INDIANAPOLIS – The second day of the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine featured on-field drills for the defensive back and tight end groups. In all, over 50 defensive backs made the combine invite list while 27 tight ends were given the opportunity to work out in Indianapolis.
Audiences witnessed an electrifying showing from all participants, however there were specific names that stood out.
2026 NFL Combine Top Performers: Defensive Backs
This defensive class is packed with future superstars, and many players absolutely understood the goal of the combine Friday.
Chris Johnson – CB, San Diego State
There was a lot of talk surrounding Chris Johnson going into the combine. Speed is always a question, but Johnson shut down all the talk with his 40-yard dash time after running a 4.40. The drills also looked natural, capturing analysts attention.
The best possible outcome happened for Johnson this week. Not only did Johnson prove the doubters wrong, but he also increased his draft stock in the process.
Lorenzo Styles Jr. – S, Ohio State
The Styles brothers put on a show at the combine this week with Sonny Styles standing out on Day 1. However, only one put up the fastest 40-time by an Ohio State player. Lorenzo Styles clocked a 4.27 during the 40-yard dash, becoming the fastest time at the combine so far.
This is the fastest a safety has clocked in since 2003. Styles’ time helped boost his stock in a deep safety class that featured four players who ran under 4.4 on Friday.
Toriano Pride Jr. – CB, Missouri
The fastest time for a cornerback was met with a round of applause in Indianapolis. Projected to be a late-round pick, Toriano Pride likely helped boost his draft stock by running a 4.32 in his 40-yard dash.
The difference between running a fast time and proving the skills you have during drills could be just a phone call away. This is a cornerback class with a lot of uncertainty because of the depth. Showing a blazing speed puts a prospect in front of 10 others that teams are looking at. The Missouri cornerback put his best foot forward at the combine.
Charles Demmings – CB, Stephen F. Austin
While safeties stole the show, there were cornerbacks who also shined. Charles Demmings isn’t the top all-around cornerback but his testing showed his upside and abilities.
Demmings shined in his athleticism during testing by posting a 11-foot broadjump with a 42-inch vertical. He may not be a day one or even day two pick, but the Stephen F. Austin cornerback certainly can be an early day three pick with these scores.
Dillon Thieneman – S, Oregon
Another safety who was flying at the combine was Dillon Thieneman. Clocking a 4.35 40-yard dash, he created plenty of buzz potentially boosting his stock from being a late second-day pick to now sneaking into the first round.
The speed was impressive, but he also had a 41-inch vertical to pair with having the most reps on the bench press for the defensive back group.
2026 NFL Combine Top Performers: Tight Ends
This year’s tight end class isn’t as deep, which makes the combine important for everybody participating.
Eli Stowers – TE, Vanderbilt
Eli Stowers crushed his combine workout Friday. The Vanderbilt tight end ran a 4.51 40-yard dash while also setting records everywhere else. Stowers recorded a broad jump of 11 feet, 3 inches, which is the best ever for a tight end. On top of his broad jump, he recorded a 45.5-inch vertical jump. That was the highest by any player since 2003.
There wasn’t any doubt about Stowers heading into the combine, but he showed everybody what kind of athletic monster he is and took advantage of the spotlight in Indianapolis.
Kenyon Sadiq – TE, Oregon
Speed was the main theme of Day 2 at the combine. We saw cornerbacks blaze and safeties fly, but also a 4.39 40 time set by Kenyon Sadiq. It was the fastest time by a tight end since Vernon Davis (2006).
In a small tight end class, Sadiq showcased the importance of the combine. Showing off his speed was important, but he also had a broad jump that measured 11 feet, 1 inch, second best behind Stowers. Sadiq also had the best 10-yard split out of the tight ends, with a time of 1.54.
Sam Roush – TE, Stanford
While there was a spotlight is on Stowers and Sadiq, Sam Roush shined his way into the combine.
The test scores speak for themselves, but what spectators see on the field is just as important. Teams and analysts came away impressed with Roush, so it wouldn’t be shocking to see the Stanford tight end’s draft stock rise.
Roush had the best numbers in the 3-cone drill (7.08), the third-best vertical (38.5), fourth-best broad jump (10 feet, 6 inches), and fourth best bench press (25). What stands out the most is Roush’s run blocking abilities, which teams love to see out of tight ends.
RJ Maryland – TE, SMU
The tight ends also showed their electric speed Friday. SMU’s RJ Maryland clocked a 4.51 40-yard dash time. With a height of 6-foot-4, Maryland could be a real asset with his blocking skills. What analysts seem to love the most are his consistency and athleticism.
Jack Endries – TE, Texas
There is a ton of talent in the tight end class, but there are some names that haven’t been headlined as much. Jack Endries is a solid tight end who would be a great value pick in a later round.
At the combine Endries ran a 4.62 40-yard dash, but paired that with a 1.59 10-yard split. His other testing had solid numbers, but what is impressive is his athleticism.
Standing at 6-5, Endries has the height teams love. He spoke with the Philadelphia Eagles, who could be a great target pick.
As a versatile route runner and the ideal blocker, he only boosted his stock with the numbers he put up on Friday.
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