Thursday marked an exciting beginning to the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine as defensive linemen showcased their skills at Lucas Oil Stadium, kicking off the event with the highly anticipated 40-yard dash.
This year’s draft features a particularly deep pool of talent in the defensive tackle position, with standout athletes vying for attention from coaches and scouts. Among the notable performances, Penn State’s Zane Durant led the charge by clocking an impressive 4.75-second run, the fastest among defensive linemen. Durant’s strong showing is backed by a successful college career, during which he totaled significant statistics over the past two seasons, including 42 tackles and 11 tackles for loss in 2024.
Following Durant was Kaleb Proctor from Southeastern Louisiana, who recorded a commendable time of 4.79 seconds. Proctor’s performance reflects his impactful collegiate career, particularly in the 2025 season when he amassed 43 tackles and nine sacks. His overall statistics of 134 tackles and 16 sacks underscore his effectiveness on the field.
Gracen Halton from Oklahoma also turned heads with a time of 4.82 seconds. Halton emerged as a key player during his time at Oklahoma, demonstrating his prowess with 33 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks in 2025. His consistent performance positioned him among the top performers at the combine.
Clemson’s DeMonte Capehart clocked in at 4.85 seconds, capping off a six-year career that saw him compile 72 total tackles and a solid presence in the Tigers’ defensive line. Meanwhile, David Gusta, who transitioned from Washington State to Kentucky, and Jackie Marshall of Baylor both matched times of 4.88 seconds, reflecting their readiness to compete at the professional level.
Caleb Banks from Florida, one of the top-rated prospects, ran the 40-yard dash in 5.04 seconds. Though he faced challenges due to injury in 2025, his prior performance in 2024 showcased his potential as a formidable defensive asset. Close behind was Chris McClellan of Missouri, recording a time of 5.05 seconds, solidifying his breakout performance after transferring from Florida.
The combine continues to offer opportunities for these athletes to impress scouts until Saturday. With many talented defensive linemen showcasing their skills, the event not only highlights individual accomplishments but also builds anticipation for the upcoming draft, potentially changing the trajectories of many promising careers in the NFL.