Nfl Combine Momentum: Which offensive linemen climbed draft boards after Day 4 in Indianapolis
The final day of the 2026 Scouting Combine re-ordered several draft conversations, and nfl front offices now have clearer performance signals ahead of the April 23-25 draft in Pittsburgh. Speed on the 40, explosion in the jumps and functional movement drills pushed some interior and tackle prospects up draft boards; others showed measurable traits that will force follow-up evaluation at pro days.
Nfl stock shifts and what they mean for draft positioning
Here’s the part that matters: a handful of linemen posted testing that changes how teams view projection vs. readiness. Quick 40 times from bigger bodies and excellent short-area agility narrowed the gap between athleticism and technique for immediate starters, while subpar length or middling timed runs left questions about long-term fit for edge protection.
The combine produced distinct momentum moves rather than incremental noise. Teams that favor zone-blocking schemes will likely react differently than teams prioritizing arm length and raw mass. For nfl evaluators, the metrics make some prospects safer bets for Day 1 or early Day 2 selections, while others will need to prove functional traits in pads at pro days.
Key workout highlights and measurable details from Day 4 (embedded)
- Bisontis: 40-yard dash in 5. 02 seconds, 32-inch vertical; looked comfortable in pass-protection drills after having played offensive tackle as a freshman at Texas A&M. Short-area quickness stood out.
- Burton: 4. 94-second 40 (1. 76 10-yard split) and a 9-3 broad jump; a four-year starter at guard and center who showed fluidity that projects to zone-scheme interior roles.
- Iheanachor: 4. 91-second 40 (1. 73 10-yard split), 9-foot-7 broad jump at 321 pounds; displayed fluid movement in drills, a quick kick-slide and a solid punch — a prospect with Day 1 starter buzz at right tackle.
- Jones: measured 6-2 7/8 and 299 pounds, posted a 32-inch vertical, 7. 46 in the 3-cone and a 4. 90 40; comparisons were made to an earlier center prospect who did not run or jump at his combine, and teams favoring zone schemes are expected to value Jones highly.
- Pregnon: 6-4 1/4 and 314 pounds, hands 11 inches, arms 33 5/8 inches, 35-inch vertical and a 5. 21 40; showed a strong punch and functional movement despite a less eye-catching straight-line time.
- Fano: posted an otherwise strong workout, but arm length (32 1/8 inches) and 9-inch hands were noted as below the standard for tackles, creating concerns about his ability to anchor against length on the edge.
Not every measurable told the same story: some bigger linemen ran quicker than expected, while others had length or hand-size issues that temper enthusiasm. Teams will weigh scheme fit heavily — the same testing profile that promotes a player for one offense could be a red flag for another.
It’s easy to overlook, but the 3-cone and short-area work mattered as much as straight-line speed for players projecting to start immediately; these drills illuminated play-speed and mirror ability in space.
- Five prospects posted performances that should elevate immediate starter conversations.
- Two prospects still carry measurable questions that make pro-day efforts important before final draft grading.
- Scheme preference will be a decisive filter: zone-heavy teams will value certain quickness and movement scores more than power metrics.
- April 23-25 remains the deadline where these combine performances translate into draft-day outcomes — follow-up testing and film will be decisive.
The real question now is how teams reconcile the measured traits with game tape: combine numbers clarified athletic ceilings for some, but left others needing to prove functional play in pads. Expect targeted pro-day work and medical follow-ups for prospects with mixed signals.
Micro timeline: Combine Day 4 wrapped in Indianapolis with offensive linemen testing; pro days and team visits will follow; the draft takes place April 23-25 in Pittsburgh — performance trends from the combine will be tested again before selections are made.
Overall, Day 4 created clearer tiers among offensive linemen: a group pushed upward with demonstrable athleticism and movement, and a group that must answer length or explosion questions before draft weekend. Those differences will shape who comes off boards early and who needs a strong pro-day script to climb.