The NFL scouting combine is the main showcase for incoming NFL hopefuls each season. Through a series of physical tests, the combine results in some players shining and raising their stock, while being a dent in others. Analyst Joel Smyth breaks down which seven players we want to learn more about this weekend.
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Measureables: 6’7”, 360 lbs
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The former No. 1 OT recruit out of high school enters the 2026 NFL Draft as a highly polarizing prospect. Proctor only allowed two sacks this season on 857 snaps at LT, deciding to declare early before his 21st birthday on June 4. At 366 pounds last offseason, Proctor squatted 815 lbs, with a vertical jump of 32 inches. He received the No. 2 rank on Bruce Feldman’s Freak List, behind only Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith. Although there are concerns for Proctor’s floor as a prospect, an excellent combine performance at his size would only increase the hype.
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Measureables: 6’3”, 245 lbs
An athletic specimen, Kenyon Sadiq will look to secure his first-round draft pedigree with an excellent combine. Compared to other recent first-round TEs, his on-field production was not as notable. Sadiq averaged 40 receiving yards per game this past season at Oregon, while names such as Tyler Warren averaged 77, and Brock Bowers reached 71 in recent years.
Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
Measureables: 6’3”, 315 lbs
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The 20-year-old star defensive tackle hasn’t put up the most gaudy numbers since being named a freshman All-American, but Peter Woods is still projected to be a first-round pick come April. His strength and power are what stick out most. Woods’ current bench press at 225 lbs is reported at 34 reps, one more than the 2025 top-place finisher. An impressive combine will show general managers that the young, raw prospect is worth using a Day 1 pick on.
Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Measureables: 6’2”, 208 lbs
In a weaker quarterback class, Ty Simpson has the chance to rise to the occasion and show why he should be the second quarterback off the board. With future potential No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza not expected to go through passing drills, all eyes will be on the Alabama quarterback. The lack of experience is what makes the combine especially important for Simpson. Although he’s a senior, Simpson didn’t start until 2025, throwing 473 passes in his 15 starts. Look for him to lead the way in the QB passing drills.
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Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Measureables: 6’0”, 193 lbs
Jermod McCoy’s talent is enough to make him a first-round pick without playing a single snap in 2025. The primary focus of McCoy’s combine will be on his medical results. The Tennessee corner tore his ACL back in January of 2025 and is ready to show his athleticism now that he is back to full strength. The confidence of selecting a player coming off injury will be affected by combine performance, making Indy crucial for the top projected CB in the draft.
Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
Measureables: 6’4”, 243 lbs
No player this season rose so high and so fast as OSU LB Arvell Reese. The first-year starter showed great versatility as an off-ball linebacker who can also play off the edge, drawing comparisons to the likes of Micah Parsons. If he lives up to lofty expectations at the combine, don’t be surprised if his name is called inside the top-five picks at the end of April.
Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State
Measureables: 5’9”, 170 lbs
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Every year, there’s a speedster. This year’s 40-yard dash champion may be WR Brenen Thompson. The SEC’s leading receiver is a former two-sport athlete who competed in track and field at Texas. The projected Day 2 pick is expected to lead the way with a low-4.3 or high-4.2 40-yard dash on Saturday.
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