Arizona Wildcats Boost NFL Draft Stocks at Pro Day

Several Wildcats players impressed scouts with standout performances in Tucson.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:05pm

A cubist, geometric painting depicting an abstracted football game, with players represented as overlapping shapes and the ball as the central focus.Arizona's Pro Day showcased the team's depth of talent, with several players boosting their NFL draft stock through standout performances.Tempe Today

As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, a group of Arizona Wildcats players used their recent Pro Day to showcase their skills and improve their draft stock. Defensive backs Genesis Smith, Dalton Johnson, and Treydan Stukes were among the standouts, while wide receiver Luke Wysong, defensive lineman Malachi Bailey, and offensive tackle Ty Buchanan also turned heads with their performances.

Why it matters

The Wildcats had one of the best passing defenses in the Big 12 last season, and several of their top defensive backs are now looking to take that talent to the next level. Meanwhile, Arizona added some key transfers on offense and defense who used the Pro Day to prove they belong at the highest level of competition.

The details

Wysong recorded the fastest 40-yard dash time at 4.3 seconds and also impressed with a 39-inch vertical and 10-foot broad jump. Bailey, a transfer from Alcorn State, ran a 4.72-second 40-yard dash, the fastest time for a defensive lineman at the event. Buchanan, an offensive tackle transfer from Texas Tech, led the group with 28 reps in the bench press.

  • Arizona's Pro Day was held on Wednesday, April 2, 2026.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26.

The players

Genesis Smith

One of the standout defensive backs for the Wildcats, helping lead the team's strong pass defense.

Dalton Johnson

A safety who was part of Arizona's talented defensive backfield.

Treydan Stukes

A safety who contributed to the Wildcats' top-ranked pass defense in the Big 12.

Luke Wysong

A speedy wide receiver who transferred to Arizona from New Mexico State and impressed with his 40-yard dash time and other measurables.

Malachi Bailey

A defensive lineman who transferred from FCS school Alcorn State and showed off his burst with a fast 40-yard dash time.

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What’s next

NFL teams will continue to evaluate the Wildcats players ahead of the 2026 draft, with the event scheduled for April 24-26.

The takeaway

Arizona's Pro Day showcased the depth of talent on both sides of the ball, with several players making strong impressions on NFL scouts and boosting their draft stock in the process.