We are well into the NFL Draft process. The all-star circuit is behind us with the Shrine Bowl and Senior Bowl wrapping up in Late-January. As we type this, NFL decision makers and NFL Draft prospects are beginning to arrive in Indianapolis for the 2026 NFL Combine. Below, I’ve listed four prospects on my watchlist at the 2026 NFL Combine.
Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
Garrett Nussmeier left the Panini Senior Bowl as the game’s MVP, having set himself apart from the other QBs on the roster. While Fernando Mendoza is highly likely to be the top player selected in the NFL Draft, the rest of the QB board is wide open. Garrett Nussmeier should post a 40 time in the 4.75 range. While this won’t impress NFL scouts with his 40 time, he can do so in meetings with teams. By doing so, he should see a bump in his draft stock heading into LSU’s Pro Day.
Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State
It’s been rumored that Brenen Thompson could be the guy to set a new record in the 40-yard dash at the 2026 NFL Combine. If he’s able to do so, that should be enough to propel him into day two. He’s currently ranked 109th in the consensus big board on NFL Mock Draft Database.
Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee
Last year, when I was breaking down tape on James Pearce Jr, Joshua Josephs stood out immediately. In fact, I thought he was the better prospect. However, he’s currently outside of the top ten edge rushers in this class. If he can perform well at the NFL Combine, he might be able to improve his draft stock. He’s projected to post a 40 time in the 4.6 range. However, he’s on my watchlist for the 2026 NFL Combine because I think he can run faster than that. He certainly looks faster on game tape.
Charles Demmings, CB, Stephen F Austin
At the Senior Bowl, Charles Demmings was able to stand out and make some plays against some of the top wide receivers on the roster. However, he’s currently a 6th to 7th-round prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft. A strong athletic performance at the 2026 NFL Combine in Indianapolis might be exactly what he needs. He likely won’t jump into an early day three pick, but could show teams that he’s more than just a special teams contributor.