NFL Combine Prospects 2026: Fernando Mendoza, Carson Beck Headline Invite List

NFL Combine prospects 2026 officially number 319, with the NFL releasing its complete invitation list for the annual pre-draft scouting showcase in Indianapolis. From February 23 through March 2 at Lucas Oil Stadium, these collegiate athletes will undergo medical evaluations, team interviews, and on-field testing before executives, coaches, and scouts from all 32 franchises.

For many of these prospects, the Combine represents the final opportunity to validate game tape against elite competition in a controlled environment. For quarterbacks Fernando Mendoza and Carson Beck—the class headliners—every throw, footwork drill, and interview response carries significant weight in shaping final draft boards.

Beyond the quarterbacks, the invitation list showcases remarkable depth across defensive positions, with pass-rushers, linebackers, and defensive backs poised to make immediate impacts at the professional level. Running backs, wide receivers, and offensive linemen also feature prominently, reflecting a draft class analysts project to produce immediate starters at multiple positions.

Official NFL sources confirm the Combine remains the premier evaluation event before the draft, while NFL Football Operations data indicates that over 80% of drafted players participated in the Combine the year they were selected.

Day-by-Day Schedule: What to Expect at the 2026 NFL Combine

Each day of the Combine focuses on specific position groups, allowing scouts to concentrate their evaluations. The event’s structure maximizes efficiency while providing comprehensive data on every prospect. Teams typically assign position coaches to their respective specialty groups, ensuring detailed technical assessment during each drill session.

Quarterback Spotlight: Fernando Mendoza and Carson Beck Lead Deep Class

Fernando Mendoza Combine Preview: Projections, Tests and Draft Outlook

Fernando Mendoza arrives in Indianapolis as one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects in the class. The Indiana product’s season—3,512 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, and a 72.0% completion rate—catapulted him into first-round conversations. However, his decision to skip throwing at the Combine has raised questions among scouts about his willingness to compete in unfamiliar settings.

Mendoza’s physical profile (6-foot-5, 225 pounds) combined with his deep-ball accuracy (75.0% on passes of 20+ yards) makes him a prototype modern NFL quarterback. Projected 40-yard dash times range between 4.65 and 4.75 seconds, which would place him in the upper tier of quarterback athleticism. The broad jump (projected 9’8″ to 10’2″) and three-cone drill (projected 6.9-7.1 seconds) will be particularly telling for evaluators focused on his mobility and change-of-direction ability.

Anonymous scouting sources indicate that Mendoza’s interviews will carry outsized importance given his unconventional Combine strategy. “Teams want to understand his football IQ and ability to process complex defensive schemes,” one AFC scout told PressNova News. “His film shows advanced pre-snap recognition, but interviews reveal whether that translates to the NFL level.” Mendoza’s leadership qualities have drawn comparisons to past Combine standouts who parlayed strong interviews into elevated draft positions—a trend that could work in his favor.

Carson Beck Combine Preview: Answering Questions About Arm Strength and Accuracy

Carson Beck enters the Combine with perhaps the most complete passing résumé among the quarterback class. The Miami signal-caller threw for over 4,000 yards, demonstrating exceptional touch, anticipation, and pocket presence. However, questions about his arm strength on deep out-routes and velocity in adverse conditions linger among NFL evaluators.

The Combine presents Beck with an ideal platform to silence skeptics. His velocity readings during the passing drills will be closely monitored, with scouts expecting throws consistently above 55 mph—the threshold that historically separates elite arms from average ones. Beck’s footwork and mechanics under the pressure of NFL-caliber scrutiny will also factor heavily into his final draft grade.

Unlike Mendoza, Beck has embraced the full Combine experience, committing to all throwing drills and position work. This willingness to compete—combined with his extensive game experience—positions him as the potential QB1 in a class that lacks a definitive top prospect. His performance in Indianapolis could secure him a top-five selection or create separation from the rest of the quarterback group.

Quarterback Sleepers: Drew Allar, Cade Klubnik and Risers to Watch

Beyond Mendoza and Beck, the quarterback class features several prospects capable of elevating their draft stock significantly. Drew Allar (Penn State) brings prototypical size (6-foot-5, 235 pounds) and arm strength that scouts covet, though consistency and accuracy remain development areas. Allar’s Combine throwing session could vault him into Day 1 consideration if he demonstrates improved mechanical consistency. “Allar has the strongest arm in this class,” an NFC personnel director told PressNova News. “If he shows touch and accuracy on the deep out routes, he could jump into the top 15.”

Cade Klubnik (Clemson) offers a contrasting skill set—athleticism, mobility, and playoff experience that appeals to teams running zone-read concepts. His 40-yard dash projection (4.55-4.65) ranks among the fastest in the quarterback group, and his agility drills could cement his status as a Day 2 selection. Garrett Nussmeier (LSU) brings arm talent and SEC experience but must answer questions about decision-making under pressure. Ty Simpson (Alabama) rounds out the notable names, with scouts eager to see if his physical tools translate to consistent accuracy in the controlled Combine environment.

Top Quarterback Prospect Comparison Table

Complete Position-by-Position Breakdown of 2026 Combine Invitees

Position Power Rankings: Top 5 at Each Position Group

Running Backs: Singleton, Love and the Deepest Position Class

The running back position features exceptional depth, with Nicholas Singleton (Penn State), Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame), and Kaytron Allen (Penn State) leading a group of explosive playmakers. Singleton’s combination of size (6-foot-0, 225 pounds) and receiving ability makes him a potential three-down back, while Love’s 4.4-speed projection could produce the fastest 40-yard dash among backs. Scouts will closely monitor each prospect’s pass-protection drills—an underrated component that often separates early-round selections from Day 3 picks. “The 2026 running back class is the deepest I’ve evaluated in five years,” a veteran NFL scout told PressNova News. “There are at least eight backs who could start in the league.”

Wide Receivers and Tight Ends: Speed, Separation and Hands

The wide receiver group is one of the largest invitation classes, featuring players from high-profile programs including LSU, Georgia, Alabama, USC, and Ohio State. Route-running precision and hands drills will be paramount, as separation in the NFL increasingly depends on technical proficiency rather than pure athleticism. The 40-yard dash will also attract attention, with multiple prospects projected to run sub-4.4—a threshold that historically correlates with Pro Bowl production. At tight end, evaluators seek hybrids capable of inline blocking and seam-stretching receiving ability.

Offensive Line: Protecting the Future of the League

Offensive linemen invited to the Combine represent traditional collegiate football powerhouses, reinforcing expectations that the draft will produce immediate starters across the league. The bench press (225-pound repetitions) remains the premier strength indicator—with prospects targeting 30+ reps to demonstrate elite upper-body power—while the 40-yard dash (target <5.2 for tackles, <5.4 for guards) and shuttle drills (target <4.6) evaluate athleticism for zone-blocking schemes. Scouts place particular emphasis on lateral movement and recovery ability during position drills, as these traits translate directly to pass-protection success at the professional level.

Edge Rushers and Defensive Line: The Pass-Rush Revolution

Edge rushers and defensive linemen consistently rank among the most coveted prospects, and this class delivers depth across multiple fronts. The 40-yard dash (target <4.8) and 10-yard split (target <1.6 seconds) for defensive linemen correlate strongly with NFL pass-rush success, while the three-cone drill (target <7.2 seconds) evaluates bend and change-of-direction ability essential for beating offensive tackles. Multiple prospects project to run sub-4.7, a threshold that historically indicates elite athleticism at the position. "The edge class has legitimate double-digit sack potential," an AFC personnel director said. "There are three or four guys who could hit double digits in year one."

Linebackers and Secondary: Athleticism and Coverage Skills

Harold Perkins Jr. (LSU), Sonny Styles (Ohio State), and Caleb Downs (Ohio State) headline a defensive back and linebacker class considered ready to contribute from day one. Coverage ability increasingly defines value for these positions, with the short shuttle (target <4.2 seconds) and 40-yard dash (target <4.5 for corners, <4.6 for safeties) serving as primary indicators of athleticism. Perkins' versatility as an off-ball linebacker and edge rusher makes him one of the most intriguing defensive prospects, while Downs' ball skills and instincts project as immediate starting safety material.

Under-the-Radar Small-School Prospects to Watch

While Power 5 programs dominate Combine invitations, several small-school prospects could emerge as Combine stars who dramatically improve their draft stock. Notable names to monitor include:

• Jalen Rivers (OL, Florida A&M): The 6-foot-6, 320-pound tackle projects to post elite bench press numbers (35+ reps) and could rise from Day 3 to Day 2 with strong athletic testing.
• Marcus Bryant (RB, South Dakota State): Rushed for over 1,800 yards and projects to run sub-4.45 in the 40—numbers that could push him into the top 100 selections.
• Trevor Reid (EDGE, Eastern Washington): The 6-foot-4, 255-pound pass-rusher has elite bend and projects a 1.58-second 10-yard split, which would rank among the best in his position group.
• Damon Hazelton (WR, Incarnate Word): At 6-foot-3 with a 40-inch vertical projection, Hazelton could be this year’s small-school Combine winner, moving from undrafted status to mid-Day 3 consideration.

Historically, small-school prospects have used the Combine to launch NFL careers—names like Terron Armstead (Arkansas-Pine Bluff) and DeForest Buckner (Oregon State, though Power 5) dramatically improved their stock through elite Combine performances.

The Combine Process: Medicals, Interviews and On-Field Drills

Medical Evaluations: The Hidden Factor That Changes Draft Boards

Medical evaluations at the Combine represent perhaps the most consequential component of the entire event, yet receive minimal public attention. Every prospect undergoes comprehensive physical examinations, including joint assessments, injury history reviews, and genetic predisposition screenings. Medical red flags can drop first-round talents into Day 3 or undrafted status entirely—a reality that teams guard closely but that consistently reshapes draft boards.

Historical examples illustrate the medical evaluation’s impact: In 2020, Tua Tagovailoa’s hip injury history raised concerns, though he remained a top-five selection. More dramatically, several prospects have fallen from first-round projections to undrafted status due to medical findings—including offensive linemen with chronic knee issues and cornerbacks with shoulder instability. “The medical exam is the most important part of the Combine,” one NFL team physician told PressNova News. “We can train speed and strength, but we cannot change medical history.” Informed speculation suggests multiple high-profile prospects in the 2026 class carry medical concerns that could significantly affect their final draft position.

Team Interviews: Why Conversation Matters as Much as Performance

Team interviews at the Combine often determine draft positioning more than on-field performance. Each franchise conducts 45-minute sessions with 60 prospects, evaluating football IQ, character, work ethic, and cultural fit. Interview performance has historically elevated or diminished draft stock significantly—with examples of players rising two full rounds based solely on interview execution.

A notable example: In 2022, an offensive lineman from a mid-major program impressed teams with his schematic recall and ability to diagram complex protection schemes, rising from a projected sixth-round selection to a third-round pick. Conversely, a highly-rated cornerback in 2023 reportedly alienated multiple teams with dismissive interview responses, dropping from first-round projections into Day 3. Scouts prioritize candidates who demonstrate advanced defensive recognition, scheme understanding, and leadership qualities during these conversations.

Position-Specific Drills: What Scouts Actually Measure

Each position group performs specialized drills designed to evaluate position-specific skills with precise testing targets:

• Quarterbacks: Velocity testing (target >55 mph), deep accuracy drills, footwork evaluation, and route-tree throwing with specific timing requirements.
• Running Backs: 40-yard dash (target <4.5), shuttle (target <4.2), broad jump (target >10’0″), and pass-protection drills.
• Wide Receivers: 40-yard dash (target <4.4 for boundary receivers, <4.5 for slots), gauntlet drill (hands and tracking), and route-running precision.
• Defensive Linemen: 10-yard split (target <1.6 seconds), bench press (target >30 reps), three-cone (target <7.2 seconds), and bag drills testing bend.
• Defensive Backs: 40-yard dash (target <4.5 for corners, <4.6 for safeties), shuttle (target <4.1), and coverage drills including backpedal and break techniques.
• Offensive Linemen: Bench press (target >30 reps for interior, >25 for tackles), 40-yard dash (target <5.2), shuttle (target <4.6), and mirror drills testing lateral movement.

Draft Stock Implications: Who Rises, Who Falls in Indianapolis

The Combine historically produces significant draft board movement, with strong performers rising multiple rounds and disappointing showings causing precipitous drops. Quarterbacks who exceed throwing expectations typically secure top-10 selections, while elite 40-yard dash times at skill positions often result in significant draft-day climbs. Conversely, poor agility times, inconsistent position drills, or negative interview reports can drop prospects into undrafted free agency territory.

Analysts project this class to produce at least ten prospects whose Combine performances will alter their draft position by two or more rounds. Quarterbacks who demonstrate unexpected athleticism, receivers who run faster than projected, and defensive linemen who show exceptional bend could experience the most significant stock movements. “Every year, there are three or four guys who aren’t on anyone’s radar until they run,” one longtime evaluator told PressNova News. “This year will be no different.”

Historical Context: Comparing 2026 Prospects to Previous Combine Classes

Statistical analysis of previous Combine classes reveals important correlations between testing numbers and NFL success. Quarterbacks who post 40-yard dash times below 4.7 with velocity readings above 55 mph consistently outperform their draft position. Defensive linemen with 10-yard split times below 1.6 seconds produce significantly higher sack totals at the professional level.

Comparing 2026 prospects to historical benchmarks provides essential context:

• Josh Allen (2018): 6’5″, 237 lbs, 4.73 40, 58 mph velocity. Mendoza’s profile (6’5″, 225, projected 4.68) compares favorably, though Allen had more collegiate production.
• Patrick Mahomes (2017): 6’2″, 225 lbs, 4.80 40, 55 mph velocity. Beck’s profile (6’4″, 220, projected 4.75) with higher collegiate yards per attempt suggests a similar developmental trajectory.
• Joe Burrow (2020): 6’3″, 221 lbs, 4.84 40, 54 mph velocity. None of the 2026 prospects match Burrow’s exceptional 2020 season, but Klubnik’s athleticism (projected 4.60) approaches Burrow’s mobility.

Early projections suggest multiple 2026 prospects rank favorably against these historical benchmarks. Mendoza’s combination of size and athleticism compares favorably to Allen, while Beck’s accuracy metrics align with Burrow’s college production. Allar’s arm strength—projected 57-59 mph—ranks among the highest in Combine history for quarterback prospects.

NFL Team Needs: Which Franchises Will Focus on Which Positions

Team-specific attendance patterns and scout assignments at each positional drill provide insight into which prospects individual franchises are targeting most aggressively. Multiple franchises with top-10 selections are expected to have their general managers and head coaches personally attending quarterback and defensive line drills—indicating the priority positions for the 2026 draft class.

Combine Record Comparisons: Where 2026

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