NFL Scouting Combine 2026 spotlight: Five defensive prospects from smaller programs boosted their stock after Lucas Oil Stadium workouts. Kaleb Proctor (DL, Southeastern Louisiana) posted eye-catching speed and explosiveness—4.79 40-yard dash, 33-inch vertical, 90.05″ broad jump, and strong shuttle—on the back of a tape showing nine sacks and 39 pressures last season. Malachi Lawrence (EDGE, USF) matched top-tier combine marks with a 4.52 40 and 40-inch vertical, validating a productive four-year stretch that included seven sacks and 40 pressures for the Knights. Texas A&M edge Cashius Howell impressed with rapid pass-rush metrics (4.59 40, 14.52 mph rush speed) despite shorter arms, after posting 12 sacks and 41 pressures in 2025. Kaleb Elarms-Orr (LB, TCU) ran a 4.47 40 and delivered a 1.59 10-yard split, supporting his versatility as a multi-role linebacker in Seattle’s dime-era defenses. Chris Johnson (CB, San Diego State) reinforced his underrated profile with a 4.40 40 and standout athletic testing, along with a flawless college tape against top competition, strengthening the case for a higher draft placement. The combine’s deeper athletic data continues to shape boards as teams seek versatile defenders who can cover, rush, and play multiple spots in increasingly specialized defenses.
