The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis delivered historically fast 40-yard dash performances across multiple position groups, highlighted by unusually strong showings from offensive linemen.
Traditionally evaluated more for strength and technique than straight-line speed, this year’s offensive line class challenged long-held assumptions. Miami’s Markel Bell recorded a 5.36-second 40-yard dash at a notably large frame, while Iowa’s Logan Jones posted a 4.90 — the fastest time among offensive linemen at the event and a mark that aligns with the position’s all-time best average of 5.10 seconds.
The average human can’t comprehend how fast a 5 second 40 actually is.
He will run down 99.9% of the general population at 346 pounds. https://t.co/AQf1O2fjSq
— Ghost of Adam Gase (@GhostOfAdamGase) March 2, 2026
Those results reflect a broader trend: linemen entering the league with rare movement skills in addition to size and power. Improved speed at the position has significant implications for modern offensive schemes, particularly in zone concepts, screen games, and second-level blocking.
Some wheels from the offensive linemen 💨 pic.twitter.com/amcc2DJAIH
— NFL (@NFL) March 1, 2026
The athletic surge extended beyond the trenches. Wide receivers and defensive backs both produced average 40-yard dash times under 4.44 seconds, underscoring the overall explosiveness of the class. Speed at the skill positions continues to rise league-wide, and this group appears to reinforce that trajectory.
Collectively, the testing results point to a draft class defined by high-end athleticism. As roster construction increasingly prioritizes versatility and speed, especially in space, the 2026 class may further accelerate the evolution of offensive and defensive strategies across the NFL.
