At the NFL Combine on Thursday, the spotlight was on the defensive ends, a group that could be pivotal for the Jacksonville Jaguars in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. With a keen eye on strengthening their roster, the Jaguars might be looking to add depth behind key players like Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker.
Currently, BJ Green and Danny Striggow are the only other defensive ends under contract. Both made waves as undrafted rookies last season, but increasing competition for playing time is likely high on the agenda for the Jaguars' management.
Let’s dive into the standout performances from the combine, where the defensive ends showcased their athletic prowess.
40-Yard Dash: Speedsters on Display
- Arvell Reese (Ohio State): Leading the pack with an impressive 4.46 seconds, Reese demonstrated the kind of speed that can disrupt any offensive line.
- David Bailey (Texas Tech): Clocking in at 4.50 seconds, Bailey's burst off the line is something to behold.
- Malachi Lawrence (UCF): At 4.52 seconds, Lawrence showed he's not far behind the leaders.
- Trey Moore (Texas): With a time of 4.54 seconds, Moore's speed is a valuable asset.
- Cashius Howell (Texas A&M): Completing the top five with a 4.59-second dash, Howell's quickness is noteworthy.
Vertical Jump: Leaping to New Heights
- George Gumbs Jr. (Florida): Soaring to 41 inches, Gumbs Jr. proved his explosive jumping ability.
- Malachi Lawrence (UCF): Consistently impressive, Lawrence hit the 40-inch mark.
- Mason Reiger (Wisconsin): Matching Lawrence with a 40-inch leap, Reiger's athleticism is evident.
- Dani Dennis-Sutton (Penn State): At 39.5 inches, Dennis-Sutton displayed great vertical power.
- Romello Height (Texas Tech): Rounding out the group with a 39-inch jump, Height's performance was solid.
Broad Jump: Covering Ground
- Dani Dennis-Sutton (Penn State): Leading with a 10'11" jump, Dennis-Sutton showed his ability to cover ground.
- Malachi Lawrence (UCF): Once again, Lawrence impressed with a 10'10" jump.
- David Bailey (Texas Tech): At 10'9", Bailey's broad jump was a testament to his overall athleticism.
- Romello Height (Texas Tech): Matching strides with a 10'5" jump, Height continued his strong showing.
- Mason Reiger (Wisconsin): Also at 10'5", Reiger's consistency in performance is commendable.
3-Cone Drill: Agility and Quickness
- Dani Dennis-Sutton (Penn State): With a time of 6.90 seconds, Dennis-Sutton's agility was on full display.
- George Gumbs Jr. (Florida): Close behind at 7.00 seconds, Gumbs Jr.'s quickness is a key attribute.
Shuttle Drill: Lateral Movement Mastery
- Trey Moore (Texas): Leading the shuttle with a 4.43-second performance, Moore's lateral agility is top-tier.
The Jaguars, with their eyes on the draft, will certainly be analyzing these performances closely. Each player's unique skills and athleticism could be the key to bolstering their defensive line and making a significant impact in the upcoming season.