Defensive linemen, edge rushers, and linebackers took to the turf at Lucas Oil Stadium on Thursday in the NFL Scouting Combine, and several stars made waves in the 40-yard dash
17:47 ET, 26 Feb 2026Updated 17:47 ET, 26 Feb 2026
David Bailey ran a blistering 40-yard dash in Indianapolis
View 2 Images
David Bailey ran a blistering 40-yard dash in Indianapolis(Image: NFL)
David Bailey posted an incredible 40-yard dash time that left many watching in disbelief.
The NFL Scouting Combine is an interesting time. It's when teams make franchise-altering decisions over perceived marginal gains, and things like arm length get blown out of the water much to the chagrin of Rueben Bain Jr.
Article continues below
With the Las Vegas Raiders expected to select Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the New York Jets will theoretically get to add the best player in this year’s class at No. 2. The AFC East franchise could go for Arvell Reese, but they could also go for Bailey.
Article continues below
READ MORE: Combine star suffered freak injury after role on peewee football's 'Friday Night Lights'READ MORE: Top NFL Draft prospect's brutal Scouting Combine measurement puts him in awkward position
Bailey is one of the best edge defender prospects in a loaded class at the position. His elite explosiveness helped him rack up 14.5 sacks for Texas Tech last season, tying him for the FBS lead.
He showed off his incredible explosiveness at the Combine on Thursday and solidified his rising NFL Draft stock. In the 40-yard dash, Bailey clocked a stellar 4.51-second unofficial time — even with a slight stumble.
It’s a stunning show of speed and athleticism from one of the most significant and exciting prospects in the draft. There are questions about his size, which could affect his ability to play against the run early in his career.
Bailey even acknowledged this issue at his pro day. But as he gains strength and size over time, and becomes more seasoned in the league, his run defense should improve.
Sign up to our NFL newsletter here
Zane Durant had a spectacular Combine to boost his stock
View 2 Images
Zane Durant had a spectacular Combine to boost his stock(Image: Getty Images)
There’s also the fact that his pass-rushing ability is so dominant that it simply alleviates any concerns over his run defense. Texas Tech certainly had no problem; in the 22-year-old’s sole season with the program after transferring from Stanford, the Red Raiders won their first outright league title since 1955, their first Big 12 crown, and clinched their first College Football Playoff appearance.
Perhaps if he’s with the Jets, the franchise can seal a first trip to the playoffs since 2010.
Other defensive line talents impressed. Penn State’s Zane Durant had a monster afternoon testing, with the 6’1” tackle — who weighs 290 pounds — running a spectacular 4.75 40-yard dash. One fan on social media had seen enough, posting: "Interior linemen aren’t supposed to move like that. That’s scary athleticism."
Article continues below
Durant’s effort was memorable. It’s tied for the fifth-fastest 40-yard dash time by a defensive tackle at the NFL Combine since 1999, with the title of fastest going to New England Patriots stud Milton Williams (4.67).
Additionally, Durant recorded an elite vertical jump of 33.5 inches to go along with a 9’4” broad jump. Durant has shown physical traits that will be very alluring to scouts and coaches alike, combining elite explosion with football instincts.