8 NFL Draft Prospects See Stock Rise and Fall at Combine

Analyst breaks down how top running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends performed at the annual scouting event.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 2:31pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The NFL Scouting Combine is a key event where incoming draft prospects showcase their physical abilities through a series of tests. Analyst Joel Smyth examines how the performances of 8 notable players - including running backs Mike Washington Jr. and Emmett Johnson, wide receivers Malachi Fields and Jeff Caldwell, quarterback Taylen Green, and tight ends Kenyon Sadiq and Eli Stowers - impacted their fantasy football draft stock.

Why it matters

The combine results can significantly influence where players are selected in the NFL Draft, which in turn impacts their potential fantasy football value for the upcoming season. Strong showings can boost a prospect's draft stock, while poor performances can cause them to slide down draft boards.

The details

Mike Washington Jr. had a dominant combine, becoming the highest-rated running back ever based on his testing results, including a blazing 4.33 40-yard dash time at 223 pounds. In contrast, Emmett Johnson's subpar 3-cone drill time could hurt his draft position after a strong 2025 season. Notre Dame's Jadarian Price impressed with 21 bench press reps to offset his smaller size. Wide receiver Malachi Fields' slower 40 time was offset by strong overall testing, while teammate Jeff Caldwell's historic combine performance could vault him into Day 2 draft consideration despite limited college production. Quarterback Taylen Green's elite size, speed, and athleticism put him in rare company, while tight ends Kenyon Sadiq and Eli Stowers both turned in historic testing results despite being undersized.

  • The NFL Scouting Combine took place over the weekend of March 2-5, 2026.

The players

Mike Washington Jr.

A running back prospect who dominated the combine, becoming the highest-rated running back ever based on his testing results.

Emmett Johnson

A running back prospect who had a subpar combine performance, with a 3-cone drill time in the 29th percentile.

Jadarian Price

A running back prospect from Notre Dame who impressed with 21 bench press reps to offset his smaller size.

Malachi Fields

A wide receiver prospect whose slower 40 time was offset by strong overall testing results.

Jeff Caldwell

A wide receiver prospect who had a historic combine performance, ranking in the 99th percentile and potentially boosting his draft stock despite limited college production.

Taylen Green

A quarterback prospect who turned in elite size, speed, and athleticism testing, putting him in rare company.

Kenyon Sadiq

A tight end prospect who ran the fastest 40-yard dash ever by a tight end at the combine.

Eli Stowers

A tight end prospect who had a historic broad jump at the combine, despite being undersized.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We saw Isaac TeSlaa last offseason, who rose to a surprise Day 2 selection after he ranked in the 99th percentile at the combine. Caldwell only had 32 receptions in 13 games last season, but will likely be selected higher than his seventh-round projection from pre-combine.”

— Joel Smyth, Analyst (yahoo.com)

The takeaway

The NFL Scouting Combine continues to be a crucial event that can significantly impact a prospect's draft stock and fantasy football outlook. Strong performances in the various testing drills can boost a player's value, while disappointing results can cause them to slide down draft boards. Teams and fantasy managers alike will be closely analyzing these combine results as they prepare for the upcoming NFL Draft.