The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine is in full swing in Indianapolis, and Day 2 did not disappoint. The tight ends and defensive backs took to the field for their workouts, and despite some notable absences, we were able to witness some incredible displays of athleticism and skill. Let’s take a look at the biggest winners and losers from Day 2 of the combine.
WINNERS:
Eli Stowers saw his draft stock rise after an impressive performance on Friday. The 6’4″, 225-pound tight end out of Texas A&M was one of the top performers in his position group, showcasing his speed, agility, and catching ability. Stowers ran a 4.64-second 40-yard dash, one of the fastest among tight ends, and also had a 6.97-second three-cone drill, highlighting his agility and lateral movement. His strong showing at the combine solidifies his status as one of the top tight end prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Another player who impressed was defensive back Emmanuel McNeil-Warren out of Iowa State. McNeil-Warren had a strong showing in all of his drills, displaying his versatility and coverage skills. He ran a 4.41-second 40-yard dash, proving his speed and quickness, and also had a vertical jump of 37 inches, showcasing his explosiveness. McNeil-Warren’s impressive combine performance solidifies his status as one of the top defensive back prospects in the upcoming draft.
Other notable winners from Day 2 include Alabama defensive back Antoine Creighton, who had a standout performance in the 40-yard dash with a time of 4.46 seconds, and Clemson tight end Logan Rudolph, whose athletic ability and receiving skills were on full display.
LOSERS:
Unfortunately, not all players had a positive showing at the combine. One of the most notable disappointments was Caleb Downs, who was unable to participate in the workouts due to a foot injury. The Georgia tight end was expected to be one of the top performers in his group, but his absence opened the door for other players to showcase their talents.
Another player who saw his stock drop was defensive back Kanaan Jefferson out of LSU. Jefferson struggled in most of his drills, recording below-average times in the 40-yard dash and the three-cone drill. His lackluster performance at the combine could have a significant impact on his draft stock.
Other players who had a disappointing showing include Notre Dame tight end Christian Levis and Washington State defensive back Xavier Hammond. Both players failed to impress in their respective drills, and will need to bounce back in their pro day workouts to improve their draft stock.
Overall, Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine was filled with excitement and surprises. While some players solidified their status as top prospects, others failed to live up to expectations. However, it’s important to remember that the combine is just one piece of the puzzle, and a player’s college career and pro day will also play a significant role in their draft stock.
We can’t wait to see what Day 3 of the combine has in store for us, as the quarterbacks and wide receivers take the field. We expect to see more impressive performances and possibly some potential draft sleepers emerge. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis from the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.