Search Results

The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine shifts to tight ends — a position defined by size-adjusted speed, route fluidity, and lower-body explosion. Since 2003, tight ends have averaged 4.76 seconds in the 40-yard dash, placing them just behind linebackers in overall speed but far ahead in terms of size-adjusted movement demands. Modern NFL offenses require tight ends to win vertically, separate against safeties and linebackers, and still anchor in the run game. As testing numbers were finalized, one conclusion became clear. This was the fastest tight end group in Combine history. According to NFL Network, the 2026 tight end class set the new positional speed benchmark — and the numbers confirm it. This year’s tight ends averaged 4.60 in the 40-yard dash, dramatically outperforming the long-term 4.76 baseline. The group also clustered in the 1.57–1.64 range in the 10-yard split, confirming strong early acceleration across multiple body types. Explosion metrics reinforced the movement profile, with the class averaging approximately 36.8 inches in the vertical jump, highlighted by a record-setting 45.5-inch leap. Tight End Combine Metrics That Translate Tight end remains one of the most size-sensitive evaluation positions. Straight-line speed matters — but burst and explosion often separate the elite prospects. 40-Yard Dash  — Seam-stretching speed and vertical stress ability 10-Yard Split  — Burst off the line and acceleration through contact Vertical Jump  — Lower-body explosion and red-zone playmaking Tight End Historical Baseline Tight ends have averaged 4.76 seconds in the 40-yard dash since 2003 , and true sub-4.5 speed remains rare at the position. Fastest ever:  4.40 — Vernon Davis & Dorin Dickerson Sub-4.5 occurrences:  ~2% of Combine participants Speed sweet spot:  4.5–4.6 range Notable testers: George Kittle (4.52), Jimmy Graham (4.56), Sam LaPorta (4.59), Zach Ertz (4.76) Only when times creep above 4.80 do evaluators begin flagging potential separation limitations. What makes 2026 significant is that the class average (4.60) sits squarely in the historical “high-end starter” band rather than the traditional positional mean. 2026 NFL Combine Tight End Standouts Kenyon Sadiq | TE | Oregon | 6’3” | 241 lbs Sadiq delivered a historic tight end workout, running 4.39 in the 40-yard dash at 241 pounds — faster than Vernon Davis’ 4.40 and now the fastest recorded time at the position. That number alone resets the positional speed ceiling. More importantly, he paired it with a 1.54-second 10-yard split, confirming elite early-phase acceleration, not just runway build-up speed. Add in a 43.5-inch vertical and 11’1” broad jump, and the explosion profile places him in rare size-adjusted territory. This is verified seam-stretch speed with lower-body power to match. The testing fully supports the projection. Sadiq wins with route versatility, separation quickness, and vertical stress ability across all three levels. The 1.54 split shows up in his ability to snap through breaks and accelerate out of transitions, while the 4.39 confirms he can stack linebackers and stress safeties downfield. The vertical and broad validate his catch-point elevation and run-after-catch burst. He’s not a dominant in-line mauler, but he’s functional as a positional blocker and dangerous when detached. Eli Stowers | TE | Vanderbilt | 6’4” | 239 lbs Stowers delivered one of the most explosive tight end workouts in recent Combine history. He ran 4.51 in the 40 with a 1.57-second 10-yard split, then posted a record-setting 45.5-inch vertical and an 11’3” broad jump. At 239 pounds, that vertical is historically rare for the position — elite lower-body power paired with legitimate seam speed. The 4.51 confirms vertical stress ability against linebackers, while the explosion numbers reflect dynamic catch-point elevation and run-after-catch burst. The testing mirrors the traits. Stowers plays with acceleration through the seam, natural ball-tracking ability, and a massive catch radius. His high-point timing shows up on tape, and the vertical record simply validates what you see in contested situations. He is not a traditional inline Y with a dominant blocking profile — but as a move “F” tight end, detached from the formation or flexed into space, his athletic baseline creates matchup stress. The Combine solidified his projection as a pass-game weapon with starting upside in 12- and 13-personnel packages. Sam Roush | TE | Stanford | 6’6” | 267 lbs Roush delivered one of the more intriguing size-adjusted workouts in the tight end group. At 267 pounds, he ran 4.70 in the 40-yard dash with a 1.61-second 10-yard split, then added a 38.5-inch vertical and 10’6” broad jump. The 40 time won’t headline the class, but at his frame, it confirms functional seam speed. The explosion numbers are the real separator — that vertical at nearly 270 pounds reflects strong lower-body power and catch-point elevation uncommon for a tight end of his build. The testing reinforces a projection built on size and contested ability rather than pure mismatch speed. Roush’s frame and play strength suggest inline “Y” utility, while the explosion profile supports red-zone and play-action usage where vertical pop and high-point timing matter. He’s not a sudden separator versus man coverage, but the athletic baseline confirms he has enough movement skill to threaten up the seam and compete above the rim. For teams seeking a traditional body-type tight end with more juice than the typical 260-plus-pound prospect, Roush’s Combine performance validated functional athletic upside within a pro-style role.

The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine continues with cornerbacks and safeties — a position group historically defined by speed, fluidity, and recovery range. Since 2003, defensive backs have averaged 4.53 seconds in the 40-yard dash, making them the second-fastest position group behind wide receivers. Overall, cornerbacks are typically faster and more transition-focused, while safeties balance range with physicality and processing. As testing data rolls in, the key question won’t simply be who runs fast — it will be which performances translate to coverage consistency at the NFL level. Defensive Back Combine Metrics That Translate For defensive backs, coverage ability is built on long speed, hip fluidity, and short-area recovery burst. Three core metrics consistently correlate with NFL success: 40-Yard Dash  — Vertical route recovery speed and deep-third range. 3-Cone Drill  — Hip transition and mirror ability in man coverage. 20-Yard Shuttle  — Click-and-close burst and short-area change-of-direction. Cornerback Historical Baseline Cornerbacks have averaged 4.50 seconds in the 40-yard dash since 2003, but elite boundary prospects separate themselves with rare sub-4.35 speed. The position holds some of the fastest times in Combine history, led by Kalon Barnes’ 4.23 (2022), with multiple corners clustering in the 4.26–4.33 range over the past decade. Agility testing reinforces this profile. Elite corners routinely post sub-6.60 3-cone times and sub-4.00 short shuttles, reflecting the transitional looseness required to survive in man coverage. 2026 Cornerback Testing Snapshot 40 Average:  4.45 10-Yard Split Average:  1.57 Vertical Average:  38.3” Broad Average:  10’7” The 2026 corners tested slightly faster than the historical baseline, with explosive metrics reinforcing strong lower-body pop across the group. Safety Historical Baseline Safeties have averaged 4.57 seconds in the 40-yard dash since 2003, reflecting a broader mix of body types and coverage roles. True sub-4.4 speed is rare, with Zedrick Woods’ 4.29 standing as the fastest recorded safety time. Where safeties often separate themselves is in short-area testing. Elite performers consistently post strong 3-cone and shuttle times, reflecting the ability to rotate late, close from depth, and match intermediate breaks. 2026 Safety Testing Snapshot 40 Average:  4.42 10-Yard Split Average:  1.56 Vertical Average:  37.1” Broad Average:  10’5” The 4.42 safety average is dramatically faster than the long-term 4.57 positional norm — a clear indicator that this year’s group carries uncommon range speed. Why This Matters for 2026 The data confirms it: the 2026 defensive back class tested at a historically fast level. Both corners and safeties exceeded long-term averages in straight-line speed while maintaining strong short-area burst and explosion metrics. This is not just track speed — it’s acceleration, transition ability, and lower-body power across the board. The numbers reinforce a class built for modern NFL coverage demands, where range, recovery, and versatility define draft value. 2026 NFL Combine Cornerback Standouts Daylen Everette | CB | Georgia | 6’1” | 196 lbs Everette’s profile is built on both early acceleration and verified vertical speed. His 4.38 40-yard dash paired with a 1.54-second 10-yard split confirms he can carry routes downfield while maintaining strong initial burst. Add in a 37.5-inch vertical and 10’4” broad jump, and you’re looking at a corner with balanced lower-body explosion and phase-to-phase movement ability. The split remains the key data point — it supports his ability to trigger from press or off leverage and stay connected through the first break point. The 4.38 reinforces that he has the recovery gear to avoid getting stacked vertically, giving his in-phase mirroring a stronger athletic foundation than initially projected. Charles Demmings | CB | Stephen F. Austin State | 6’1” | 193 lbs Demmings posted one of the more complete explosion profiles in the corner group: 4.42 in the 40, 1.53-second 10-yard split, 42-inch vertical, and 11’0” broad jump. That 1.53 split is the separator — it reflects early-phase acceleration that shows up in press recoveries and route-drive transitions. The vertical/broad combination confirms lower-body power and catch-point elevation, not just track speed. On film, his best reps come when he can crowd the release and stay square through the stem. The testing supports that usage. He has the burst to close the final two yards and the leaping profile to contest above the rim. Where refinement is needed is in off-coverage recognition and tempo control at the top of routes. The athletic baseline suggests he can survive in man coverage; the development curve will determine whether he becomes rotational depth or pushes into CB3 territory in a press-heavy structure. Chris Johnson | CB | San Diego State | 6’0” | 193 lbs Johnson’s 4.40 40-yard dash with a 1.54-second 10-yard split confirms legitimate early acceleration, while his 38-inch vertical and 10’6” broad jump reflect functional lower-body explosion. The split is the separator — it supports his ability to stay connected through releases and close space at the break point without overstriding. That aligns with the tape. Johnson plays with controlled feet and clean transitional mechanics, rarely panicking or grabbing in phase. The testing validates a movement profile built on efficiency rather than recovery desperation — a corner whose coverage consistency is driven by leverage discipline and short-area burst rather than raw top-end speed. Colton Hood | CB | Tennessee | 6’0” | 193 lbs Hood posted a balanced athletic profile: 4.45 in the 40, 1.55-second 10-yard split, 40.5-inch vertical, and 10’5” broad jump. The split confirms early acceleration, while the vertical and broad reflect lower-body power that translates at the catch point and in run support. He’s a contact-capable corner with sufficient vertical carry speed to stay in phase. The testing aligns with the tape. Hood plays with press physicality, lands disruptive punches at the line, and competes through the hands downfield. His explosiveness supports that style. The remaining question is transitional looseness against sudden route breaks, but the Combine validated a strong athletic baseline for press and match coverage usage. Tacario Davis | CB | Washington | 6’4” | 194 lbs Davis brings rare size-speed dimensions to the position. At 6’4” with 33 3/8” arms, a 4.41 40-yard dash and 1.54-second 10-yard split confirm he has legitimate early acceleration and vertical carry speed — uncommon movement traits for a corner with that frame and length. The testing supports what shows up on tape. Davis disrupts releases with length, compresses throwing windows in phase, and uses stride length to recover ground downfield. His best work comes when he can play with vision and range in zone structures, where his length and speed can close space late. The athletic profile validates his ability to survive on the boundary while leveraging size as a primary coverage tool. 2026 NFL Combine Safety Standouts Jalon Kilgore | S | South Carolina | 6’1” | 210 lbs Kilgore posted a strong, well-rounded safety profile: 4.40 in the 40-yard dash, 1.55-second 10-yard split, 37-inch vertical, and 10’10” broad jump. The 1.55 split confirms early acceleration from depth, while the 4.40 verifies he has the vertical carry speed to stay connected in split-field structures. The explosion numbers reflect functional lower-body power for a 210-pound safety with length. The testing matches the tape. Kilgore plays as a long overhang defender who can press tight ends, match bigger slot targets, and trigger downhill with physicality in the run game. His wingspan shows up at the catch point and as a secure finisher in space. The athletic profile reinforces a versatile safety built for two-high, matchup-driven roles rather than pure single-high range deployment. Dillon Thieneman | S | Oregon | 6’0” | 201 lbs Thieneman delivered one of the top safety testing profiles of the Combine: 4.36 in the 40-yard dash, 1.55-second 10-yard split, and a 41-inch vertical. The 4.36 confirms true range speed, while the split reflects downhill burst and closing acceleration from depth. The 41-inch vertical signals elite lower-body explosion for a 200-pound safety — a trait that translates at the catch point. The testing aligns with the tape. Thieneman plays with instincts and coverage awareness, showing the range to operate in split-field structures and the burst to rotate late or drive from robber alignments. He’s not built as a downhill enforcer, but his movement profile supports a versatile coverage role with legitimate ball production upside. The Combine validated a Day One-caliber athletic baseline for the position. Treydan Stukes | S | Arizona | 6’1” | 190 lbs Stukes posted one of the faster safety workouts in the class: 4.33 in the 40-yard dash, 1.50-second 10-yard split, 38-inch vertical, and 10’10” broad jump. The 1.50 split is the standout number — elite early acceleration that translates to drive speed from depth and recovery burst in phase. The 4.33 confirms true range, while the explosion profile reflects strong lower-body power for a 190-pound safety. The testing supports the evaluation. Stukes plays with anticipation and communication in zone, processes route combinations quickly, and shows the speed to stay connected vertically. His acceleration out of transitions matches the split data, and his ball-tracking ability aligns with the verified range. He’s not a prototype-length defender, but the movement profile reinforces versatility as a split-field safety or big nickel option with legitimate coverage range.

The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine opened with defensive linemen and linebackers — and by multiple accounts, including NFL Network, this may be the fastest front-seven group in Combine history. Historically, wide receivers remain the fastest position group overall (4.52 average since 2003), with defensive backs close behind (4.53). This year, however, the front seven blurred traditional positional lines. Unlike the 2019 linebacker class — which featured sub-4.5 speed from Devin White and Devin Bush — the 2026 group stands out for its size-adjusted explosiveness. Interior defensive linemen near 290 pounds and linebackers weighing 240+ pounds posted numbers typically reserved for edge rushers and defensive backs. Sonny Styles became the first linebacker since 2003 to run sub-4.5 while also recording a 40+ inch vertical and 11+ foot broad jump at over 230 pounds — a rare size-speed-explosion combination. For front-seven defenders, the first 10 yards matter more than the final 30. Explosive short-area acceleration translates directly into disruption — and in 2026, those traits tested at a historic level. Below, we break down the metrics that matter most — and how performances from Zane Durant, David Bailey, Sonny Styles, and Arvell Reese confirm what shows up on tape heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. Defensive Line & Linebacker Combine Metrics That Translate Core Translation Metrics 10-Yard Split  — First-step burst and acceleration; the clearest indicator of get-off and penetration. Vertical Jump  — Lower-body explosion and power conversion. Short Shuttle (LB) / Broad Jump (DL/EDGE)  — Lateral agility and horizontal force. Linebacker Historical Baseline Linebackers have averaged 4.71 seconds  in the 40-yard dash since 2003, but short-area movement has proven more predictive than straight-line speed. Since 2003, elite linebackers have averaged roughly a 1.51-second 10-yard split , a 40.9-inch vertical , and a 4.04-second shuttle  — benchmarks that better reflect range and coverage fluidity than the full sprint. Fastest 40 ever: 4.38 — Shaquem Griffin Sub-4.4 occurrences since 2003: 3 total 40-yard sweet spot: 4.5–4.6 range Elite explosion profile: ~1.51 split | 40.9” vertical | 4.04 shuttle Defensive Line Historical Baseline Defensive linemen average 4.94 seconds  in the 40-yard dash, but evaluation must be separated by role. Since 2003, top interior defenders have averaged a 1.65-second 10-yard split , a 34.9-inch vertical , and roughly a 9’10” broad jump , while elite edge rushers cluster closer to the 1.60 split range  with verticals near 39–40 inches . EDGE 40 average: 4.83 | Sweet spot: 4.5–4.6 EDGE explosion profile: ~1.60 split | ~39–40” vertical DT 40 average: 5.11 DT explosion profile: ~1.65 split | ~35” vertical | ~9’10” broad When 240+ pound linebackers run in the 4.4s, and 290-pound interior linemen post elite 10-yard splits, they are operating outside traditional positional norms — and that’s where testing begins to validate draft projection. 2026 NFL Combine Defensive Line & Linebacker Standouts Zane Durant | IDL | Penn State | 6’1” | 290 lbs Durant’s 1.66-second 10-yard split places him in an elite historical tier among interior defensive linemen. Within a 25-player sample of top Combine DT testers, that mark ties him with names like Fletcher Cox, Devonte Wyatt, and Khalil Davis, with only 10 faster times recorded. That same group carries a median 40-yard dash of 4.81 seconds, and Durant’s 4.75 ranks tied for 4th out of 25 — reinforcing that his speed profile is historically strong for the position. The numbers confirm what the film shows: Durant wins with first-step burst, lateral quickness, and penetration ability. He is not built to anchor and absorb double teams — his value lies in disruption. His acceleration allows him to cross faces, win early in gaps, and stress protection before blocks can fully develop. In attacking one-gap systems, those traits translate directly. David Bailey | EDGE | Texas Tech | 6’4” | 251 lbs David Bailey’s 4.51-second 40-yard dash places him tied for 16th among premier edge testers, alongside Travon Walker, Yaya Diaby, and Cliff Avril. He sits one-hundredth behind Bruce Irvin and Lorenzo Carter (4.50) and just ahead of Haason Reddick (4.52). The median time within that elite sample is 4.50 seconds, positioning Bailey firmly in high-end EDGE athletic territory. More importantly, his 1.62-second 10-yard split and 35-inch vertical validate the tape. Bailey wins with rare short-area explosion, bend, and acceleration through contact. His get-off consistently stresses tackles out of their stance, and his ability to widen the rush track while building momentum mirrors the fluid, slashing profile noted in his evaluation. While anchor strength caps his run-defense ceiling, the testing confirms legitimate Pro Bowl upside as an odd-front rush linebacker with translatable sack production. Sonny Styles | LB | Ohio State | 6’5” | 244 lbs Sonny Styles delivered one of the most impressive performances of the Combine, running a 4.46 in the 40 at 6’5”, 244 pounds while posting a 43.5-inch vertical — the best ever recorded by a linebacker — and an elite 1.56-second 10-yard split. His NFL.com production score (91) and athleticism score (92) both ranked first among linebackers, driving a position-leading total score of 95. The size-speed-explosion combination places him in rare territory for the position. The testing mirrors the tape. Styles plays with exceptional range, length, and closing speed, gaining depth effortlessly in zone coverage and carrying vertical routes like a defensive back — a natural extension of his safety background. He triggers downhill with force, separates from blocks with violent hand usage, and finishes tackles cleanly in space. In a league that prioritizes size and coverage versatility at linebacker, Styles profiles as a day-one impact defender firmly in the Top 10 conversation. Arvell Reese | LB/EDGE | Ohio State | 6’4” | 241 lbs Arvell Reese backed up his Pro Bowl-caliber grade with elite movement numbers, running a 4.46 in the 40 with a 1.58-second 10-yard split at 241 pounds. That combination of size and acceleration placed him among the top EDGE testers in this class, reinforcing a rare speed profile for a hybrid defender. His production score (84) and total score (84) both rank inside the top four at his position, underscoring that this isn’t just projection — the traits and impact are already aligning. The testing mirrors his versatile deployment on film. Reese can align off-ball or as a stand-up rusher, flowing quickly once he triggers and using length and active hands to disrupt blocking surfaces. His rush is kinetic, blending speed-to-power with developing counters, while his pursuit speed and lateral twitch allow him to finish in space. Still just 20 years old, Reese remains a traits-forward prospect whose explosiveness and alignment flexibility give defensive coordinators a movable chess piece with true impact upside.

The Football Scout 365 NFL Draft Big Board elevates player rankings with an innovative approach. We offer individual film-based player grades, tailored assessments of scheme fit, comprehensive player comparisons, and more to provide you with a thorough understanding of each prospect's potential. Top of Page NFL DRAFT BIG BOARD YEAR OFF/DEF POS 2026 1 S Caleb Downs Ohio State PROFILE 2 RB Jeremiyah Love Notre Dame PROFILE 3 QB Fernando Mendoza Indiana PROFILE 4 ED Rueben Bain Miami PROFILE 5 LB Arvell Reese Ohio State PROFILE 6 LB Sonny Styles Ohio State PROFILE 7 ED David Bailey Texas Tech PROFILE 8 OT Spencer Fano Utah PROFILE 9 WR Carnell Tate Ohio State PROFILE 10 IOL Olaivavega Ioane Penn State PROFILE 11 TE Kenyon Sadiq Oregon PROFILE 12 OT Francis Mauigoa Miami PROFILE 13 ED Akheem Mesidor Miami PROFILE 14 CB Mansoor Delane LSU PROFILE 15 WR Makai Lemon USC PROFILE 16 WR Jordyn Tyson Arizona State PROFILE 17 CB Jermod McCoy Tennessee PROFILE 18 IDL Peter Woods Clemson PROFILE 19 S Dillon Thieneman Oregon PROFILE 20 IDL Kayden McDonald Ohio State PROFILE 21 WR Denzel Boston Washington PROFILE 22 LB C.J. Allen Georgia PROFILE 23 WR Omar Cooper Jr. Indiana PROFILE 24 OT Kadyn Proctor Alabama PROFILE 25 CB Colton Hood Tennessee PROFILE First Prev Page 1 Next Last

Football Scout 365 provides NFL Draft analysis, player rankings, player grades, advanced stats, fantasy football analysis, and more. 2026 NFL Draft Positional Rankings Hub | Complete Player Grades and Scouting Reports The 2026 NFL Draft Positional Rankings Hub is your central resource for complete player grades, in-depth scouting analysis, and projected draft ranges across every position group. From premium defensive talent to modern offensive playmakers, this hub organizes the full 2026 NFL Draft board in one place, giving you structured rankings and evaluation tiers as the class continues to take shape. 2026 NFL Draft Big Board: Pre-Combine Top 100 Rankings 2026 NFL Draft Big Board reveals a class defined by starter-level depth and selective top-end talent. With 18 First-Round grades and 62 Day Two grades, this cycle emphasizes plug-and-play offensive contributors and elite defensive versatility. Headlined by Caleb Downs and Jeremiyah Love, the 2026 NFL Draft class offers perimeter strength, front-seven impact, and strong roster-building value. 1 S Caleb Downs Ohio State VIEW PROFILE 3 QB Fernando Mendoza Indiana VIEW PROFILE 5 LB Arvell Reese Ohio State VIEW PROFILE 7 ED David Bailey Texas Tech VIEW PROFILE 9 WR Carnell Tate Ohio State VIEW PROFILE 2 RB Jeremiyah Love Notre Dame VIEW PROFILE 4 ED Rueben Bain Miami VIEW PROFILE 6 LB Sonny Styles Ohio State VIEW PROFILE 8 OT Spencer Fano Utah VIEW PROFILE 10 IOL Olaivavega Ioane Penn State VIEW PROFILE TOP 10 NFL DRAFT PROSPECTS VIEW ALL RANKINGS Malik Benson’s Draft Stock Is Rising Ahead of the 2026 NFL Combine #shorts #foryou Play Video Cole Payton’s Draft Stock Could Skyrocket at the NFL Combine 👀 #shorts #foryou Play Video Fernando Mendoza, Ty Simpson Lead 2026 NFL Draft QB Rankings #shorts #foryou Play Video Jeremiyah Love, Jonah Coleman Lead The 2026 NFL Draft RB Rankings #shorts #foryou Play Video Play Video Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Close FEATURED CONTENT 2026 NFL Draft Big Board: Pre-Combine Top 100 Rankings Brandon Lundberg 22 minutes ago 2026 NFL Scouting Combine: Quarterbacks With the Most to Gain Brandon Lundberg 2 days ago 2026 NFL Draft Quarterback Rankings: Fernando Mendoza, Ty Simpson Headline A Weak QB Class Brandon Lundberg 2 days ago 2026 NFL Draft Running Back Rankings: Jeremiyah Love, Jadarian Price Headline a Top-Heavy RB Class Brandon Lundberg 3 days ago 2026 NFL Draft Positional Rankings Hub | Complete Player Grades and Scouting Reports Brandon Lundberg 4 days ago 2026 NFL Draft Wide Receiver Rankings: Carnell Tate, Jordyn Tyson, Makai Lemon Lead a Deep WR Class Brandon Lundberg 4 days ago 2026 NFL Draft Tight End Rankings: Kenyon Sadiq, Eli Stowers Lead a Versatile, Projection-Heavy Class Brandon Lundberg 6 days ago 2026 NFL Draft Offensive Line Rankings: Spencer Fano, Francis Mauigoa Headline Deep Class Brandon Lundberg 7 days ago VIEW ALL ANALYSIS

< Back Lee Hunter Texas Tech HT: 6040 WT: 325 YR: SR POS: IDL OVR RK 33 POS RK CEILING POTENTIAL High-End Starter Potential OVR RK PLAYSTYLE & SCHEME FIT Hunter is a massive, powerful interior presence built to control the A-gaps in both odd and even fronts. With a broad frame and elite wingspan, he wins at the point of attack with leverage, violent hands, and functional explosiveness off the snap. He consistently resets the line of scrimmage versus single blocks and has the strength to survive and recover against double teams. While not a dynamic gap penetrator or high-end pass rusher, he collapses the pocket with power and forces quarterbacks off their spot. Hunter projects as an early-down tone-setter and rotational interior anchor who can develop into a full-time starting nose tackle in a power-based defensive scheme. CEILING GRADE ANALYSIS High-End Starter Potential (65-69) A player expected to become a top-tier starter within their first few years. They possess strong physical tools and good technical skills but may have some limitations in their game. With development, they can reach near-elite levels and provide consistent impact at their position. Primary scout: Brandon Lundberg KEY STRENGTHS Elite size Strong leverage/Hand Use Effective two-gap anchor KEY WEAKNESSES Limited pass-rush arsenal Pad level vs. double teams Rotational stamina questions PLAYER COMPARISONS DJ Reader Malik Benson’s Draft Stock Is Rising Ahead of the 2026 NFL Combine #shorts #foryou Play Video Cole Payton’s Draft Stock Could Skyrocket at the NFL Combine 👀 #shorts #foryou Play Video Fernando Mendoza, Ty Simpson Lead 2026 NFL Draft QB Rankings #shorts #foryou Play Video Jeremiyah Love, Jonah Coleman Lead The 2026 NFL Draft RB Rankings #shorts #foryou Play Video Play Video Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Close