NFL Combine 2026 recap: Winners and Losers from Indianapolis

The NFL Scouting Combine is officially in the books.

Yes, Pro Days are still ahead. Yes, private workouts and medical re-checks will matter. But let’s not kid ourselves: Indianapolis is where narratives are created, confirmed, or shattered. It’s where Day 3 players suddenly enter Day 2 conversations. It’s where fringe Round 1 prospects solidify top-20 status. And it’s where some highly regarded names quietly lose momentum.

From a Seattle Seahawks lens, it was also interesting to note that reported formal meetings involving Seattle were fewer than usual, and that John Schneider was back in Seattle before on-field drills even began — something we don’t recall happening recently. Not criticism. Just context.

Now let’s dive into the names who helped — and hurt — themselves the most.

Brenen Thompson – WR, Mississippi State

Thompson arrived in Indianapolis viewed primarily as a situational vertical threat. He left as one of the biggest financial winners of the week.

At 5’9”, 164 pounds, he blazed a 4.26 in the 40-yard dash, with a 1.54 10-yard split. That’s elite acceleration and long speed — not just fast, but game-breaking fast.

In 2025, he started 11 games, posted roughly 900 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns, averaging over 16 yards per catch. At Mississippi State, he aligned primarily as a Z receiver and vertical slot weapon, running go routes, posts, and deep overs. Now? He’s firmly in the conversation as a legitimate Day 2 vertical specialist.

Germie Bernard – WR, Alabama

Bernard entered the week as a strong receiver prospect. He left it cemented as one of the top players at the position.

At 6’1”, 206 pounds, he ran 4.48 — more than enough at his size — and posted elite agility numbers, including a 4.31 shuttle and 6.71 three-cone. Add in a 32.5” vertical and 10’5” broad jump, and you get a complete athletic profile.

He cleared 1,000 receiving yards in 2025 with 8 touchdowns at Alabama, functioning as a true featured target capable of winning after the catch and in contested situations. The Combine didn’t create his stock — it solidified it.

Jeff Caldwell – WR, Cincinnati

Caldwell might have made himself millions.

At 6’5”, 216 pounds, he ran 4.31 with a 1.48 split. Then he exploded for a 42” vertical and 11’2” broad jump. That size-speed-explosion combination is rare — period.

He posted around 1,100 yards and 9 touchdowns in 2025 as a full-time X receiver at Cincinnati, thriving against press coverage and in contested catch situations. Before Indy, he was under the radar nationally. After Indy? He’s on boards everywhere.

Dillon Thieneman – S, Oregon

There was a time some Seahawks fans dreamed of landing Thieneman via a trade down at pick No. 32. That dream may be over.

At 6’0”, 201 pounds, he ran 4.35, jumped 41” in the vertical and 10’5” in the broad. His positional drills were smooth, controlled, and explosive.

He likely established himself as Safety 2 in the class and a legitimate first-round candidate.

Tacario Davis – CB, Washington

At roughly 6’4”, 194 pounds, Davis has rare length for the position. He ran in the 4.41 range and posted a 37” vertical with a 10’3” broad.

Previously projected as a potential first-rounder earlier in his career, his stock cooled during the season. But the Combine reminded teams why the traits are worth betting on. His coverage drills showed better fluidity than expected for a tall corner.

Day 2 feels much more secure now.

Gracen Halton of Oklahoma measured in at 6’3”, 293 pounds and erased “undersized” concerns. He ran 4.82, jumped 36.5” (third-best by a defensive tackle in the past 20 years), and showed elite agility for the position. His testing may push him into a similar range once occupied by explosive interior disruptors.

DeMonte Capehart from Clemson (6’5”, 313, nearly 34” arms) it’s a run-stuffer ready for NFL and flashed developmental upside as a pass rusher with a 4.85 40 and strong splits. His projection as a high-ceiling defensive tackle is trending upward.

Dani Dennis-Sutton of Penn State at nearly 6’6”, 265 pounds, he ran 4.63 with explosive jumps. Already productive with around 10 sacks in 2025, he confirmed elite NFL traits, but needs refinement.

Cashius Howell – EDGE – Texas A&M

Howell’s arm length came in historically short at 30 1/4”. While he has speed, the measurement significantly hurt his projection, especially when compared to other undersized edges who offer compensatory traits.

Malachi Fields – WR, Notre Dame

After a strong Senior Bowl, Fields needed a solid athletic showing. Instead, he ran a disappointing 40 and struggled with drops in the gauntlet drill. For a receiver who wins with physicality and timing, concerns about stiffness and separation resurfaced.

Emmett Johnson – RB, Nebraska

His 4.56 40 was the slowest among running backs at the event. While his tape doesn’t scream “slow,” the lack of elite explosion numbers raised questions about his ceiling.

LT Overton – EDGE, Alabama

A 4.87 40 and middling split were tough blows for a player who needed to prove first-step explosiveness. His positional identity: Edge? Interior? Hybrid? — now becomes even more critical.

Lee Hunter – DT, Texas Tech

Hunter posted one of the lowest explosion profiles among defensive tackles, including a 21.5” vertical and 8’4” broad. Strong against the run on tape, but the lack of backfield burst limits his disruptive projection.

The combine doesn’t finalize draft boards, but it absolutely reshapes tiers.

Some prospects confirmed what the tape already suggested. Others forced teams to re-evaluate ceilings and roles. For teams like the Seattle Seahawks, who historically value athletic thresholds and explosive traits, Indianapolis matters.

Now we wait for Pro Days, medical clarity, and — eventually — draft night.

But make no mistake: several careers changed in Indianapolis.