The 2026 NFL Combine: A Speedy Showdown Among Edge Rushers
The NFL Scouting Combine is a crucial event for aspiring football players, and this year's edition in Indianapolis is no exception. On Thursday, February 26, 2026, the spotlight shone on the edge rushers, a position known for their speed and agility. Among them, David Bailey from Texas Tech stood out, but not for the reasons one might expect.
Bailey's 40-yard dash time of 4.50 seconds might not have been the fastest, but it was still impressive. Bailey's performance was just 0.04 seconds slower than Ohio State's Arvell Reese and 0.02 seconds faster than UCF's Malachi Lawrence. However, it was Texas A&M's Cashius Howell who claimed the title of the fastest starter, covering the first 10 yards in a lightning-quick 1.58 seconds, resulting in a 4.59-second 40-yard dash.
Among the edge rushers with Alabama ties, some notable performances stood out. Texas Tech's Romello Height ran a 4.64-second 40-yard dash, Clemson's T.J. Parker clocked in at 4.68, Boston College's Quintayvious Hutchins at 4.74, and Alabama's own LT Overton at 4.87. Interestingly, Height had a previous connection to Auburn, having played there in 2020 and 2021, while Hutchins and Parker are former Alabama prep stars.
Notably, 16 out of 35 edge rushers did not run the 40-yard dash on Thursday, including Auburn's Keyron Crawford and Keldric Faulk. However, four other SEC prospects showcased their speed, with Texas' Trey Moore at 4.54 seconds, Florida's George Gumbs Jr. at 4.66, Oklahoma's R Mason Thomas at 4.67, and Oklahoma's Marvin Jones Jr. at 4.69.
Beyond the 40-yard dash, other measurable drills revealed some surprising leaders. Florida's George Gumbs Jr. dominated the vertical jump, clearing 41 inches, leaving UCF's Malachi Lawrence and Wisconsin's Mason Reiger in his wake. Penn State's Dani Dennis-Sutton took the broad jump title, covering an impressive 10 feet, 11 inches, or 131 inches, with UCF's Malachi Lawrence just 1 inch behind.
This year's NFL Combine is a testament to the talent and diversity of the upcoming draft class. With the New York Jets holding the second overall pick, the stage is set for an exciting draft, and the edge rushers are certainly making their case.
