The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine is in full swing in Indianapolis, and the excitement is palpable as top prospects from across the country gather to showcase their skills and impress NFL teams. On Friday afternoon, it was the turn of the tight ends and defensive backs to take the field for their workouts, and while some of the highly anticipated players were unable to participate, there were still plenty of standout performances that caught the eye.
One player who certainly made the most of his opportunity was tight end Eli Stowers. The 6’5″ prospect out of Texas A&M put on a show during his drills, displaying impressive speed, agility, and catching ability. Stowers’ stock was already on the rise heading into the combine, but his performance on Friday has solidified his position as one of the top tight ends in this year’s draft class.
Stowers’ athleticism was on full display as he ran a 4.6-second 40-yard dash, showcasing his speed and explosiveness. He also excelled in the agility drills, displaying quick feet and fluid movements. But perhaps most impressive was his catching ability, as he effortlessly hauled in passes from all angles and showed great body control and hand-eye coordination.
Another player who caught the attention of scouts and analysts was defensive back Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. The highly touted prospect out of Ohio State had a disappointing showing on Friday, with his stock taking a hit as a result. McNeil-Warren struggled in the speed and agility drills, and his lack of explosiveness was evident. However, it’s important to note that one bad performance does not define a player, and McNeil-Warren still has plenty of time to redeem himself and prove his worth.
On the other hand, there were several other defensive backs who had impressive showings and saw their stock rise. One of them was cornerback Jalen Green from Florida State, who ran a blazing 4.3-second 40-yard dash and showed great coverage skills and ball awareness. Another standout was safety Jordan Battle from Alabama, who displayed excellent speed and agility and impressed with his tackling ability.
But it wasn’t just the top prospects who made an impact on Friday. There were also some lesser-known players who used the combine as a platform to showcase their talents and make a name for themselves. One such player was tight end Kaden Smith from Stanford, who had a solid all-around performance and caught the attention of scouts with his size and catching ability.
Overall, Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Combine was filled with both highs and lows, as some players solidified their positions as top prospects while others saw their stock take a hit. But one thing is for sure, this year’s draft class is stacked with talent, and teams will have plenty of options to choose from come draft day.
As the combine continues, we can expect to see more impressive performances and surprises from both well-known and under-the-radar prospects. It’s a crucial time for these players to showcase their skills and make a lasting impression on NFL teams, and so far, they have not disappointed.
In conclusion, the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine has been a thrilling event so far, and Day 2 was no exception. With standout performances from players like Eli Stowers and Jalen Green, and some unexpected disappointments from others, the combine has provided a glimpse into the future of the NFL. As we eagerly await the rest of the workouts and drills, one thing is certain – the 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and talent-filled drafts in recent years.
