Deep Dive into the 2026 NFL Combine
The NFL Scouting Combine has always been equal parts spectacle and substance—a whirlwind of 40-yard dashes, vertical leaps, and endless speculation that can make or break a prospect's draft stock. But in the 2026 edition, it felt like pure dynamite. The Devy Devotional podcast crew—John Arrington, Aaron Wilcox, and Andy Starr—reunited for a special Sunday night episode to unpack the chaos. Streaming live with their signature blend of sharp analysis, brutal honesty, and a dash of humor, they dissected the highs, lows, and everything in between. No overreactions here (mostly), just smart, actionable insights for dynasty managers looking to build contenders.
This wasn't your typical hype-fest. The hosts emphasized caution: athletic testing in shorts and t-shirts can inflate egos and ADP, but it doesn't rewrite a player's tape or production profile. Draft capital and opportunity still reign supreme, especially for running backs. Yet, with fireworks from tight ends, speed demons at wideout, and a few head-scratching no-shows, the combine breathed new life into a 2026 class that had felt underwhelming. Let's break it down position by position, weaving in the hosts' takes, historical comps, and dynasty strategies to help you dominate your rookie drafts.
Tight Ends: Where the Real Explosion Happened
If the combine had a MVP award, it might go to the tight end group. These prospects didn't just test—they shattered expectations, turning a middling position into a potential goldmine for dynasty rosters.
Kenyon Sadiq (Oregon) was the undisputed king of the castle. Clocking a record-breaking 4.39 40-yard dash at 6'3", 241 pounds, he paired it with a 43.5-inch vertical (best ever for a TE) and an 11'1" broad jump (third-best all-time). Aaron Wilcox couldn't contain his excitement, noting how Sadiq's early-declare status and raw volume (892 receiving yards in his first three college seasons) already eclipse the early outputs of NFL studs like George Kittle (420 yards), Travis Kelce (875), and Mark Andrews (807). "He's competing with potential 2027 TE1 Jamari Johnson and still leading Oregon in touchdowns," Wilcox pointed out, blaming scheme issues (bubble screens galore) and QB Dante Moore's flaws for any production dips.
John Arrington, ever the pragmatist, tempered the hype: "This is Vernon Davis 2.0—freak athlete, but it took Davis four years to hit his stride." Sadiq's tale-of-two-seasons (strong start, late fade) screams high ceiling but low immediate floor. Andy Starr echoed the development timeline, comparing him to Eli Stowers but noting Sadiq's efficiency needs work (yards per team pass attempt lags behind peers).
Actionable Takeaway: In TE-premium formats, grab him at 1.05–1.07 if you're patient—think 2–3 years for TE1 upside. Contenders, beware: He could be a roster clogger early. Trade for him post-draft if hype fades.
Eli Stowers (Vanderbilt) wasn't far behind, obliterating records with a 45.5-inch vertical and 11'3" broad at 6'4", 239 pounds. "He's got the frame and explosion teams crave," Wilcox said, but flagged blocking concerns: "Will NFL coaches trust him in-line, or is he another Elijah Arroyo—talented but glued to the bench?" Starr praised his experience (two extra college years over Sadiq) for immediate impact potential, while Arrington noted no ranking shift post-combine—Stowers stays a mid-second-round dynasty target.
Expanded Analysis: Stowers' production surged late, with contested-catch prowess and YAC ability shining against SEC defenses. But his blocking tape is spotty; if he lands with a creative OC (e.g., like the Chiefs with Kelce), he thrives. Risk: Pure pass-catcher in a league valuing versatility.
Overall TE Class Take: Depth abounds with sleepers like Justin Joly (late-round dart throw). Avoid overpaying for hype—focus on landing spots.
Running Backs: Jeremiyah Love Locks In, But Depth Questions Linger
The RB group was a mixed bag: Only 10 of the invitees ran the 40, leaving gaps and overreactions aplenty. "Production is king," Starr reminded, "but testing drives capital—and capital means touches."
Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame) cemented his RB1 throne. At 6'0", 212 pounds, his 4.36 40, explosive drills, and near-miss on injury (a slip dodging a cameraman) screamed versatility. "He's next in line with guys like Chris Johnson or Jamaal Charles—210-pound backs who dominate," Wilcox said, listing comps like Austin Ekeler and Kyren Williams. No workload concerns here; Love's breakaway rate and receiving chops make him a three-down threat.
Expanded Analysis: Love's college tape shows elusiveness and vision, but Notre Dame's committee (sharing with Jadarian Price and Aneyas Williams) capped his volume. In the NFL, expect 200+ touches Year 1 if he lands in a zone scheme. Dynasty comp: Saquon Barkley-lite.
Mike Washington Jr. (Arkansas) earned the "freak" label with a perfect RAS score (10.0), 4.33 40, and grown-man power at 22 years old. But Wilcox cautioned: "He couldn't lock down a G5 role for four years—outproduced by nobodies like Ron Cook and Seth McGowan." Boosted by dual-threat QB Taylen Green's presence, Washington's late bloom screams boom-or-bust.
Jadarian Price (Notre Dame) tested solidly (not elite) at 203 pounds, fitting his between-the-tackles style. "High breakaway rate, but no dynamism for every-down work," Starr said. Comp: Reliable RB2 like Devin Singletary.
Jonah Coleman (Washington) no-showed testing, measuring like a 5'8", 220-pound tank. His Clyde Edwards-Helaire self-comp? Ominous. "Banged up late, production faded," Wilcox noted—draft capital could tank.
Emmett Johnson (Nebraska) bombed: 4.56 40, 7.32 3-cone (9th percentile) at 202 pounds. "No juice," Arrington sighed, dropping him to RB7. Sliver of hope: Worse testers like Bucky Irving and Kyren Williams succeeded with better profiles.
Sleepers to Watch: Eli Heidenreich (Navy) flashed 4.45 speed and 4.73 yards/route run—think gadget RB/special teams ace. Seth McGowan (Kentucky) burst onto radars with a 42.5" vertical at 223 pounds, but recent dips worry.
Actionable Takeaway: Love is your anchor—trade up if needed. Washington gains traction for athletic freaks; stash McGowan late. Weak class overall: Prioritize WRs/TEs early, pivot to RBs in Round 2.
Wide Receivers: Speed Kills, But Don't Forget the Fundamentals
With 25 sub-4.5 40s (11 under 4.4), the WR class screamed "deep and explosive." "Revived excitement," Arrington said, but warned: "No busts from poor testing—everyone hit 100+ height-adjusted speed scores."
Jordan Tyson (Arizona State) skipped drills but benched 26 reps (near-record) despite injuries. "Still WR1—production trumps all," Arrington insisted. Out-of-sight dip? Temporary.
Carnell Tate (Ohio State) ran 4.53 at 6'2", 192—solid (92.5 adjusted speed). Potential discount if speed chasers bail.
Makai Lemon (USC) no-showed but projects 94 adjusted speed. "Elite YAC, high floor," hosts agreed.
Omar Cooper Jr. (Indiana) tested well, rising to top-4 contention. "Solid all-around," Wilcox said.
Germie Bernard (Oregon) surprised with 4.48 40 and top agility drills. "Unsexy but consistent—back-end first-round value."
Speed Standouts: Brenen Thompson (4.26), Chris Brazzell (6'4", 4.37), Bryce Lance (FCS Watson clone with 1,000+ yard seasons).
Expanded Analysis: Brazzell's size/speed combo evokes DK Metcalf, but hands and separation shine. Lance's 3.58 yards/route run? Elite efficiency, but FCS level tempers hype. Avoid raw athletes without target-earning (e.g., Quentin Johnston flashbacks).
Actionable Takeaway: Tyson/Tate anchor your WR1/2. Depth means values in Round 2—target route-runners over pure speed.
Quarterbacks: Minimal Movement, But Watch the Risers
No major testing, but Ty Simpson (Alabama) impressed in drills/interviews, potentially sneaking into Round 1. "Red flags galore, but tools tantalize," Wilcox said. Taylen Green wowed athletically (4.37 at 6'6"), but not QB material.
Takeaway: Weak QB class—focus elsewhere in superflex.
Wrapping Up: Your 2026 Dynasty Roadmap
The combine didn't redefine the class but amplified its strengths: TE fireworks, WR speed, and Love's RB dominance. Avoid catastrophic whiffs by blending tape, production, and testing. Winners: Sadiq, Love, Washington. Losers: Emmett Johnson, no-shows like Coleman/Tyson (temporarily).
Dynasty managers, strike now—trade into picks while hype builds. Who's your biggest post-combine crush? Sound off below—this class is heating up.
