2026 NFL Combine Day 1 Highlights: Defensive Linemen and Edge Rushers Shine in Indianapolis Workouts
INDIANAPOLIS – The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine kicked off with a bang on Thursday as defensive linemen, edge rushers, and linebackers took center stage at Lucas Oil Stadium, delivering standout performances that have scouts buzzing about this year’s draft class depth.[2][3]
Interior Defensive Line Steals the Show
Despite fewer than half of the invited defensive tackles participating in the drills, the interior defensive linemen group produced several winners who elevated their draft stock. Rayshaun Benny from Michigan (6-foot-3, 298 pounds), a 4i/3T prospect, impressed with his upright posture, quick footwork, and sustained speed during on-field drills, though he skipped the running events.[1]
Kaleb Proctor of SE Louisiana (6-foot-2, 291 pounds) turned heads with elite measured drills, posting a 1.69-second 10-yard split and a 4.79-second 40-yard dash – benchmarks that exceed ideal standards for his position (1.70/4.94).[1] Proctor’s seamless change-of-direction, explosiveness in pass-rush reps, and clean execution of moves like the flying spin highlighted a flawless day.[1]
Tyler Onyedim from Texas A&M (6-foot-3) and an unnamed standout referred to as Durant also shone brightly. Durant, potentially the top performer, clocked a blistering 1.66 10-yard split and 4.75 40-yard dash, pairing quick feet with powerful strikes and fluid pass-rush combinations.[1] Concerns linger about his stylistic overlap with prospects like Mekhi Wingo, but his athleticism was undeniable.[1]
Edge Rushers Display Depth and Versatility
The edge rusher group put forth a solid collective effort, underscoring the depth of the 2026 draft class at the position.[2] No one posted otherworldly numbers, but Texas Tech’s David Bailey stood out as a potential outlier with his overall testing and drill work.[2] The “Run the Hoop” drill was a highlight, where multiple edges cleanly dipped around the figure-eight pattern, demonstrating agility and control.[2]
Caleb Banks emerged as a notable performer among edge prospects, finishing second in his position group with a 9-foot-6-inch broad jump, 32-inch vertical leap, and 5.04-second 40-yard dash.[4] His metrics position him as a versatile athlete capable of contributing early in the NFL.[4]
Linebackers and Position Versatility in Focus
Linebackers rounded out the day’s workouts, with prospects like those from LSU drawing attention for their hybrid skill sets. LSU’s Mansoor Delane, described as having an LB build in a CB’s body, skipped workouts but confidently touted his tape during media sessions.[3] Delane emphasized his tackling prowess – a rarity among corners – and aims to improve ball production after a 2025 season with four interceptions and 11 pass breakups on just 35 targets.[3]
“A lot of corners might be scared to tackle, but I love that,” Delane said, signaling his intent to be a game-changer by taking balls away more consistently.[3]
Other media highlights included bold claims from prospects like Avieon, who vowed to smash his brother’s 4.42-second 40-yard dash record from the 2020 combine, and Downs, who unapologetically declared himself the top defender on site.[3]
Looking Ahead: Full Results and Implications
Live trackers from NFL.com and Sharp Football Analysis are updating top performances across all seven drills – 40-yard dash, 10-yard split, vertical jump, broad jump, three-cone, short shuttle, and bench press – providing real-time insights into prospect athleticism.[5][6]
Friday’s schedule shifts to defensive backs and tight ends at 3 p.m. ET, promising more speed and explosiveness. Teams like the Detroit Lions are already eyeing fits, with DT prospects like Benny and Proctor fitting their scouting profile despite limited participation.[1]
The combine’s first day affirmed the strength of this defensive draft class, with interior linemen exceeding expectations and edges showing polished movement skills. As results pour in, the event continues to shape the 2026 NFL Draft landscape.[2][3]
Top Day 1 Performers
| Player | Position/School | Key Metrics | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kaleb Proctor | 4i/3T, SE Louisiana | 1.69 10-split, 4.79 40 | Explosive drills, clean spins[1] |
| Durant | Interior DL | 1.66 10-split, 4.75 40 | Top on-field performer[1] |
| Caleb Banks | EDGE | 9’6″ broad, 32″ vert, 5.04 40 | 2nd in position group[4] |
| David Bailey | EDGE, Texas Tech | Strong overall testing | Depth standout[2] |
Stay tuned for Friday updates as the combine continues to reveal hidden gems and confirm blue-chip prospects.