The 2026 NFL Combine marks an important checkpoint in the draft cycle for prospects. This is one of the biggest opportunities for players to meet with teams, showcase their athletic ability, and undergo medical examinations. Every year, we see larger narratives written about players’ draft cycles based on their week in Indianapolis.
As I write up my 100 Prospects in 100 Days project, these are some of the biggest questions I have around the NFL Combine. Some of these questions are broader in scope, covering positions and teams, while others are player-specific.
Can Ty Simpson begin his climb up draft boards?
We don’t talk much about quarterbacks during the draft, for obvious reasons. This year, more than any other in recent memory, the Chiefs are really hurting from it being a one-QB draft. Ty Simpson put together a terrific start to his season at Alabama while transitioning to the full-time starter role. Simpson got injured and struggled to finish the year, and his performance reflected that.
Simpson gets glowing reports from scouts about his makeup and processing. He will also get recognized for his willingness to sit behind Jalen Milroe for two seasons instead of entering the portal. Simpson is now healthy and is a coach’s son (his father is the head coach at UT Martin). Can he start climbing up draft boards? Is this the week when we start hearing about his rise as a prospect? A team wanting to climb into the top 10 could be a dream scenario for the Chiefs.
How will Rueben Bain's measurements stack up?
No man’s arms have been talked about as much over the last two months as those of the Miami edge rushers. Reports from credible sources indicate that Bain’s arms could be as short as 31 inches, putting him in the first percentile of all edge-rusher arm lengths since 1999. While arm length isn’t everything, outliers are just that, and it could impact his draft stock and profile. Not being able to separate from tackles blocking him could limit his upside as a top-10 pick.
Will the real RB2 please stand up?
This class has a clear and defined RB1. Jeremiyah Love has very little to prove in Indianapolis, but those behind him do. There isn’t an obvious running back behind him. Will a name separate at the Combine? What do Jonah Coleman’s speed and explosion scores look like? Is Jadarian Price going to stand out as a former track athlete? Will Emmett Johnson be able to make a name for himself? The Chiefs’ need at running back is obvious, and getting some clarity in the hierarchy could impact free agency plans.
How many receivers can go in the first round?
Recently, Daniel Jeremiah mocked six wide receivers in the first round of his Mock Draft 2.0, which could greatly impact the Chiefs’ draft board at pick No. 9 and pick No. 40. There are several questions to be answered around the receiver class, too. What are Makai Lemon’s measurements? Is he closer to 5-9 and 180 pounds, or closer to his listed measurement of 5-11 and 195 pounds? What are the reports on Jordyn Tyson’s medicals? Tyson missed quite a bit of time due to several injuries, including an ACL tear and soft-tissue injuries. What we hear could massively impact his stock.
Additionally, keep an eye on some Day 2 names such as Omar Cooper Jr., Chris Brazzell Jr., Elijah Sarratt, Germie Bernard, and Zachariah Branch, all of whom could be in the mix in Round 2 for the Chiefs. All of them have questions to answer as well.
Who are the athletic freaks in this draft class?
Who are the freaks? Every year, we see players have strong Combine performances, and it pushes them up draft boards. Whether right or wrong, the Combine is how players like Tyree Wilson and Shemar Stewart end up as first-round picks. It’s also where the overreaction gets out of control. Players such as AD Mitchell get viewed as consensus first-round picks when, in reality, there’s more to their profile than just testing.
With that being said, there are some names you can expect to be the talk of the Combine. Peter Woods could see a big rise this week. Last summer, Woods bench pressed 490 pounds and did 34 reps of 225. He squatted 700 pounds, power cleaned 385, ran a 4.86 40-yard dash, and posted a 33-inch vertical jump.
Keldrick Faulk is one of the youngest players in the draft and has a chance to really put his traits on display. Auburn asked him to do much more than rush the passer with how they used him. At 20 years old, the 6-6, 285-pound junior squatted 700 pounds this offseason and bench pressed 415 pounds. Sonny Styles, a safety convert with NFL bloodlines, will likely see his stock go through the roof as well. At 6-4 and 243 pounds, he broad jumped 11-0, vertical jumped 40 inches, squatted 675 pounds this summer, and was clocked at over 23.5 mph on GPS tracking.
Look for the tight end class to put on a show. Eli Raridon, at 6-6 and 255 pounds, moves very well in space and put up some big testing numbers as well—vertical jumping 34 inches and broad jumping 9-10. He can also bench 350 pounds, power clean 335, and squat 535 pounds. Eli Stowers ranks 15th on the Freaks list for his 11-3 broad jump this offseason, along with a 39-inch vertical. His top speed on GPS was 21.43 mph, along with a 360-pound power clean. Kenyon Sadiq might be the freakiest of all. At 255 pounds, he’s 10% body fat while vertical jumping 41.5 inches, and he can power clean 365 pounds and bench press 435 pounds.
Can we get some consistency in Combine measurements?
Last year, we saw differences in arm length, hand size, and wingspan between the Combine and the Senior Bowl. Several players measured shorter at the Combine. It would be nice to get clarity and uniformity on that this year.
To keep close tabs on the 2026 NFL Draft and the top prospects for the Kansas City Chiefs, make sure to bookmark our Arrowhead Addict Big Board. Our custom big board is tailored toward the Chiefs’ needs and thresholds.