NFL Combine Standouts to Watch: WRs, OTs, and CBs Shine

Evaluators seek standout performances at this year's NFL Scouting Combine

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis will feature a talented but uneven draft class, with a lack of consensus among evaluators at many positions. Key players to watch include offensive tackles Monroe Freeling and Max Iheanachor, wide receivers Denzel Boston and Makai Lemon, and cornerbacks Mansoor Delane and Jermod McCoy. Defensive tackle prospects like Clemson's Peter Woods and Ohio State's Kayden McDonald will also have a chance to boost their stock. While some top prospects may opt out of on-field drills, the interviews and medical evaluations remain crucial as teams look to find the right fits.

Why it matters

The NFL Combine is a crucial event for draft prospects to showcase their talents and impress teams ahead of the upcoming draft. With a lack of consensus in this year's class, strong performances in Indianapolis could significantly impact a player's draft stock and their ultimate landing spot. Teams will be closely evaluating both on-field workouts and off-field interviews to find the right fits for their rosters.

The details

Several offensive tackle prospects are expected to draw attention, including Georgia's Monroe Freeling and Arizona State's Max Iheanachor. Freeling has impressed with his athleticism and improved strength, while Iheanachor is a JUCO transfer who had a strong Senior Bowl week. Wide receivers Denzel Boston of Washington and Makai Lemon of USC will look to demonstrate their size, speed, and versatility. At cornerback, LSU's Mansoor Delane and Tennessee's Jermod McCoy aim to solidify their status as top prospects, with McCoy returning from an ACL injury. Along the defensive line, a deep group of defensive tackles like Clemson's Peter Woods and Ohio State's Kayden McDonald will compete to stand out.

  • The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine will take place in Indianapolis from February 27 to March 5, 2026.

The players

Monroe Freeling

A 6-foot-7 offensive tackle from Georgia who has been shooting up draft boards with his strong film and athletic potential.

Max Iheanachor

An offensive tackle prospect from Arizona State who had a strong showing at the Senior Bowl and has intriguing size and athleticism.

Denzel Boston

A wide receiver from Washington who has the size and catch radius to win in isolated situations at the next level.

Makai Lemon

A dynamic slot receiver from USC who will need to demonstrate he can consistently win from the outside at the NFL level.

Mansoor Delane

A cornerback from LSU who has impressed with his football IQ and ability to play in zone coverage, but needs to prove his athleticism.

Jermod McCoy

A cornerback from Tennessee who is battling to be the first player at his position selected despite missing the 2025 season due to an ACL injury.

Peter Woods

A defensive tackle prospect from Clemson who is part of a deep group of interior defensive linemen in this year's draft.

Kayden McDonald

A defensive tackle from Ohio State who will look to showcase his abilities as teams seek to bolster their defensive fronts.

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What they’re saying

“Even among players who do test, there's a decreasing amount of players opting in for every type of on-field drill. This isn't me being an old man yelling at clouds; it's just what is happening and something I completely understand from a player's perspective as they attempt to rein in some control of the biggest job interviews of their lives.”

— Nate Tice, Author (yahoo.com)

“Freeling's film in the second-half of the year has had him shooting up draft boards, including my own. He's a great athlete, at 6-foot-7, with a large frame that hints at his basketball-playing background. It's a frame that he still has room to continue to grow into, too.”

— Nate Tice, Author (yahoo.com)

“Iheanachor is a tackle who was a JUCO transfer and a late comer to football. He had a great week of practices in Mobile at this year's Senior Bowl, and his film is more polished than you'd assume for a player who can easily get labeled as a faraway project.”

— Nate Tice, Author (yahoo.com)

What’s next

Teams will closely monitor the performances of these prospects at the NFL Scouting Combine, as strong showings could significantly impact their draft stock and ultimate landing spots.

The takeaway

This year's NFL draft class features a talented but uneven group of prospects, with a lack of consensus among evaluators at many positions. The NFL Scouting Combine will provide a crucial opportunity for players to separate themselves and impress teams as they look to find the right fits for their rosters.