INDIANAPOLIS -- The third day of workouts at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine is in the books, with the running backs, quarterbacks and wide receivers taking center stage on Saturday.
Many of those who partook in the events at Lucas Oil Stadium wowed scouts with their speed in the 40-yard dash, their agility in drills and their explosiveness in the broad and vertical jumps. Some exceeded expectations, causing their draft stock to rise; others displayed flaws in their speed and/or athleticism (or chose not to perform), hurting their chances of being selected on Day 1 or Day 2 when the draft begins in Pittsburgh (April 23-25).
Below I've listed seven players who undoubtedly impressed the league's personnel decision-makers with their on-field performance. I also list three players who could use a strong effort at their school's pro day to leave the most favorable impression possible before the draft.
Programming note: Tune in to NFL Network and Âé¶¹¹ú²ú for live coverage of the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine beginning at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.
Stock up
Bell posted a 41-inch vertical and 11-foot-1 broad jump before running a 4.4-second 40-yard dash, showing the all-around athleticism needed to be considered a top-100 prospect. Bell fought the ball with his 10-inch hands at times during drills, but he maintained his concentration to bring in the passes. Teams should trust the tape when they evaluate his ability to move the chains at the next level.
Branch (5-8 5/8, 177) might not meet some teams' minimum size requirements for the position, but he was the best receiver on the field when the first group of pass catchers worked out on Saturday. He ran crisp routes and caught everything thrown his way, whether it was within or outside his frame. Although there were no defenders on the field, it was easy for me to picture him fighting off cornerbacks after the catch, something he did during his college stops at USC and Georgia. His 4.35 40 time met expectations, as did his 38-inch vertical. The workout, along with his game film, should convince a team to pick him in the top 40 selections.
The athleticism Green used to befuddle defenses during his college career was on full display during Saturday’s workout. The 6-5 7/8, 227-pounder made history with a 43 1/2-inch vertical jump and 11-2 broad jump, both of which were the best marks by a combine quarterback since at least 2003. Then he used his long strides to run a 4.36-second 40, the second-fastest time by a combine QB since at least 2003. However, his throwing session showed why he's widely considered a Day 3 prospect. Green looked fine when taking his time to throw, but when his process sped up, his arm and feet did not work together, so throws sailed and/or came out late. Still, he possesses tools with which an NFL quarterback coach can work.
Bryce Lance, the brother of Chargers QB Trey Lance, had an exceptional workout on Saturday. His 41 1/2-inch vertical and 11-1 broad jump will grab scouts’ attention, and then he showed it was no fluke he could run past FCS defenders with a 4.34-second 40. His work in drills was inconsistent, though. He did a nice job grabbing passes in the gauntlet drill and when striding downfield, but he looked linear (and less confident) when asked to cut at the top of the route. Still, his overall performance gives him a chance to be a top-75 pick.
Lane had one of the best on-field sessions among the receivers, extending his hands to secure throws before they reached his body. He used his 80 3/4-inch wingspan and 10 1/2-inch hands to make two sensational leaping catches. The former Trojan ran a solid 4.47-second 40 and jumped 40 inches in the vertical, as well. His performance helped him stand out among the other potential Day 2 picks at receiver.
Mississippi State WR Brenen Thompson ran slightly faster than Thomas (4.26 to 4.28) but the former LSU star was more impressive to me, given he carries 26 more pounds on his frame (164 to 190). Thomas caught nearly everything thrown his way on short and intermediate routes, where he will be used most often as a slot receiver at the next level. His speed and kick/punt return experience adds to his value as a likely Day 3 pick.
It was easy to see why Washington was able to rank in the top 10 nationally with 6.4 yards per carry when he ran a stunning 4.33-second 40 at 6-1, 223 pounds, the fastest time for any running back at this year’s combine. His 39-inch vertical and 10-8 broad jump were exceptional for his body type, as well. Washington did not participate in field drills after his run, but I think proving his long speed was enough to land him a draft slot late on Day 2.
Stock down
Fields' 4.61-second 40 could put a damper on any talk about him potentially going in Round 1. His 38-inch vertical was impressive for a 6-4 1/2, 218-pound receiver, but he struggled to get moving during his run. Substandard stop-start ability showed in on-field drills, causing him to be late to the spot on routes. Fields flashed strong hands during pass-catching drills. He dropped passes during the gauntlet drill, though.
Johnson's quickness on film did not translate into explosiveness during Saturday's workout. He ran a 4.56-second 40 at 202 pounds -- the slowest time of any running back at this year’s combine -- and was only adequate in his jumps (35 1/2-inch vertical, 10-foot broad jump). He also recorded a disappointing 7.32-second three-cone drill. He showed some of the quickness he displayed in the fall (his first as Nebraska's full-time RB1) in field drills, though he was not as fluid as I expected him to be and he hesitated making moves in space. Johnson is a talented back, but he didn't make a case for consideration as the second-best running back in the draft.
Tate is one of the best talents in this year’s draft, but his 4.53-second 40 was average, at best, for a 192-pound receiver. Tate did not attempt to overcome that mediocre long speed in field drills, passing up an opportunity to run smooth routes and show his strong hands. Unless he impresses scouts with his pro-day effort, teams drafting in the middle of the first round might have a chance to grab the Buckeyes' next top NFL wideout.











