Group 1 defensive tackles opened the on‑field workouts at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine with a strong display of size, explosiveness, and straight‑line speed.
Although the 40‑yard dash is not the primary evaluation tool for interior defensive linemen, it remains an important indicator of initial burst, conditioning, and overall athletic upside. This year’s group demonstrated how modern defensive tackles continue to evolve into more dynamic, movement‑efficient athletes.
Rising Defensive Line from 40-Yard Dash
Several prospects delivered notable performances. Penn State’s Zane Durant completed his 40‑yard dash with the quick acceleration and lower‑body power that have defined his game, reinforcing his profile as an interior disruptor. He had the fastest 40-yard out of group 1, with a 4.76 and a 1.67 10-yard split.
Oklahoma’s Gracen Halton followed with a smooth, controlled sprint that highlighted his length, stride efficiency, and ability to carry his frame with balance. Halton ran a 4.83 with a 1.7 10-yard split.
Florida’s Caleb Banks also impressed, showing encouraging burst for his size and validating the athletic traits he displayed on film. For his hulking size, he ran a 5.05 with a 1.76 10-yard at 6’6″ and 327 pounds.
Beyond the verified participants, several other Group 1 defensive tackles, including Clemson’s Demonte Capehart, Kentucky’s David Gusta, Baylor’s Jackie Marshall, and Southeast Louisiana Kaleb Proctor, rounded out a deep and physically gifted unit. Capehart had a 4.85 with a 1.72 10-yard split, while Gusta had a 4.88 with a 1.68 10-yard split. Marshall finished with a 4.88 and 1.69 10-yard split, while Proctor finished with a 4.8 and a 1.69 10-yard split.
Each brought a combination of power, length, and movement skills that teams value when projecting early‑down run defenders and potential three‑down contributors. These numbers are unofficial, as they are the fastest times recorded out of the two attempts.
Defensive Tackle 10-Yard Splits
The 40‑yard dash remains relevant for defensive tackles because the first 10 yards often correlate with a lineman’s ability to win off the snap.
A strong run can signal explosiveness, balance, and the potential to develop into a more impactful pass rusher. Even for players whose primary responsibilities involve anchoring against the run, demonstrating efficient movement helps confirm conditioning and overall athletic readiness.
As the 2026 combine continued to emphasize speed across all position groups, Group 1 defensive tackles used their 40‑yard dash performances to strengthen their draft profiles.
The combination of verified standouts like Durant, Halton, and Banks, along with the physical upside of Capehart, Gusta, Marshall, and Proctor, highlighted a class of interior defenders capable of contributing in multiple defensive schemes.
