NFL Awards 33 Compensatory Picks

NFL Awards 33 Compensatory Picks to 15 Teams

The NFL announced it has awarded 33 compensatory picks to 15 teams for the 2026 NFL Draft, which will be held April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.

The 33 compensatory picks include one special selection that was awarded at the end of the third round to the Lions for the hiring of former defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn as Jets head coach in 2025. Detroit has traded that pick to the Jaguars. Teams that have had a minority employee hired as a head coach or primary football executive by another club receive special compensatory picks, which were instituted as an amendment to the 2020 Collective Bargaining Agreement in an effort to promote equal employment opportunities.

Separate from the special compensatory picks, a team that suffers a net loss of compensatory free agents (CFAs) during the previous free-agent signing period (2025 March) is eligible to receive compensatory draft picks. Also, a team that lost the same number of CFAs that it gained could be eligible for a selection at the end of Round 7 if the value of the CFAs it lost exceeds that of the CFAs it gained.

The compensatory picks are positioned at the end of Round 3 thru Round 7, with no team allowed to receive more than four. The formula that determines compensatory free agents is based on salary, playing time and postseason honors.

List of compensatory picks awarded to teams for the NFL Draft 2026

Round 3
97. Minnesota Vikings
98. Philadelphia Eagles
99. Pittsburgh Steelers
100. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Lions)*

Round 4
133. San Francisco 49ers
134. Las Vegas Raiders
135. Pittsburgh Steelers
136. New Orleans Saints
137. Philadelphia Eagles
138. San Francisco 49ers
139. San Francisco 49ers
140. New York Jets

Round 5
173. Baltimore Ravens
174. Baltimore Ravens
175. Las Vegas Raiders
176. Kansas City Chiefs
177. Dallas Cowboys
178. Philadelphia Eagles
179. New York Jets
180. Dallas Cowboys
181. Detroit Lions

Round 6
214. Pittsburgh Steelers
215. Philadelphia Eagles
216. Pittsburgh Steelers

Round 7
249. Indianapolis Colts
250. Baltimore Ravens
251. Los Angeles Rams
252. Los Angeles Rams
253. Baltimore Ravens
254. Indianapolis Colts
255. Green Bay Packers
256. Denver Broncos
257. Denver Broncos

Here’s a breakdown of the number of compensatory picks allotted by team 

Team Total compensatory picks
Baltimore Ravens 4
Philadelphia Eagles 4
Pittsburgh Steelers 4
San Francisco 49ers 3
Dallas Cowboys 2
Denver Broncos 2
Detroit Lions 2
Indianapolis Colts 2
Las Vegas Raiders 2
Los Angeles Rams 2
New York Jets 2
Green Bay Packers 1
Kansas City Chiefs 1
Minnesota Vikings 1
New Orleans Saints 1




Top 100 NFL Free Agents

Top Free Agents – Unrestricted & ‘Street’ Players

Frank Coyle/ Head scout

               Does Not include Franchise or Transitional Players or Resigned players

Veteran Free Agents

Rank         Player          Pos      Team   Age

Top 100 NFL Free Agents – 2026

1 Trey Hendrickson, Edge, Bengals (age 31)
2 Alec Pierce, WR, Colts (age 25)
3 Tyler Linderbaum, C, Ravens (age 25)
4 Devin Lloyd, LB, Jaguars (age 27)
5 Jaelan Phillips, Edge, Eagles (age 26)
6 Odafe Oweh, Edge, Chargers (age 27)
7 Jaylen Watson, CB, Chiefs (age 27)
8 Malik Willis, QB, Packers (age 26)
9 Kenneth Walker III, RB, Seahawks (age 27)
10 Kyler Murray, QB, Cardinals (age 29)
11 Rashid Shaheed, WR/KR, Seahawks (age 27)
12 Rasheed Walker, OT, Packers (age 25)
13 Alontae Taylor, CB, Saints (age 27)
14 Jauan Jennings, WR, 49ers (age 26)
15 David Edwards, G, Bills (age 28)
16 Nakobe Dean, LB, Eagles (age 25)
17 Boye Mafe, Edge, Seahawks (age 27)
18 Mike Evans, WR, Buccaneers (age 32)
19 Aaron Rodgers, QB, Steelers (age 42)
20 Travis Etienne Jr., RB, Jaguars (age 26)
21 Tue Tagovailoa, QB, Dolphins (age 28)
22 Cade Otton TE Bucs (age 27)
23 Jamel Dean, CB, Buccaneers (age 29)
24 Alijah Vera-Tucker, G, Jets (age 26)
25 Leo Chenal, LB, Chiefs (age 25)
26 Jaylinn Hawkins, S, Patriots (age 28)
27 Coby Bryant, S, Seahawks (age 26)
28 Kirk Cousins QB Falcons (age 37)
29 Rico Dowdle, RB, Panthers (age 27)
30 Romeo Doubs, WR, Packers (age 25)
31 Montaric Brown CB, Jaguars (age 27)
32 Isaiah Likely, TE, Ravens (age 25)
33 Devin Bush, LB, Browns (age 27)
34 Riq Woolen, CB, Seahawks (age 26)
35 Dallas Goedert, TE, Eagles (age 31)
36 Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Steelers (age 26)
37 Bryan Cook, S, Chiefs (age 26)
38 J.K. Dobbins, RB, Broncos (age 27)
39 Wan’Dale Robinson, WR, Giants (age 25)
40 Arnold Ebiketie, Edge, Falcons (age 27)
41 Quay Walker, LB, Packers (age 25)
42 Jaquan Brisker, S, Bears (age 26)
43 John Franklin-Myers, DT, Broncos (age 29)
44 Jermaine Eluemunor, OT, Giants (age 31)
45 Isaac Seumalo, G, Steelers (age 32)
46 David Onyemata, DT, Falcons (age 33)
47 Dre’Mont Jones, DT, Ravens (age 29)
48 Nahshon Wright, CB, Bears (age 27)
49 Zion Johnson OG, Chargers (age 26)
50 Eric Stokes, CB, Raiders (age 27)
51 Stefon Diggs, WR, Patriots (age 32)
52 Alex Anzalone, LB, Lions (age 31)
53 Chigoziem Okonkwo, TE, Titans (age 26)
54 K’Lavon Chaisson, Edge, Patriots (age 26)
55 Kevin Byard III, S, Bears (age 32)
56 Cobie Durant, CB, Rams (age 27)
57 Braxton Jones, OT, Bears (age 26)
58 Ed Ingram, G, Texans (age 26)
59 Jalen Thompson, S, Cardinals (age 27)
60 Deebo Samuel, WR, Commanders (age 29)
61 Dylan Parham, G, Raiders (age 26)
62 C.J. Gardner-Johnson, S, Bears (age 28)
63 Christian Kirk, WR, Texans (age 29)
64 Kwity Paye, Edge, Colts (age 27)
65 Tyler Allgeier, RB, Falcons (age 25)
66 Roger McCreary, CB, Rams (age 26)
67 Jamaree Salyer OT, Chargers (age 26)
68 Alohi Gilman, S, Ravens (age 28)
69 Cade Mays, C, Panthers (age 26)
70 Najee Harris, RB, Chargers (age 27)
71 Braden Smith, OT, Colts (age 29)
72 David Njoku, TE, Browns (age 29)
73 Kaden Elliss, LB, Falcons (age 30)
74 Andre Cisco, S, Jets (age 25)
75 Joey Bosa, Edge, Bills (age 30)
76 Darnell Mooney, WR, Falcons (age 28)
77 Chidobe Awuzie, CB, Ravens (age: 30)
78 Germaine Pratt, LB, Colts (age 29)
79 Jadeveon Clowney, Edge, Cowboys (age 32)
80 Rachaad White, RB, Buccaneers (age 27)
81 Nick Cross, S, Colts, (age 24)
82 Greg Newsome II, CB, Jaguars (age 26)
83 Rasul Douglas, CB, Dolphins (age 31)
84 Joseph Ossai, Edge, Bengals (age 26)
85 Wyatt Teller, OG, Browns (age 31)
86 Cordale Flott, CB, Giants (age 25)
87 A.J. Epenesa, Edge, Bills (age 27)
88. Demario Davis, LB, Saints (age 36)
89. Bradley Chubb, Edge, Dolphins (age 30)
90. Joshua Jobe, CB, Seahawks, (age 28)
91. Reed Blankenship, S, Eagles (age 26)
92. D.J. Reader, DT, Lions (age 31)
93. Charlie Kolar, TE, Ravens (age 27)
94. Cameron Jordan, Edge, Saints (age 36)
95. Joel Bitonio, G, Browns (age 34)
96. Bobby Wagner, LB, Commanders (age 35)
97. Haason Reddick, Edge, Bucs (age 31)
98. Tyquan Thornton, WR, Chiefs (age 25)
99. Malcolm Koonce, Edge, Raiders (age 28)
100. John Simpson, G. Jets (age 28)

                           




First Round Mock Draft 4.0

First Round Mock Draft 4.0

Post NFL Combine

Frank Coyle / Head scout

Team                        Rec    Player    Pos    School

First Round
1 Las Vegas            3-14   Fernando Mendoza  QB   Indiana
2 NY Jets               3-14   David Bailey    Edge    Texas Tech
3 Arizona                3-14   Arvell Reese              LB   Ohio St
4 Tennessee           3-14   Mansoor Delane      CB   LSU
5 NY Giants           4-13    Sonny Styles             LB   Ohio St
6 Cleveland            5-12     Francis Mauigoa     OT  Miami (Fl)
7 Washington                       5-12     Carnell Tate                  WR Ohio State
8 New Orleans                     6-11     Jeremiyah Love            RB Notre Dame
9 Kansas City                       6-11     Rueben Bain                 Edge Miami (Fl)
10 Cincinnati                       6-11     Olaivavega Ioane          G Penn St
11 Miami                               7-10     Keldric Faulk               Edge Auburn
12 Dallas                               7-9-1   Jermod McCoy             CB Tennessee
13 LA Rams (Atl)                 8-9      Makai Lemon               WR USC
14 Baltimore                        8-9       Caleb Downs                 S Ohio St
15 Tampa Bay                      8-9      Kenyon Sadiq               TE Oregon
16 NY Jets (Indy)                8-9      Ty Simpson                   QB Alabama
17 Detroit                             9-8       T.J. Parker                   Edge Clemson
18 Minnesota                       9-8      Dillon Thieneman         S Oregon
19 Carolina                           8-9      Spencer Fano                 OT Utah
20 Dallas (GB)                    9-7-1    Akeem Mesidor            Edge Miami (Fl)
21 Pittsburgh                      10-7      KC Concepcion             WR Texas A&M
22 LA Chargers                  11-6      Chris Johnson               CB San Diego State
23 Philadelphia                  11-6     Jordyn Tyson                 WR Arizona St
24 Cleveland (Jax)            13-4     Brandon Cisse               CB South Carolina
25 Chicago                          11-6      Caleb Banks                  DT Florida
26 Buffalo                           12-5     Chris Brazzell               WR Tennessee
27 San Francisco              12-5      Denzel Boston             WR Washington
28 Houston                       12-5       Monroe Freeling         OT Georgia
29 Kansas City (LAR)      12-5       Colton Hood                CB Tennessee
30 Denver                         14-3       Eli Stowers                   TE Vanderbilt
31 New England               14-3      Caleb Lomu                  OT Utah
32 Seattle                          14-3      Avieon Terrell              CB Clemson

 




Colts Transition Tag QB Daniel Jones Cards Release QB Kyler Murray

Colts Transition Tag QB Daniel Jones
Cards Release QB Kyler Murray
Jets Franchise Tag RB Breece Hall

Frank Coyle/ Publisher 

The deadline for the Free agency tags ended today at 4 pm. Four players were tagged, three as non-exclusive Franchise players and one transitional tag. Daniel Jones received the Transitional tag after negoiations failed to close a new deal. Jones and the Colts hope to close a deal prior to the start of Free agency on March 11th. The new NFL salary cap of $301.2M will be in place, an increase of over $20M per team for the new open market.

Jones receiving the transitional tag means Colts wideout Alec Pierce will enter free agency on the open market. He is expected to be one of the premier FAs on the market and the highest rated wide receiver. Also, Super Bowl MVP runner Kenneth Walker was not tagged and will test the market. Edge defender, Trey Hendrickson was not tagged after failing to get an agreement done over the past year. He will be highly coveted on the open market and a huge loss for the defense hungry Bengals.

Franchise Tag Players and figures 

WR George Pickens – Dallas – $28.298M

TE Kyle Pitts – Atlanta – $15.045M

RB Breece Hall – NY Jets –  $14.293M

Transition Tag Player and figure

QB Daniel Jones – Colts – $37.833M

Positional Non-exclusive Franchise Tag figures

  • Quarterback: $43.895M
  • Running back: $14.293M
  • Wide receiver: $28.298M
  • Tight end: $15.045M
  • Offensive line: $25.773M
  • Defensive end: $24.434M
  • Defensive tackle: $27.127M
  • Linebacker: $26.865M
  • Cornerback: $21.161M
  • Safety: $20.149M
  • Kicker/punter: $6.649M

The exclusive tag is often seen as prohibitively expensive, since the team must account for the entire amount on their salary cap that year. Instead, ‘franchise tag’ typically refers to the non-exclusive tag, which allows tagged players to negotiate with other teams. If they agree to an offer sheet, the original team gets a chance to match. If they decline, the player signs with a new team, who must send the original team two first-round picks.

That required compensation often makes negotiating with non-exclusive franchise-tagged players a non-starter. Instead, players on the non-exclusive tag often sign extensions with their original teams with the tag number serving as a key point of reference on a long-term AAV.

Positional figures for Transition tag

  • Quarterback: $37.833M
  • Running back: $11.323M
  • Wide receiver: $23.852M
  • Tight end: $12.687M
  • Offensive line: $23.392M
  • Defensive end: $21.512M
  • Defensive tackle: $22.521M
  • Linebacker: $21.925M
  • Cornerback: $18.119M
  • Safety: $16.012M
  • Kicker/punter: $6.005M



Pro Day Schedule 2026

 Pro Day Schedule

Staff @ draftinsiders.com

The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine has finished and the next step in the NFL Draft process has begun. School Pro Days are scheduled to start following the NFL Combine. Below you’ll see the schedule for college pro days leading up to the NFL Draft 2026.

The schedule date and times are subject to change. Schools can host two pro days to give their players more time to prepare and recover from prior workouts.

 Check back here for updates of the pro day schedule

Upcoming Pro Day Schedule:

March 2
Ball State

March 5
Illinois State
Navy

March 6
Wisconsin

March 9
Lehigh

March 10
Colorado State
Monmouth
Norfolk State
San Diego State

March 11
Kansas

March 12
Clemson
Delaware State
Oklahoma
Oklahoma State

March 16
Abilene Christian
South Carolina
Syracuse
Washington

March 17
Northwestern

March 18
Central Michigan
Georgia
Minnesota
Penn State
Stanford
UTSA

March 19
California
Kennesaw State
Memphis
Michigan State
North Dakota State
Stephen F. Austin
Western Michigan

March 20
Michigan
Vanderbilt

March 23
Alabama State
Bowling Green
LSU
Miami (FL)
New Mexico
Rhode Island
Toledo

March 24
Boise State
Central Connecticut State
Cincinnati
Louisville
North Carolina State
Notre Dame
South Dakota
William & Mary

March 25
Arizona
Massachusetts
Ohio State
Sam Houston State
UCF
UNLV

March 26
Alcorn State
Florida
Grambling State
Jackson State
Pittsburgh
Stony Brook
UAB

March 27
Houston
Kent State
Mississippi State
South Dakota State

March 30
Tennessee State

March 31
Colorado
Northern Colorado
Tennessee

April 1
Indiana
Nevada

April 3
Montana

April 10
Towson




NFL Combine Workouts – Friday

NFL Combine Workout Drills

 Friday – Feb. 27, 3 pm 
   Tight Ends
   Defensive Backs

 Frank Coyle / Head scout

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 NFL Combine News
Sonny Styles had an amazing workout on Thursday. He put up record setting numbers with a 43.5″ VL , 11.2″ BJ , 4.46 time in forty with a 1.56 ten yard split. They are generational numbers for a defender who has been a two-time Big Ten first team performer. His versatility makes him a unique piece for a pro defense and actually makes him attractive to all 32 NFL teams. His 4.46 time was duplicated by his Ohio State teammate linebacker Arvell Reese.

Players to Watch – Friday – Feb 27th

Tight Ends
 
Justin Joly, N.C. State
Expected to shine in passing drills.
 
Max Klare, Ohio State
Polished receiver with precise routes and great hands.
 
Marlin Klein, Michigan
Sleeper prospect looks to impress in drills to move up the charts.
 
Tanner Koziol, Houston
Savvy receiver looks to show high development in passing drills.
 
Joe Royer, Cincinnati
Well-rounded prospect hopes to push into the early rounds.
 
Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
Talented playmaker can excel in drills and claim a first round grade.
 
Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt
Developed playmaker looks to impress in drills.
 
Michael Trigg, Baylor
Fast playmaker can excel in passing drills.
 
Dae’Quan Wright, Mississippi
Unheralded playmaker can be the big surprise in this class.
 
Cornerbacks
 
Brandon Cisse, South Carolina
Long underclassman can shine here in all drills.
 
Mansoor Delane, LSU
Savvy cover man hopes to claim the #1 corner spot.
 
Chris Johnson, San Diego State
Talented cover man can move up the charts off a strong performance.
 
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NFL Combine Workout Drills

NFL Combine Workout Drills Start

        Frank Coyle / Head scout
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NFL Combine News
Jets and Titans make player trade. Jets trade edge defender Jermaine Johnson to the Titans for DT T’Vondre Sweat. Good deal for both clubs. Johnson reunites with new Titans HC Robert Saleh.
Players to Watch – Thursday Feb 26th
  Prior to first workout
Edge Defenders
Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
Relentless edge rusher faces triangle number exam, but an impact defender who makes a difference.
Logan Fano, Utah
Brother of highly rated RT Spencer Fano gets center stage to show his athleticism. Ready to rise up the charts.
Keldric Faulk, Auburn
Blue chip 20 year-old athlete looks to light up drills to confirm a mid-first round selection.
Malachi Lawrence, UCF
Explosive edge rusher has well developed skills as a rusher and looks to shine in drills to move up the ranks.
Derrick Moore, Michigan
Athletic edge rusher is ready to shine in drills. Looking to follow a solid Senior Bowl performance with workout and positional drills.
T.J. Parker, Clemson
Edge rusher looks to impress in drills after a subpar 2025 season parred by nagging injuries. Performed well at the Senior Bowl and wants to reestablish himself as a top draft pick here.
Nadame Tucker, Western Michigan
Explosive edge rusher excelled in the MAC. Strong performance at the Senior Bowl sets the stage for his drill here. Rising prospect.
Interior Defenders
Caleb Banks, Florida
Massive defender missed most of the 2025 season with a foot injury. Showed dominant skills at the Senior Bowl where he beat double team blocks. Looking to claim a first round grade here
Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State
Huge interior defender was a man among boys at thee East-West practices. Hopes to impress in positional drills to rise up the charts.
Domonique Orange, Iowa State
Physically strong interior defender is a force vs the run. Can he impress at the positional drills to move up charts off scheme versatility?
Peter Woods, Clemson
Much discussed quick defender faces a huge test in drills. His production fell significantly in 2025. His adequate triangle numbers will be criticized which makes his workout vital to retain a first-round grade.
Linebackers
Jake Golday, Cincinnati
Athletic rangy defender lacks the national publicity, though a blue chip defender could shine on the main stage.
Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
Former five-star recruit had a good Longhorn career, though more was expected. Must establish himself as a top prospect with a strong workout, especially positional drills.
Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh
Quick defender had an impressive final season and Senior Bowl. Looks to standout as an off backer with nickel backer skills to impress scouts.
Arvell Reese, Ohio State
 Chiseled athlete will workout at both edge and off backer positions in Indy. Looks to follow a strong 2025 season with an impressive workout to solidify a top five selections.
Sonny Styles, Ohio State
Athletic playmaker is ready to shine in Indy. Former safety can run well at 240 lbs. with the coverage skills to be a three-down stud.
Josiah Trotter, Missouri
Fast athlete comes off an excellent 2025 season. Hopes to follow his father, Jeremiah Trotter, using his speed, instincts and range to become an NFL starter.



NFL Combine Workout Drills Start

NFL Combine Workout Drills Start

Frank Coyle / Head scout

The NFL offseason Olympics begin today with the positional drills for defensive linemen and linebackers at the combine. The front seven defenders are a highly talented group and maybe the best of this entire class, except for probably the wide receivers. The off linebackers are also a deep group of prospects and will warrant many early selections. Player workouts will be critical evaluation from all aspects especially a prospects special teams value.

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NFL Combine Player Workouts Live
Date Time (ET) Group
Thursday – Feb. 26, 3 p.m. DL, LB, PK
Friday – Feb. 27, 3 p.m. TE, DB
Saturday – Feb. 28, 1 p.m. QB, WR, RB
Sunday – March 1, 1 p.m. OL

Thursday – Feb. 26, 3 p.m. DL, LB, PK
Defensive Linemen

Vincent Anthony Jr., Duke
David Bailey, Texas Tech
Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
Cameron Ball, Arkansas
Caleb Banks, Florida
Jaishawn Barham, Michigan
Nick Barrett, South Carolina
Rayshaun Benny, Michigan
DeMonte Capehart, Clemson
Brandon Cleveland, N.C. State
Dontay Corleone, Cincinnati
Keyron Crawford, Auburn
Caden Curry, Ohio State
Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State
Zane Durant, Penn State
Bryson Eason, Tennessee
Deven Eastern, Minnesota
Logan Fano, Utah
Keldric Faulk, Auburn
Skyler Gill-Howard, Texas Tech
George Gumbs Jr., Florida
David Gusta, Kentucky
Gracen Halton, Oklahoma
Zxavian Harris, Mississippi
Romello Height, Texas Tech
Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
Aidan Hubbard, Northwestern
Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
Quintayvious Hutchins, Boston College
Gabe Jacas, Illinois
Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State
Bobby Jamison-Travis, Auburn
Marvin Jones Jr., Oklahoma
Joshua Josephs, Tennessee
Tim Keenan III, Alabama
Nyjalik Kelly, UCF
Malachi Lawrence, UCF
Max Llewellyn, Iowa
Anthony Lucas, USC
Jackie Marshall, Baylor
Chris McClellan, Missouri
Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
Akheem Mesidor, Miami
Christen Miller, Georgia
Derrick Moore, Michigan
Trey Moore, Texas
Tyler Onyedim, Texas A&M
Domonique Orange, Iowa State
LT Overton, Alabama
T.J. Parker, Clemson
Patrick Payton, LSU
Kaleb Proctor, Southeastern Louisiana
Jack Pyburn, LSU
Albert Regis, Texas A&M
Mason Reiger, Wisconsin
Tyreak Sapp, Florida
Gary Smith III, UCLA
R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma
Nadame Tucker, Western Michigan
Damonic Williams, Oklahoma
Wesley Williams, Duke
Peter Woods, Clemson
Zion Young, Missouri

Linebackers

CJ Allen, Georgia
Lander Barton, Utah
Wesley Bissainthe, Miami
Bryce Boettcher, Oregon
Kendal Daniels, Oklahoma
Kaleb Elarms-Orr, TCU
Keshaun Elliott, Arizona State
Aiden Fisher, Indiana
Eric Gentry, USC
Jake Golday, Cincinnati
Owen Heinecke, Oklahoma
Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
Justin Jefferson, Alabama
Jack Kelly, BYU
Deontae Lawson, Alabama
Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh
Red Murdock, Buffalo
Namdi Obiazor, TCU
Harold Perkins Jr., LSU
Arvell Reese, Ohio State
Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
Jimmy Rolder, Michigan
Karson Sharar, Iowa
Xavian Sorey Jr., Arkansas
Sonny Styles, Ohio State
Josiah Trotter, Missouri
Scooby Williams, Texas A&M
Wade Woodaz, Clemson
Taurean York, Texas A&M




NFL Combine Drills

NFL Combine Drills

Frank Coyle / Head scout

Drills all the prospects invited to participate. Drills are underway with results posted on Thursday for early arrivals.

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40-yard dash (2 sprints allowed)

The 40-yard dash is the marquee event at the combine. It’s kind of like the 100-meters at the Olympics: It’s all about speed, explosion and watching skilled athletes run great times. These athletes are timed at 10, 20 and 40-yard intervals. What the scouts are looking for is an explosion from a static start.

Bench press

The bench press is a test of strength — 225 pounds, as many reps as the athlete can get. What the NFL scouts are also looking for is endurance. Anybody can do a max one time, but what the bench press tells the pro scouts is how often the athlete frequented his college weight room for the last 3-5 years.

Vertical jump

The vertical jump is all about lower-body explosion and power. The athlete stands flat-footed and they measure his reach. It is important to accurately measure the reach, because the differential between the reach and the flag the athlete touches is his vertical jump measurement.

Broad jump

The broad jump is like being in gym class back in junior high school. Basically, it is testing an athlete’s lower-body explosion and lower-body strength. The athlete starts out with a stance balanced and then he explodes out as far as he can. It tests explosion and balance, because he has to land without moving.

3 cone drill

The 3 cone drill tests an athlete’s ability to change directions at a high speed. Three cones in an L-shape. He starts from the starting line, goes 5 yards to the first cone and back. Then, he turns, runs around the second cone, runs a weave around the third cone, which is the high point of the L, changes directions, comes back around that second cone and finishes.

Shuttle run

The short shuttle is the first of the cone drills. It is known as the 5-10-5. What it tests is the athlete’s lateral quickness and explosion in short areas. The athlete starts in the three-point stance, explodes out 5 yards to his right, touches the line, goes back 10 yards to his left, left hand touches the line, pivot, and he turns 5 more yards and finishes.

Positional drills follow under the direction of NFL coaches




NFL Combine 2026 Opens

NFL Combine Schedule 2026

Dates: Sunday, Feb. 22 to Monday, March 2
Location: Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana

Here is the workout schedule for the 2026 NFL Combine.

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NFL Network will carry player workouts live
Date Time (ET)                       Group
Thursday – Feb. 26, 3 p.m.     DL, LB, PK
Friday – Feb. 27, 3 p.m.           TE, DB
Saturday – Feb. 28, 1 p.m.      QB, WR, RB
Sunday – March 1, 1 p.m.         OL