The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine delivered one of the most memorable linebacker showings in recent years, highlighted by a group of five prospects whose athletic testing and positional work reshaped early draft evaluations.
Ohio State’s Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese headlined the event with historic performances, while Texas’ Anthony Hill Jr., Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez, and Pittsburgh’s Kyle Louis each added meaningful data points that strengthened their draft profiles.
Together, this group demonstrated the depth, versatility, and explosiveness that define the modern NFL linebacker.
The OSU Backers
Styles entered the Combine as one of the most anticipated defensive prospects, and his performance validated every expectation.
The potential top-5 pick posted an 11-foot, 2‑inch broad jump and a 43.5‑inch vertical, both elite marks that set a new standard for the linebacker position. He also ran an official 4.46-second 40-yard dash, one of the fastest times among all linebackers in attendance. These numbers confirmed his rare blend of size, explosiveness, and fluidity, reinforcing his projection as a first‑round defender capable of playing multiple roles in an NFL front.
Reese matched Styles’ speed, running an identical 4.46-second 40-yard dash, the fastest time recorded by any linebacker at the 2026 Combine. His showing drew widespread praise from scouts and analysts, who viewed his performance as confirmation of his top‑five draft potential.
Reese’s ability to pair size with elite straight‑line speed made him one of the most dynamic defenders in Indianapolis. His testing performance, combined with his college production, positioned him as one of the most complete linebacker prospects in the class.
Some Other LB Standouts at the Combine
Hill Jr. delivered one of the most balanced workouts in the linebacker group. He ran a 4.51-second 40-yard dash with a 1.58-second 10-yard split, demonstrating the acceleration and closing speed that NFL teams covet.
He also recorded a 37-inch vertical and a 10-foot, 5-inch broad jump, confirming the explosiveness he consistently showed on film. Hill’s performance strengthened his standing as a versatile, three‑down linebacker capable of contributing immediately in both run defense and coverage.
Rodriguez posted an official 4.57-second 40-yard dash, a result that aligned with his reputation as a smooth, rangy defender with strong pursuit ability. His testing validated his movement skills and transition quickness, traits that are increasingly important for linebackers asked to defend spread offenses and athletic tight ends.
Rodriguez’s Combine performance supported his projection as a mid‑round prospect with developmental upside and the potential to grow into a meaningful defensive contributor
Louis recorded a verified 4.53-second 40-yard dash, placing him among the faster linebackers in the class and ahead of many of his peers. Although additional testing numbers were not published in official Combine recaps, his timed speed alone provided valuable insight into his athletic profile.
His on‑field positional drills further demonstrated fluid movement, controlled footwork, and the ability to change direction efficiently. Louis’ Combine performance helped solidify him as a prospect whose athleticism and competitiveness warrant close attention heading into the draft.
Overall Evaluation
This group of five linebackers showcased the range of athletic traits present in the 2026 class.
Styles and Reese delivered historic performances that placed them among the most explosive athletes at any position. Hill provided a complete, well‑rounded workout that reinforced his versatility. Rodriguez confirmed his speed and coverage potential, while Louis added a strong timed performance and consistent positional work.
Collectively, these linebackers demonstrated that the 2026 class offers both high‑end athleticism and depth. Teams seeking defenders who can play in space, close quickly, and contribute immediately will find several compelling options among these five prospects.
