INDIANAPOLIS — The tension inside Lucas Oil Stadium is palpable. As the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine kicks off today, February 23, with the arrival of the league’s top decision-makers, all eyes are on the upcoming on-field drills. For a specific group of offensive prospects, the next four days aren’t just a workout; they are a multi-million dollar audition. While game tape is the foundation, the track at Indy is where legends—and first-round locks—are made.
We’ve identified six players who aren’t just invited to participate—they are invited to dominate. From a dual-threat quarterback out of the FCS to a 360-pound tackle who moves like a tight end, here are the names you’ll be hearing on a loop by Monday morning.
Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota State
The Bison have a “type,” and Cole Payton fits the mold of a late-rising draft darling. After waiting his turn, Payton exploded in 2025 with 2,719 passing yards and a blistering 71.2% completion rate. But the NFL cares about the legs. Payton added 894 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground last year. Scouts want to see if his 4.5-range speed translates to the turf in Indy. If he tests as an elite athlete, expect his Day 3 projection to evaporate in favor of a Friday night selection.
Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska
While the national media fawns over Jeremiyah Love, the Big Ten’s best-kept secret is Emmett Johnson. The 5’11”, 200-pound fireball led all FBS combine-invited backs with 1,450 rushing yards last season. His acceleration is violent; he notched 13 runs of 15+ yards and proved his versatility with 46 catches. Johnson is the primary candidate to post a sub-4.40 forty, a number that would force GMs to re-evaluate their RB1 rankings.
Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State
If you blink, you’ll miss him. Thompson is a former world-class sprinter who finally married his track speed to football IQ in 2025, racking up 1,054 yards on just 57 catches. That’s a massive 18.5 yards per reception. The buzz in the tunnels is that Thompson is gunning for the all-time 40-yard dash record. If he hits the 4.21 mark, the Xavier Worthy comparisons will become unavoidable.
Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee
Brazzell is a physical anomaly. Standing 6’5” and 200 pounds, he shouldn’t be able to move the way he does. In Josh Heupel’s vertical-heavy system, Brazzell became a “X-iso” nightmare, hauling in 65 catches for 1,006 yards. Scouts are desperate to see his 10-yard split; for a man with his frame to have that kind of “get-off” is rare. He’s a high-risk, high-reward prospect who could jump into the Top 40 with a strong showing.
Zavion Thomas, WR, LSU
LSU is a wide receiver factory, and Thomas is the latest model. While his 2025 stats (493 yards, 4 TDs) don’t scream “First Team All-American,” his GPS tracking data does. Thomas frequently broke the 20 mph barrier on tape. In the return drills and the gauntlet, his fluid hips and elite stop-start ability will be the talk of the afternoon.
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
It isn’t normal for a human being to be 6’7” and 369 pounds while moving with the grace of a pulling guard. Proctor, the SEC Jacobs Blocking Trophy winner, is already a first-round favorite, but his Combine could solidify him as a Top 10 pick. He was clocked at 16 mph during a 2025 game—a terrifying prospect for NFL edge rushers. If he puts up a sub-5.1 forty at that weight, he’s not just a tackle; he’s a franchise cornerstone.
“I’ve spent three years in the shadows at NDSU. This week isn’t about proving I belong; it’s about proving I’m the best athlete in this class, period.”
— Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota State
Draft Implications: The Million Dollar Sprint
The 2026 draft class is top-heavy with defensive talent, meaning these offensive risers are fighting for limited oxygen in the first round. A tenth of a second in the 40-yard dash or an extra three inches in the vertical jump could be the difference between a rookie contract worth $5 million and one worth $25 million. As the drills begin this Thursday, February 26, the real-world stakes couldn’t be higher.
