The first day of the NFL Scouting Combine is wrapped up, and it was a big one for Cowboys fans and anyone keeping an eye on linebackers and defensive linemen. We saw some players meet expectations, while others struggled to shine. Here's a breakdown of the risers and fallers from Day 1 of testing.
Risers:
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Sonny Styles stole the show with some incredible numbers: a 4.46-second 40-yard dash, a 43.5-inch vertical, and an 11’2” broad jump. His agility was just as impressive, earning a near-perfect 9.99 Relative Athletic Score (RAS).
What stood out most was how effortlessly he moved, showcasing smooth transitions and clean fieldwork. Styles solidified his status as a top prospect.
Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
Reese didn't complete the full testing circuit, but his speed was undeniable with a 1.60-second 10-yard split and a 4.53-second 40-yard dash. On the field, he displayed impressive bend and change-of-direction, addressing any role concerns as a rush-first defender.
David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
Bailey lived up to the hype with explosive testing and powerful drill reps. His 4.50-second speed at 251 pounds, combined with strong jumps, confirmed his status as a top-10 prospect. His aggressive approach in drills made his athleticism undeniable.
Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF
Lawrence was the surprise of Day 1, clocking a 4.52-second 40-yard dash with a 1.59 10-yard split, a 40-inch vertical, and a 130-inch broad jump. At 253 pounds, his performance screamed NFL burst, pushing him into the top tier of Day 2 edge prospects.
Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
Banks impressed with his blend of size and movement. At 6’6” and 327 pounds, he ran a 5.04-second 40-yard dash and has an 85¾-inch wingspan, which is historically long. His brief but impactful performance boosted his draft stock.
Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma
Halton's quickness and coordination stood out, especially in pass-rush drills. Leading all inside defensive linemen with a 36.5-inch vertical jump, his athletic numbers were believable and impressive.
DeMonte Capehart, DT, Clemson
Capehart's 4.85-second 40-yard dash at 313 pounds highlighted his explosive potential. His performance likely elevated him a round, confirming his disruptive one-gap capabilities.
Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
Rodriguez backed his elite production with smooth, controlled movement in drills, showcasing good jumps and agility. His comfort on the field supports his three-down projection.
Kaleb Elarms-Orr, LB, TCU
Elarms-Orr joined the fast linebacker ranks with a 4.47-second 40-yard dash and a 40-inch vertical. His speed and agility were evident in drills, making him a prime candidate for teams seeking modern space linebackers.
Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri
Young's positional work shone with clean footwork and body control during edge drills. His performance keeps him in the conversation for a late-Day 1 or early-Day 2 pick.
Fallers:
Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
McDonald missed an opportunity by not running and appeared tight during on-field drills. His stiffness and difficulty changing direction raised concerns about his mobility.
LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama
Overton's 4.87-second 40-yard dash at 274 pounds, without jumps, was underwhelming. His stilted movement left questions about his agility and dynamic potential.
R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma
At 241 pounds, Thomas needed explosive testing but delivered a 4.67-second 40-yard dash. Skipping jumps removed a chance to showcase lower-body power, leaving questions about his athleticism.
Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
Woods' decision to opt out left only his measurements, which were less than ideal for a top defensive tackle. Without testing or drills, his physical profile raised concerns.
Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri
Trotter's choice to skip on-field drills was a missed chance to showcase his movement skills, allowing others to surpass him in the rankings.
Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
Howell's measurements raised concerns about his length for an NFL edge profile. His leverage and hand skills will be crucial for overcoming these doubts.
Bain, EDGE
Bain's short measurements for the position create projection risks in the NFL. His survival depends on leverage, mass, and quick hands, testing whether coaches trust the tape over combine results.