2026 NFL Combine: Top Prospects, Schedule & How to Watch
INDIANAPOLIS – The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine continued to deliver standout performances on Saturday, with several prospects solidifying their draft stock. While the spotlight shifts to quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs on Saturday afternoon, the performances of Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman, Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq, and others from Friday and Saturday have already begun to reshape the landscape of the upcoming NFL Draft.
Kenyon Sadiq, the Oregon tight end, arguably stole the show with a record-breaking performance in the 40-yard dash. Sadiq blazed through the drill in ‘s testing, clocking a time of 4.39 seconds – surpassing the previous record of 4.40 seconds held by former San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis. His athleticism didn’t stop there; Sadiq also posted a vertical jump of 43.5 inches, second only to Vanderbilt’s Eli Stowers (45.5 inches), and a broad jump of 11 feet, 1 inch, trailing Stowers’ 11 feet, 3 inches. Adding to his impressive combine showing, Sadiq completed 26 repetitions on the bench press, the second-highest total among tight ends.
Dillon Thieneman, the Oregon safety, also made a significant impact. Thieneman’s 40-yard dash time of 4.35 seconds ranked fourth among all safeties tested. He further showcased his athleticism with a 41-inch vertical jump, placing him second in the safety group, and an 10-foot, 5-inch broad jump, good for eighth. Thieneman managed 18 repetitions on the bench press. Entering the combine as a potential late first-round pick, Thieneman’s performance has likely cemented his position as a first-round prospect.
The combine isn’t just about speed and agility. Strength is also a key component, and several players demonstrated their power on during the bench press portion of the combine. Sadiq’s 26 reps led the tight ends, while Thieneman’s 18 reps were solid for a safety.
While Sadiq and Thieneman garnered significant attention, other Oregon players also participated. Bryce Boettcher, a linebacker, completed skill drills on Thursday but did not participate in the testing or bench press portions of the combine. Jadon Canady, another Oregon safety, participated in field function on Friday but also opted out of the testing drills. Defensive backs were scheduled to bench press on , but Canady did not participate.
The performances of Sadiq and Thieneman have been described as potentially locking them in as first-round picks, erasing any lingering doubts about their NFL potential. Their combine results demonstrate an athletic profile that complements their on-field production, making them highly attractive prospects for teams in need of playmakers at their respective positions.
The focus now shifts to the quarterback, wide receiver, and running back groups, with several highly touted prospects expected to participate. Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate, USC wide receiver Makai Lemon, Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, and Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza are among those anticipated to be selected in the first round of April’s draft. The pressure is on these players to replicate the success seen from the tight ends and defensive backs earlier in the week.
The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh. Fans can find continued coverage of the draft process, including mock drafts and prospect evaluations, at CBSSports.com.
The combine continues to be a crucial event for NFL teams as they evaluate the next generation of football stars. The athleticism on display, combined with on-field performance, provides valuable insights into a player’s potential for success at the professional level. The performances of players like Sadiq and Thieneman serve as prime examples of how the combine can elevate a prospect’s draft stock and set the stage for a promising NFL career.
Saturday’s events at Lucas Oil Stadium are just the latest chapter in the ongoing story of the 2026 NFL Draft. As the combine progresses, teams will continue to gather information and refine their evaluations, ultimately shaping the future of the league.