NFL Combine Day 1 winners and losers: Sonny Styles headlines a wild night in Indy

Day 1 of workouts at the 2026 NFL Combine didn’t disappoint. Defensive linemen and linebackers took center stage at Lucas Oil Stadium, and while several prospects boosted their stock, a few left evaluators wanting more.

Here are the prospects who just made themselves money, and those who may have slipped on Day 1.

Rising stock

Sonny Styles | LB | Ohio State Buckeyes football

Styles was the clear headliner:

• 4.46 40.43.5-inch vertical.
• 11-foot-2 broad jump.

He became the only player since 2003 to post a sub-4.5 40, 40+ inch vertical and 11+ foot broad at 230+ pounds. He delivered one of the most size-adjusted explosive workouts in combine history.

Verdict: Locked into the top 10, possibly climbing higher.

Kaleb Elarms-Orr | LB | TCU Horned Frogs football

Built like a throwback linebacker (6′2″, 234 pounds) but moved like a modern one.

• 4.47 40-yard dash
• 40-inch vertical

Elarms-Orr’s speed likely convinced teams he can stay on the field in coverage packages, not just early downs.

Verdict: From Day 3 buzz to comfortably in the Day 2 conversation.

DeMonte Capehart | DT | Clemson Tigers football

At 6′5″, 313 pounds, Capehart ran 4.85 and posted a 33.5-inch vertical. For a taller defensive tackle, his movement skills stood out. He needed this after modest college production.

Verdict: Teams now see upside beyond just his traits.

Malachi Lawrence | Edge | UCF Knights football

Lawrence’s performance was both explosive and productive.

• 4.52 40 at 253 pounds
• 40-inch vertical
• 10-foot-10 broad

Add that to 20 career sacks, and he may have secured himself in the Day 2 mix.

Verdict: The athleticism matches the tape.

Falling stock

LT Overton | Edge | Alabama Crimson Tide football

Overton needed a big showing to solidify a Day 2 grade, but unfortunately, that is not what happened. Here were his results instead:

• 4.87 40 at 274 pounds
• Did not participate in jumps

He flashed power in drills but didn’t answer athleticism questions.

Verdict: Pro day becomes critical.

R Mason Thomas | Edge | Oklahoma Sooners football

Weighed in light at 241 pounds, which suggested elite burst might follow, but it unfortunately didn’t. These were Thomas’ results:

• 4.67 40
• Skipped jumps
• Shorter arm length concerns

Verdict: Solid player, but didn’t separate from the pack.

The league continues to value speed and explosiveness on defense and Thursday proved it with linebackers in the mid-240s running 4.4s, defensive tackles pushing sub-4.8, and edge rushers cracking 4.5 at 250+. If this is the tone for the week, Indianapolis might reshape Round 1.

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