physical data collected in Indianapolis. This year’s invites include Drew Allar (Penn State), Cade Klubnik (Clemson), Carson Beck (Miami), Jalon Daniels (Kansas) and Ty Simpson (Alabama), among others. The group presents a mix of prototypical size, NFL-caliber arm strength and varying levels of in-game polish.

What teams will measure:

• Arm velocity and delivery consistency under pressure. Throwing sessions give coaches a controlled environment to see whether ball placement and trajectory translate to faster defensive levels.
• Footwork and timing on shorter, NFL-style throws. Accuracy on three- to 15-yard routes tends to matter more to scouts than the ability to heave deep passes.
• Mobility and escapability. Quarterbacks who can extend plays or buy time with their feet add a dimension for play-action and designed rollouts; measurable agility tests like the three-cone drill and 20-yard shuttle provide quantifiable context.

Prospects to watch:

• Drew Allar: size and tempo-control are likely his calling cards. Expect teams to probe his footwork, release mechanics and ability to make timing throws on the move.
• Cade Klubnik: evaluators will test his processing speed and ability to make pro-level reads in front of coaches and scouts.
• Jalon Daniels: his pre-Combine question set will focus on whether mobility complements consistent downfield accuracy.

Combine impact: a clean throwing session and solid agility numbers can cement a quarterback’s status as an early pick; conversely, mechanical flaws or medical issues uncovered at Indianapolis can create uncertainty that follows prospects through March and April.

Running backs and receivers: speed, timing and explosion

Wide receiver and running back drills are the Combine’s most watched events. The 40-yard dash headlines the arsenal; vertical and broad jumps quantify explosion; the three-cone and shuttle reveal short-area quickness. This year’s WR pool includes Carnell Tate (Ohio State), J. Michael Sturdivant (Florida), Bryce Lance (North Dakota State) and a wide range of other athletic pass-catchers. At running back, prospects such as Nicholas Singleton (Penn State), Kaytron Allen (Penn State) and Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame) headline the group.

What teams will measure for receivers:

• Ultra-fast times (sub-4.4) remain impactful for boundary and deep-threat profiles, while elite three-cone numbers indicate route-running separation in short areas.
• Vertical and broad jump figures correlate with contested-catch ability and initial burst.
• Hand size and wingspan measurements influence contested-catch grading and press-man potential.

What teams will measure for running backs:

• Initial burst demonstrated in short-area tests and broad jump; play-to-play contact balance is explored via medicals and interviews.
• Durability and injury history carry elevated importance for ball carriers with high-volume college workloads.
• Pass-protection quickness and agility; a RB’s ability to set up blocks is heavily evaluated through drills and film comparison.

Practical viewing expectations:

• Wide receivers who combine a fast 40 with outstanding three-cone times climb draft boards because they signal a rare mix of speed and route-running agility.
• Running backs who post elite short-area explosion (broad jump and shuttle) typically reassure teams concerned about contact balance and the ability to produce as pros.

Tight ends and offensive line: strength, length and positional versatility

Tight ends and offensive linemen face different pressure points at the Combine. For tight ends, scouts seek pass-catching agility and the ability to reset quickly at the line; for linemen, the bench press, initial quickness and positional measurements (arm length, wingspan) influence where a prospect will fit on an offensive front.

Key combine tests for these groups:

• Bench press (225 lbs): a baseline strength measure for linemen and tight ends. For interior linemen, repetitions in the mid-20s or higher stand out; exceptional totals (30-plus) attract attention but must align with footwork and balance on film.
• Short-area quickness: three-cone and 20-yard shuttle results indicate whether a blocker can redirect and sustain blocks against quicker defenders.
• Measurements: arm length and hand size help teams anticipate reach and leverage outcomes at the line of scrimmage.

Notable names:

• Francis Mauigoa (Miami) and Kadyn Proctor (Alabama) headline an OT-heavy group; expect many teams to bring long-term development plans with them to meetings.
• Tight ends such as Kenyon Sadiq (Oregon) and Michael Trigg (Baylor) will be judged for receiving agility and blocking technique almost equally.

Why technique still matters: raw strength or a high bench number will not override poor footwork. Teams prioritize athletes who can replicate technique under live-blocking conditions; Combine numbers reduce uncertainty but seldom override cut-and-dry film concerns.

Defensive line and linebackers: burst, bend and scheme fit

Pass rush and run-stopping ability derive from a combination of technique, explosion and effort. The defensive line and linebacker groups at this Combine include run-dominant stout defenders and lighter, faster edge players.

What teams look for on the DL and LB side:

• Burst off the line and change-of-direction quickness. High vertical and broad jump numbers plus strong three-cone times indicate the athleticism to win with speed-to-power transitions against NFL tackles.
• Functional length and hand usage. Measurements and hand-size data inform pass-rush leverage and extension potential against longer offensive tackles.
• Move versatility. Teams evaluate whether a prospect can play multiple alignments — hand-in-the-dirt DE, stand-up edge, or inside 3-technique — depending on the defensive system.

High-profile prospects:

• Dani Dennis-Sutton (Penn State): games against top competition put his athletic testing under a microscope; teams will want confirmation he translates to NFL pass-rush timelines.
• Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami) and Harold Perkins Jr. (LSU) land in the linebacker/edge conversation for their mix of length and pursuit speed.

Draft-board implications: an edge rusher who pairs quick three-cone times with strong jump numbers and clean medicals can vault into early-round consideration for teams prioritizing pressure generation.

Defensive backs and specialists: coverage instincts vs. measurable speed

Defensive backs face a delicate balance: college tape shows instincts, but measurable traits like the 40 and three-cone drill quantify whether those instincts will hold up at the NFL level. The DB pool is deep, including prospects such as Caleb Downs (Ohio State), Davison Igbinosun (Ohio State), and Domani Jackson (Alabama).

What teams will measure:

• Change-of-direction and hip fluidity via the three-cone and shuttle. These drills measure mirror skills essential for man coverage.
• 40-yard dash times for perimeter cornerbacks; elite outside corners often run sub-4.5.
• Vertical jump for safety and boundary-corner contested catch potential.

Specialists: punters and kickers undergo positional testing, but their evaluation leans heavily on consistency and situational performance. The small specialists group attends interviews and fieldwork focused on technique and hang-time metrics rather than lab drills.

Why combine testing matters for DBs: a strong three-cone and shuttle pair, combined with solid 40 times, can shift a prospect from slot-only projection to an option for outside or mixed-manage defensive packages.

Drills explained: what each test reveals and reasonable benchmarks

The Combine’s standardized drills provide common reference points. Results are most valuable when combined with tape and medical context.

40-yard dash

• What it measures: straight-line speed and acceleration, valuable for perimeter defenders and skill positions.
• Typical benchmarks: sub-4.40 is considered elite for wide receivers and cornerbacks. Times between 4.40–4.55 are good; 4.55+ raises questions about long-speed in the NFL.
• How teams use it: to confirm deep-threat capability or to adjust concerns about separation speed gleaned from tape.

Three-cone drill

• What it measures: change of direction, balance, and reaction in tight spaces; critical for receivers, defensive backs and linebackers operating in coverage.
• Typical benchmarks: elite times fall under 6.90 for receivers; times under 7.3 are favorable for most skill players.

20-yard shuttle (short shuttle)

• What it measures: lateral quickness and burst from a two-point stance; important for offensive and defensive linemen and inside linebackers.
• Typical benchmarks: 4.0–4.3 seconds is strong for quick-position players; linemen with sub-4.5 demonstrate above-average initial quickness.

Bench press (225 lbs)

• What it measures: upper-body strength and stamina for linemen and tight ends.
• Typical benchmarks: 20–25 reps is solid for offensive linemen; 30+ reps is exceptional and garners attention but requires cross-checking with on-field leverage and footwork.

Vertical jump and broad jump

• What they measure: lower-body explosiveness and power transfer, important for receivers and running backs.
• Typical benchmarks: a vertical above 36–38 inches signals elite explosion for receivers; broad jumps above 10 feet (120 inches) are noteworthy across skill positions.

Position-specific context:

• Offensive linemen: scouts weigh bench press and shuttle results against arm length and on-field anchoring. A 40 time is secondary; quickness and bend in short-area drills are more predictive.
• Quarterbacks: throwing sessions, hand size, and measured height/weight matter most. Agility scores add context to mobility evaluations.

Numbers matter, but they do not replace tape. Measurables can validate a prospect’s athletic upside or expose concerns that need film-based explanations.

The schedule and how to watch

The NFL Network will carry all on-field workouts during the Combine. Groups appear on specific days, enabling concentrated viewing and comparisons:

• Thursday, Feb. 26 — 3 p.m. ET: Defensive linemen, linebackers and specialists (on-field group 1).
• Friday, Feb. 27 — 3 p.m. ET: Defensive backs and tight ends (grouping that allows comparison of DB agility against receiving traits).
• Saturday, Feb. 28 — 1 p.m. ET: Quarterbacks, wide receivers and running backs (the marquee day for skill positions).
• Sunday, Feb. 29 — 1 p.m. ET: Offensive linemen (full offensive-line testing and measurements).

Many teams schedule private workouts and meetings alongside the public sessions. Expect immediate headlines around standout 40 times or notable medical/height/weight changes, followed by deeper evaluation pieces that reconcile those numbers with sustained game performance.

Medicals, interviews and measurements: the non-drill elements that move boards

Physical testing is the most visible Combine element, but interviews and medical evaluations frequently exert larger long-term influence.

Medical exams

• Teams re-evaluate pre-existing injuries, surgical histories and chronic conditions. Imaging and specialist consultations often happen in Indianapolis, and results can change a prospect’s draft trajectory more than a single test.
• A red flag in an MRI or range-of-motion test can prompt teams to downgrade a player or insist on an early meeting with team medical staffs pre-draft.

Interviews and background checks

• Teams probe decision-making, leadership, learning aptitude and off-field behavior. Interviews are not mere PR sessions; in many cases they are board-movers when they reveal maturity concerns or unexpectedly strong leadership and processing skills.
• Character and team cultural fit are scrutinized. A prospect who demonstrates curiosity about a team’s system and strong interpersonal skills may gain a soft boost for similar-schemed organizations.

Measurements

• Height, weight, arm length and hand size are revisited in Indianapolis. Small deviations from reported numbers can alter how teams project matchups, especially for linemen and receivers.
• For tackles, arm length below a typical threshold can shift a prospect from blindside tackle projection to a guard-level projection.

Combine interviews and medical information provide context that teams use to reconcile film and measurable data. The numbers open doors; the interviews and medicals lock or close them.

How Combine results have shifted draft outcomes: historical context

Combine performances produce dramatic headlines but a more measured reading reveals patterns: elite tests tend to confirm what film already suggests; unexpected results create directional change but are rarely sole determinants of draft position.

Clear examples:

• John Ross (2017): his official 4.22-second 40-yard dash set the modern benchmark. That single, explosive number boosted his deep-threat profile and influenced his first-round selection.
• Michael Vick (pre-2001): Vick’s rare combination of size and speed—coupled with game production—solidified his position at the top of the draft board, not just his Combine numbers.

Lessons from history:

• A measurably elite Combine can create a narrative that accelerates interest, but teams almost always return to tape and medicals before committing to substantial draft capital.
• Conversely, a poor Combine performance does not automatically doom a prospect with strong film and medicals, though it can introduce questions that teams spend time answering before the draft.

Expect the same pattern in 2026: flickering or headline-grabbing numbers will influence public perception, while teams will use a layered approach to update evaluations.

Scheme fit and team priorities: decoding what results mean for organizations

How a team interprets Combine results depends on scheme and roster fit. Teams with pressing needs will weigh measurements differently.

Examples of scheme-driven priorities:

• Zone-versus-man coverage needs influence cornerback evaluations. A team that plays a lot of man coverage will prize press-man traits (length, foot quickness, technique) and prefer prospects with tight three-cone and shuttle numbers.
• Power-run teams prioritize heavy interior linemen with long arms and proven anchor strength; teams running outside-zone schemes look for mobility and lateral quickness.
• Pass-first offenses may place higher stock on quarterback throwing mechanics and short-area quickness; read-heavy offenses value processor traits and pocket presence.

Front offices evaluate real production against fit. A prospect who fits a team’s schematic mold—even with average raw numbers—can be more valuable than an athletic outlier who will require schematic adjustments to reach potential.

Pro days and the Combine: how results interact

Combine numbers are not the final word. A strong pro day can mitigate a poor Combine; a poor pro day can compound Combine concerns. Teams use both to triangulate: some prospects perform better in comfortable college settings; others rise to the Combine’s centralized pressure and coaching.

What to watch during pro days:

• Quarterback and receiver timing with collegiate teammates; pro-day throwing sessions often improve perceived chemistry and accuracy relative to Combine smoothies.
• Offensive linemen and technique-based players may show more natural footwork in a pro-day environment.

Teams calibrate pro-day results against Combine metrics to filter out anomalies and make evidence-based corrections to their boards.

Who could rise the most in Indianapolis: early candidates

While no one can predict every breakout, a few prospects on this year’s invite list are positioned to gain substantial momentum if they test well and ace interviews:

• Drew Allar (QB): if he demonstrates consistent pocket mechanics, clean throwing under pressure and expected agility, he could solidify a top-end draft standing.
• Francis Mauigoa (OL): size and athleticism already project well; a strong bench press and shuttle will validate him as an early tackle prospect.
• Dani Dennis-Sutton (DL): elite testing that confirms burst and bend would enhance his pass-rush narrative and potential top-tier placement.
• Carnell Tate and J. Michael Sturdivant (WRs): both could climb boards with sub-4.45 40s and clean three-cone times that translate into separation ability on film.
• Nicholas Singleton (RB): strong broad jump and shuttle numbers paired with positive medicals would reassure teams about his explosiveness and durability.

Expect agents to highlight favorable numbers quickly. Teams will respond with private follow-up sessions, medical consultations and more detailed tape analysis.

What the Combine means for fans, fantasy players and bettors

The Combine provides a concentrated data set that can move public narratives and influence fantasy drafts and betting markets.

Guidance for non-team audiences:

• For fantasy players: Combine speed and agility numbers can help anticipate players’ early-season usage, particularly for receivers and running backs whose roles depend on separation and burst.
• For bettors: Combine results sometimes trigger reactionary market moves. Use measurable outcomes to reassess long-term projections rather than short-term lines; teams often wait until April and after pro days before committing.
• For casual fans: the Combine is a rare opportunity to see prospects in a controlled environment. Focus on the alignment between the Combine data and what you already know from game tape.

Consume Combine news critically. Quick headlines can overstate the immediate importance of a single metric; longer-term value requires integrating the new data with film and context.

Risks and limitations of Combine metrics

Testing offers measurement advantages but harbors several limitations:

• Context-free numbers: a fast 40 does not prove route-running savvy. Conversely, a slower time may hide elite game-speed that depends on instincts rather than top-end sprinting.
• Small-sample unpredictability: tests are single attempts; a stumble, a glitch in the timing system, or a mis-timed jump can distort perception.
• Measuring different skills: some positions translate better to combine metrics than others. For offensive linemen, for example, on-field footwork and leverage are more telling than a 40-yard dash.

Teams counter these limitations with film study, medical checks and follow-up testing at pro days. The best draft decisions incorporate each data point, not elevate one metric above all others.

Preparing for Combine takeaways: what to expect in the weeks ahead

After the Combine, expect a sequence of events that refine draft boards:

• Immediate media coverage of eye-popping numbers, combine “winners” and “losers.”
• Team follow-ups: private visits, additional medical testing and in-depth scheme-specific conversations.
• Pro days and private workout results that either confirm or counter Combine data.
• Finalized medical reports and agent statements clarifying injury histories.

The Combine provides a pause point—an empirical baseline from which teams, pundits and fans update their projections. The real work of decision-making continues through March and April.

FAQ

Q: When and where is the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine held? A: The Combine takes place Feb. 26 through March 1 at Lucas Oil Stadium and the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. The event has been hosted in Indianapolis since 1987.

Q: How many players were invited to the 2026 Combine? A: Organizers invited 319 athletes to attend the 2026 Combine.

Q: How is the Combine schedule organized for televised workouts? A: NFL Network will air the on-field workouts. The schedule is:

• Thursday, Feb. 26 — 3 p.m. ET: Defensive linemen, linebackers, specialists.
• Friday, Feb. 27 — 3 p.m. ET: Defensive backs and tight ends.
• Saturday, Feb. 28 — 1 p.m. ET: Quarterbacks, wide receivers and running backs.
• Sunday, Feb. 29 — 1 p.m. ET: Offensive linemen.

Q: Which drills will prospects perform at the Combine? A: The primary drills include the 40-yard dash, three-cone drill, bench press (225 lbs), 20-yard shuttle, vertical jump and broad jump. Quarterbacks also participate in throwing sessions that are heavily scrutinized.

Q: Do Combine numbers determine draft status? A: Combine numbers are influential but not determinative. Teams weigh those metrics against game tape, medical reports, interviews and pro-day results. Strong combine performances can confirm existing projections or create upward momentum, while poor showings can introduce doubt. Final draft decisions typically synthesize all of these inputs.

Q: What happens during the medical and interview process? A: Teams conduct medical examinations, review prior surgeries and imaging, and run focused diagnostic tests. Interviews probe mental processing, leadership, competitiveness and character. Both elements can materially affect a prospect’s draft standing.

Q: Can a poor Combine be offset by a strong pro day? A: Yes. Pro days allow prospects to test in a familiar environment and sometimes deliver better measurements. Teams use pro-day results to adjust Combine-based assessments, particularly if there are clear reasons a prospect underperformed in Indianapolis.

Q: Are measurements (height, weight, arm length) re-checked at the Combine? A: Yes. The Combine provides official measurements that teams use to verify or adjust positional projections, especially for offensive and defensive linemen and edge-position athletes.

Q: How should fans interpret early Combine headlines? A: Treat early headlines as indicators, not definitive judgments. Use measurements and test results to refine your understanding of a prospect, but look for corroborating information from film and subsequent team evaluations before changing long-term projections.

Q: Will the Combine affect fantasy football or betting markets? A: Combine results can influence both by changing public perception and market pricing. However, the long-term impact hinges on how teams respond with follow-up medicals, meetings and pro-day performances. Exercise caution with immediate market moves.

The Combine provides measurable clarity on athletic traits and a structured forum for teams to reduce uncertainty. Its outcomes reverberate across draft boards and public narratives, but the most accurate evaluations come after teams integrate Combine data with medical information, interviews and the persistent evidence of game film. Expect Indianapolis to produce both attention-grabbing moments and quieter system-level adjustments as organizations finalize their April strategies.