5 underrated risers from Day 1 of the 2026 NFL Combine
While you’ll hear a lot about the Ohio State duo who turned heads at the Combine, these prospects were quietly showing out at the NFL Combine too.
The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine kicked off workouts last night with some clear standout players. But while everyone was debating top-10 picks, several prospects may have made just as much money Thursday night at the Combine, just without the spotlight.
Here are five under-the-radar risers from defensive line and linebacker workouts who subtly boosted their draft stock in a big way.
Five under-the-radar risers from Combine Day 1
1. DeMonte Capehart, DT, Clemson
At 6′5″ and 313 pounds, Capehart looked the part. But then he moved like a man 40 pounds lighter. His 4.85-second 40-yard dash and 33.5-inch vertical jump were eye-popping for a defensive tackle of his size. But more importantly, his positional drills were smooth and controlled, showing bend and foot quickness that didn’t always pop on tape.
Capehart entered the week as a middle-round projection. After Thursday, he may have played himself into early Day 2 conversations. Teams always covet length plus movement ability inside, and he checked both boxes.
2. Kaleb Elarms-Orr, LB, TCU
Overshadowed by the Ohio State duo, Elarms-Orr nearly matched their speed. At 6′2″, 234 pounds, he ran a 4.47, one of the fastest linebacker times of the night. Then he added a 40-inch vertical on top of that. That’s elite explosion for a player many evaluators had slotted as a late Day 3 pick.
His frame is sturdy, his testing validated his range, and he suddenly looks like a modern weakside linebacker who can stay on the field in sub packages. He went from fringe draftable to legitimate mid-round value.
3. Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma
Halton may have had the best overall athletic profile among interior defensive linemen. At 293 pounds, he ran 4.82 and posted a 36.5-inch vertical, leading defensive tackles in that category. His change-of-direction drills were fluid, and he attacked bags with urgency.
In a draft class heavy on space-eating nose tackles, Halton’s penetrator profile stands out. He now looks like a high-upside 3-technique for aggressive defensive fronts.
4. Malachi Lawrence, Edge, UCF
Lawrence tested like a prototype: 4.52 in the 40.40-inch vertical.10-foot-10 broad jump. At 253 pounds with nearly 34-inch arms, that’s Day 2 explosiveness, especially paired with 20 career college sacks.
He wasn’t widely discussed entering the week, but that probably changes now. Teams love a combination of production, length, and verified speed.
5. David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech
Yes, he went viral for his 4.51-second 40 (and for being part of the now-famous camera moment involving Jets head coach Aaron Glenn), but don’t let the meme overshadow the tape. Bailey’s 10-yard split was explosive, and his get-off translated in drills.
This draft class is loaded with edge talent, but Baiely separated himself from the rest. With teams drafting in the top 10 desperate for pass rush juice, Bailey may have moved himself into that early-round discussion.
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