Bold takeaway: the 2026 NFL combine is shaping up as a showcase of breakout versatility and strategic positioning, with several top prospects redefining their best-fit roles and weighing where they could impact an NFL lineup soon. And this is the part most people miss: the conversations off the field are just as telling as the drills on it. Here’s what stood out from Wednesday’s activity in Indianapolis, presented with clearer context for newcomers to the process.
1) Ohio State’s Arvell Reese: mapping a future position in the pros. Ohio State’s Arvell Reese is viewed as a potential top-five pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, yet teams are still exploring where he truly fits—inside linebacker, edge rusher, or a hybrid role. Reese has experience alternating between off-ball linebacker and edge duties in college and believes both paths are viable in the NFL. He described himself as leaning toward outside linebacker or edge at the next level, while acknowledging he needs to add some mass to optimize both spots. He’s confident in his current ability but recognizes there’s more to develop, especially as a pass rusher beyond relying on speed and raw power.
Reese has already heard teams show him cutups that mix Sam linebacker and edge rushing concepts, and OSU’s defensive coordinator Matt Patricia compared him to former Patriots standout Jamie Collins, underscoring the versatility coaches see in him. He plans to participate fully in the combine, including the 40-yard dash, and will perform drills at both positions. He chose not to forecast a specific 40 time, focusing instead on performing well across both linebacker and edge drills.
2) Georgia’s CJ Allen opts out of Indy testing. CJ Allen, one of the draft’s premier linebackers, announced he would skip the on-site athletic testing at the combine. He intends to funnel his testing into his pro day, where he’ll run, jump, and drill as part of a broader evaluation. Allen anchored Georgia’s defense with 88 tackles last season and remains solidly in the first-round conversation. Notably, analysts Bucky Brooks and Daniel Jeremiah currently project him near the end of the first round, keeping a high buzz around his potential draft landing.
3) Sonny Styles: the next Fred Warner? A five-star recruit from the Columbus suburbs, Sonny Styles arrived at Ohio State after a safety-to-linebacker transition led by OSU’s linebackers coach James Laurinaitis. Laurinaitis warned early that Styles could become a first-round linebacker, and the early signals around Styles’ play have validated that prediction. At 6-5 and about 243 pounds, Styles combines rare athleticism with versatility, prompting frequent comparisons to Fred Warner. Styles himself admires Warner’s football IQ and aims to highlight his own intelligence on the field as much as his athletic ability. He also cites Luke Kuechly as an off-the-ball linebacker ideal, wanting his own game to balance smart play with elite athleticism. Expect Styles to be a hot topic as teams debate how high a floor he has and how quickly he can contribute as a rookie.
4) Jacob Rodriguez: a fit in Chicago or Denver? Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez is coming off a standout finish to his college career, informing teams that he plans to participate in all combine events except the bench press. Analysts rate him highly among linebackers, and Rodriguez has already met with every NFL team. He identified the Bears and Broncos as two destinations that would suit him well, noting that both franchises are in flux at the position this offseason. He described his interactions with Denver as smooth and aligned with what the team is building, praising the coaching staff and organizational culture. He also spoke highly of his conversations with Chicago, highlighting their core values as compatible with his own. Rodriguez’ resume includes finishing fifth in Heisman voting for his season with Texas Tech, leading the team with 128 tackles, and a rare stat line featuring multiple fumbles and interceptions—an indicator of his disruptive style.
5) David Bailey: stock rising, but still ready to prove more. Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey enters the combine as the No. 3 overall prospect in some rankings, with his stock at a peak. He plans to participate in most athletic tests, skipping only the 20-yard shuttle and the three-cone drill. Bailey’s journey—from Stanford to TTU as a graduate transfer—culminated in a breakout season that tied for the FBS lead with 14.5 sacks. While he’s candid about his draft positioning, noting that whether he lands in the top two, top three, top 10, or the first two rounds doesn’t change his mindset, he’s embracing the opportunity as a rare, oven-hot moment in his career. Bailey has also met with the Jets and Cardinals, two teams holding early picks, signaling serious interest from organizations evaluating edge talent.
Overall takeaway: the conversations are painting a broader narrative about how these prospects might best contribute in the pros, beyond traditional position lines. The combine’s on-field tests are just part of the equation; teams are keen to hear how players view themselves, how coaches project their ceilings, and where their physical traits could unlock the most value.
Question for discussion: do you think teams should prioritize immediate positional fit or longer-term upside when drafting versatile players like Reese or Styles? Share your thoughts and reasons in the comments.
