Defensive Tackles Shine at NFL Combine

Seven defensive tackles run sub-4.9 second 40-yard dashes at 2026 NFL Scouting Combine

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The top performances by defensive tackles in the measurable drills at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine saw seven players cover the 40-yard dash in less than 4.9 seconds, led by Penn State's Zane Durant at 4.75 seconds. Other standouts included Southeastern Louisiana's Kaleb Proctor at 4.79 seconds and Oklahoma's Gracen Halton at 4.82 seconds.

Why it matters

The NFL Combine is a crucial event for prospective draft picks to showcase their athletic abilities and measurables in front of NFL scouts. Strong performances by defensive tackles in the 40-yard dash and other drills can significantly boost a player's draft stock and chances of being selected early in the upcoming NFL Draft.

The details

Only 15 of the 29 defensive tackles at the NFL Scouting Combine ran the 40-yard dash on Thursday, but seven of those players covered the distance in less than 4.9 seconds. Penn State's Zane Durant had the fastest time at 4.75 seconds, followed by Southeastern Louisiana's Kaleb Proctor at 4.79 seconds and Oklahoma's Gracen Halton at 4.82 seconds. Clemson's DeMonte Capehart, weighing 313 pounds, had the fastest time among players over 300 pounds at 4.85 seconds.

  • The NFL Scouting Combine took place on Thursday, February 26, 2026.

The players

Zane Durant

A defensive tackle from Penn State who ran the 40-yard dash in 4.75 seconds, the fastest time among defensive tackles at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.

Kaleb Proctor

A defensive tackle from Southeastern Louisiana who ran the 40-yard dash in 4.79 seconds, the second-fastest time among defensive tackles at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.

Gracen Halton

A defensive tackle from Oklahoma who ran the 40-yard dash in 4.82 seconds, the third-fastest time among defensive tackles at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.

DeMonte Capehart

A 313-pound defensive tackle from Clemson who ran the 40-yard dash in 4.85 seconds, the fastest time among players over 300 pounds at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.

Albert Regis

A defensive tackle from Texas A&M who had the best vertical jump (34 inches) and broad jump (116 inches) among defensive linemen at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.

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The takeaway

The impressive showings by defensive tackles at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, particularly in the 40-yard dash, demonstrate the depth of talent at that position in this year's draft class. NFL teams will be closely evaluating these measurable results as they determine which defensive tackles to target in the upcoming draft.