Standout Linebackers Steal the Show at 2026 NFL Combine: Top 5 Winners Emerge

By Sports Desk | February 27, 2026

INDIANAPOLIS — The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine kicked off with a bang on Thursday at Lucas Oil Stadium, as linebackers delivered electrifying performances that overshadowed underwhelming showings from defensive linemen and edge rushers. While interior linemen and edge prospects largely opted out of key drills or failed to impress with speed and twitch, the linebacker group exploded onto the scene, boosting draft stocks and captivating scouts.[1][3]

After a day marred by conservative testing from the D-line—where few ran the 40-yard dash or dazzled in agility drills—the off-ball linebackers salvaged the opening session with explosive athleticism. Pride of Detroit spotlighted five key winners from the cohort, particularly those relevant to Detroit Lions fans, while broader coverage from CBS Sports and Seahawks Draft Blog echoed the sentiment that this position group raised the bar.[1][3][4]

Sonny Styles: The Unanimous Alpha of the Day

Ohio State’s Sonny Styles dominated headlines with what analysts called one of the most comprehensive linebacker displays in Combine history. At 6-foot-5 and 244 pounds, Styles clocked a blistering 4.46-second 40-yard dash, including a jaw-dropping 1.56-second 10-yard split—the quickest among big linebackers. He soared for a 43.5-inch vertical jump and an 11-foot-2 broad jump, numbers that had fellow prospects cheering him on during attempts, per NFL Media reports.[1][3][4]

Styles, a projected top-10 pick entering the week, earned an A+ grade from CBS Sports for his “jump-out-of-the-gym athleticism,” potentially vaulting him into top-five conversations despite positional value concerns. Pride of Detroit noted his edge over teammate Arvell Reese in splits, while Seahawks Draft Blog pegged him as a lock for the top 12, unlikely to slip past Dallas.[1][3][4]

Arvell Reese Matches Explosiveness

Styles’ Ohio State teammate Arvell Reese nearly matched the hype, posting a 4.46-second 40-yard dash and a 1.58-second 10-yard split. Reese’s full workout—covering every drill—lifted the day’s spirits alongside Styles, showcasing the Buckeyes’ depth at the position. Analysts praised his completeness, making him a standout in a group that prioritized explosive testing like verticals, broad jumps, and bench presses.[1][3][5]

Jake Golday Impresses Despite Size

Texas Tech’s Jake Golday turned heads with athleticism befitting his frame. His 1.462-second 10-yard split was solid, though slower than Styles’, but context matters: Golday matches Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell’s height and is just 10 pounds lighter, yet posted comparable jumps—a 39-inch vertical and 10-foot-5 broad. His agility (7.09-second 3-cone, 4.34-second short shuttle) trailed Campbell slightly but still impressed given his build.[1][3]

Jacob Rodriguez Shines in Drills

The most decorated college linebacker of 2025, Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez (6-foot-1, 231 pounds), earned a B grade from CBS Sports. Winner of the Bronko Nagurski, Chuck Bednarik, Dick Butkus, and Vince Lombardi Awards, plus unanimous All-American honors, Rodriguez posted a 4.57-second 40 with a 1.61 split, strong vertical, and broad jump. His drill work stole the show: impressive vertical slides, quick turns, top-end speed, change-of-direction prowess, and ball skills that align with his turnover-forcing reputation.[1][4][5]

Kyle Louis: Explosive Despite Frame

Pittsburgh’s Kyle Louis, listed at 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds but appearing far thicker, exploded with a 1.58-second 10-yard split, 4.53-second 40, 39.5-to-40-inch vertical, 10-foot-9 broad jump, 6.97-second 3-cone, and 4.26-second short shuttle. Seahawks Draft Blog highlighted his muscular build and explosiveness, key traits NFL teams covet in linebackers. Pride of Detroit and YouTube breakdowns reinforced his status as a quality riser.[1][3][5]

Broader Class Insights and Fallout

Other notables like Kaleb Ellarms-Orr rounded out the impressive group, with positional drills proving dynamic and quick. CBS Sports’ full measurements list and NFL.com’s live tracker captured the data, while PFF and YouTube recaps debated winners across DL, EDGE, and LB.[2][5][6][8]

The linebacker class’s success contrasted sharply with the D-line’s mediocrity. Defensive tackles lacked sparkle, and edges showed insufficient speed, per Seahawks Draft Blog. This sets up intriguing draft narratives: Styles as a top-5 lock, Reese and Louis as Day 2 steals, and Rodriguez leveraging awards into early selection.[3]

For teams like the Lions, eyeing off-ball upgrades, these performances provide prime targets. As Combine week progresses, expect tape dives on these risers—and scrutiny on those who underwhelmed. Full results are live on NFL.com, with more groups testing ahead.[1][8]

“Styles dominated the day with one of the most comprehensive Combine displays ever seen from a linebacker.” — Pride of Detroit[1]

Key Combine Stats Table

Player	School	40-Yard	10-Yard Split	Vertical	Broad Jump
Sonny Styles	Ohio State	4.46	1.56	43.5″	11’2″
Arvell Reese	Ohio State	4.46	1.58	N/A	N/A
Jake Golday	Texas Tech	~4.65	1.462	39″	10’5″
Jacob Rodriguez	Texas Tech	4.57	1.61	Strong	Strong
Kyle Louis	Pittsburgh	4.53	1.58	39.5-40″	10’9″

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