The linebackers brought energy and versatility to the field at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis , showcasing the speed and physicality that modern NFL defenses demand. As offenses continue to spread the field and rely on quick passing attacks, teams are searching for linebackers who can defend in space, cover tight ends and running backs, and still step up to stop the run between the tackles.
Throughout drills at Lucas Oil Stadium, the linebacker group emphasized athleticism. The 40-yard dash, vertical jump, and agility drills revealed which prospects possess true sideline-to-sideline range. Explosiveness in the broad jump and quick change-of-direction times in the shuttle drill gave scouts a better idea of who can react quickly and flow to the football.
One of the most talked-about performances came from Sonny Styles of Ohio State Buckeyes football . Styles measured in at an impressive 6-foot-4, 235 pounds, combining ideal size with athletic upside. He ran a 4.52-second 40-yard dash, a standout time for a linebacker of his frame, demonstrating the kind of speed that allows him to track ball carriers in open space.
Styles also posted a 35-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot-6 broad jump, highlighting his lower-body explosiveness and ability to burst through gaps. His length and wingspan were evident during position drills, where he moved fluidly in coverage and showed comfort dropping into passing lanes, traits that fit perfectly with today's hybrid linebacker role.
| Player Name |
School |
Height |
Wt |
Hand |
Arm |
Wing |
40 |
10 |
Vert. |
Broad |
Cone |
Shut. |
| Sonny Styles |
Ohio St. |
6-foot-5 |
244 |
10 |
32 7/8 |
80 7/8 |
4.46 |
1.56 |
43.5 |
11-2 |
7.09 |
4.26 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6-foot-2 |
238 |
9 5/8 |
32 3/8 |
79 |
4.51 |
1.58 |
37 |
10-5 |
* | * | ||
| 6-foot-4 1/2 |
239 |
9 1/2 |
31 7/8 |
76 7/8 |
4.62 |
1.60 |
39 |
10-5 |
7.02 |
4.34 |
||
| 6-foot-2 |
237 |
10 1/4 |
32 1/4 |
* | * | * | * | * | * | * | ||
| Georgia |
6-foot 3/4 |
230 |
10 1/8 |
31 1/2 |
75 1/2 |
* | * | * | * | * | * | |
| 6-foot |
220 |
9 1/2 |
31 1/4 |
* | 4.53 |
1.58 |
39.5 |
10-9 |
6.97 |
4.26 |
||
| Jacob Rodriguez |
Texas Tech |
6-foot-1 |
231 |
9 1/4 |
30 7/8 |
* | 4.57 |
1.60 |
38.5 |
10-1 |
6.90 |
4.19 |
| Utah |
6-foot-5 |
233 |
9 1/2 |
32 1/4 |
* | * | * | * | * | * | * | |
| 6-foot-1 |
223 |
8 1/8 |
31 3/8 |
* | * | * | * | * | * | * | ||
| Buffalo |
6-foot-2 |
232 |
10 3/8 |
31 |
* | * | * | * | * | * | * | |
| Keyshaun Elliot |
Arizona St. |
6-foot-2 |
231 |
9 1/4 |
31 1/4 |
* | * | * | 38 |
10-5 |
* | * |
| 6-foot-3 |
226 |
9 1/4 |
31 7/8 |
* | * | * | * | * | * | * | ||
| 6-foot-1 |
233 |
9 |
30 5/8 |
* | * | * | * | * | * | * | ||
| 5-foot-11 |
226 |
8 3/8 |
30 |
* | * | * | * | * | 7.32 |
4.48 |
||
| 6-foot-2 1/2 |
238 |
9 5/8 |
30 1/2 |
* | * | * | 36 |
9-11 |
7.00 |
4.26 |
||
| 6-foot-1 |
232 |
9 1/2 |
31 1/8 |
* | * | * | * | * | * | * | ||
| Clemson |
6-foot-3 |
236 |
10 |
32 5/8 |
* | * | * | * | * | * | * | |
| Jack Kelly |
BYU |
6-foot-2 |
240 |
9 1/8 |
31 1/8 |
* | 4.57 |
1.61 |
37 |
10-5 |
7.12 |
4.19 |
| TCU |
6-foot-2 |
234 |
9 |
31 1/2 |
* | 4.47 |
1.59 |
40 |
10-4 |
* | 4.41 |
|
| Texas A&M |
6-foot-2 |
231 |
9 1/4 |
32 |
* | * | * | * | * | * | * | |
| Alabama |
6-foot |
223 |
10 |
31 5/8 |
* | 4.57 |
1.60 |
38.5 |
10-5 |
* | * | |
| Xavian Sorey |
6-foot-2 |
228 |
9 5/8 |
31 5/8 |
* | 4.63 |
1.66 |
37.5 |
10 |
7.00 |
4.42 |
|
| TCU |
6-foot-3 |
229 |
10 1/2 |
30 5/8 |
* | 4.53 |
1.56 |
37 |
9-11 |
7.24 |
4.36 |
|
| 6-foot-1 1/2 |
227 |
9 5/8 |
30 1/8 |
* | 4.62 |
1.62 |
34.5 |
9-11 |
7.15 |
* | ||
| Oklahoma |
6-foot-5 |
242 |
9 1/2 |
32 5/8 |
* | * | * | * | * | * | * | |
| USC |
6-foot-7 |
221 |
10 1/2 |
35 |
* | * | * | * | * | * | * | |
| Karson Sharar |
6-foot-1 5/8 |
231 |
10 1/8 |
31 1/8 |
* | 4.56 |
1.59 |
40 |
10-3 |
* | * | |
| Wesley Bissainthe |
Miami |
6-foot-2 |
225 |
9 5/8 |
31 7/8 |
* | * | * | * | * | * | * |
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : 2026 NFL Combine Results: Ohio State Safety Sonny Styles Is a Freak
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