NFL Draft Combine Performances Shake Up 2026 Mock Drafts

The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine concluded in Indianapolis with several prospects dramatically altering their draft positioning through exceptional athletic displays and interview performances. The week-long evaluation process has forced analysts and team executives to reconsider their draft boards with just over two months remaining before the April 24-26 draft in Detroit.

University of Georgia quarterback Carson Beck emerged as the combine's biggest winner, posting impressive measurables that addressed concerns about his arm strength and mobility. Beck's 4.68-second 40-yard dash time surprised scouts who questioned his pocket presence, while his 61-mile-per-hour velocity reading ranked third among all quarterbacks. His performance in team interviews reportedly impressed multiple franchises, with sources indicating the Chicago Bears and New England Patriots significantly elevated Beck on their draft boards.

Defensive end prospect Mykel Williams from Georgia continued the Bulldogs' strong showing with a dominant defensive line workout. Williams ran a 4.41-second 40-yard dash at 6-foot-4 and 262 pounds, showcasing the rare combination of size and speed that has NFL executives comparing him to Nick Bosa. His 35 bench press repetitions and 42-inch vertical jump solidified his position as a potential top-five selection.

The running back position saw significant movement following impressive performances from Michigan State's Nathan Carter and Texas A&M's Amari Daniels. Carter's 4.35-second 40-yard dash and exceptional receiving drills demonstrated the versatility that modern NFL offenses demand. Daniels complemented his speed with outstanding vision tests and pass protection evaluations, addressing durability concerns that had limited his pre-combine projection.

Perhaps the most surprising riser was Central Michigan offensive tackle Jake Slaughter, whose combination of size (6-foot-7, 315 pounds) and athleticism (4.85-second 40-yard dash) caught the attention of multiple teams searching for blindside protection. Slaughter's interviews revealed high football intelligence and strong character evaluations, potentially elevating him from a mid-round projection to first-round consideration.

The medical evaluations proved equally crucial, with several high-profile prospects receiving clean health reports that alleviated team concerns. Notre Dame linebacker Drayk Bowen cleared all orthopedic examinations related to his previous shoulder injury, while Florida State cornerback Azareye' Thomas showed no lingering effects from his late-season ankle sprain.

Tradition combines with innovation at the 2026 event, as teams utilized enhanced virtual reality testing and advanced biomechanical analysis alongside standard measurements. These technological additions provided deeper insights into player decision-making and injury prevention capabilities, factors that increasingly influence modern draft evaluations.

The combine results have intensified speculation about potential draft-day trades, particularly among quarterback-needy teams. With Beck's stock rising and North Carolina's Drake Maye maintaining his projected No. 1 overall status, teams selecting in the middle of the first round may attempt to move up for their preferred signal-caller.