Kenyon Sadiq, Eli Stowers Steal Show During DB and TE Workouts at NFL Draft Combine Day 2

The City of Indianapolis' utility department needs to commence a routine checkup, because something is clearly in the water propelling this year's NFL draft prospects to unprecedented efforts.

The No. 1 overall prospect in the 2026 draft class, Caleb Downs, didn't work out Friday at the NFL combine. Even so, the defensive backs took Lucas Oil Stadium by storm and continued to impress after the prospects from the defensive front seven did so during the prior day's workouts. Furthermore, a potential top 10 prospect among the tight ends worked out and surpassed already lofty expectations.

Interestingly, another Ohio State safety turned heads when Lorenzo Styles Jr. blazed a 4.27-second 40-yard dash to ensure his bother, Sonny, wouldn't be the only one from the family everyone would be talking about after leaving Indianapolis.

Once the DBs finished, an impressive group of tight ends continued the hot start, with Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq looking every bit the part as the consensus TE1.

B/R scout Daniel Harms checked in and broke down which prospects impressed and disappointed after all of the cornerbacks, safeties and tight ends finished their combine experience, with all eyes on the offense as the weekend approaches.

Tight Ends

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Vanderbilt's Eli Stowers

Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt

Most already knew that Stowers was going to blow up the athletic testing, but setting the record for the vertical jump among all tight ends is impressive.

Stowers, who is a former state high-jump champion, made it a point to remind everyone on the second day of testing. The 45.5-inch vertical was the third-highest recorded at the combine since 1999. He also paced the group with an 11'3" broad jump, while adding an impressive 4.51 forty-yard dash.

The reigning John Mackey Award winner provided one of the most electric combine performances of all time from a tight end. But he had competition.

Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

With Stowers' effort, an argument can be made that Sadiq didn't have the most impressive all-around athletic performance during Friday's testing. Nevertheless, his effort still proved to be an all-time outcome.

By posting an 11'1" broad jump and a 43.5-inch vertical only to finish second in both events, Sadiq had to be somewhat frustrated. He made up for it by setting a positional record of his own with a 4.39-second 40-yard dash.

He and Stowers amazed with their athletic testing, which makes them fascinating options during the early rounds of the April's draft. In Sadiq's case, the performance may be enough to firmly place him in the top-10 overall conversation.

John Michael Gyllenborg, Wyoming

After experiencing a disappointing end to his collegiate career, Gyllenborg used the Senior Bowl and combine to elevate his draft stock. While he didn't necessarily stand out during his time in Mobile, the same can't be said in Indianapolis.

The Wyoming product posted a 4.6-second forty-yard dash to go with a 35.5-inch vertical and 10'8" broad jump. Gyllenborg was also excellent during on-field drills, showing great hands, smooth routes and one of the best gauntlet drills among participating tight ends. He entered the biggest job interview of his life and aced it.  

Lake McRee, USC

Even though McRee didn't complete any of the testing events, he showed out during his positional workout. He was efficient, made some great catches down the field and looked explosiveness with his movements during the gauntlet drill. The senior prospect provided some jolt and moved the sled as a blocker as well, showing a complete skill set for NFL evaluators.

Cornerbacks

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Indiana's D'Angelo Ponds

Charles Demmings, Stephen F. Austin

After an offer to participate in the Senior Bowl a month ago, Demmings earned a combine invite and posted the best overall testing performance among corners. He ran a blazing 4.41-second 40-yard dash, with second-place finishes in broad jump (11'0") and vertical jump (42 inches). 

With his explosive athleticism at 6'1" and 193 pounds, Demmings showed out during on-field drills with smooth transitions, quick footwork and by attacking the football. The small-school prospect is making the draft process work for him.

Daylen Everette, Georgia

Daylen Everette made an argument for himself as the biggest surprise of the day after he laid down a blazing 4.38-second 40-yard dash, 1.54-second 10-yard split, 10'4" broad jump and 37.5-inch vertical.

The former Bulldog was excellent during on-field drills, with smooth transitions and explosive movements. In fact, he ran one of the day's best gauntlet drills by plucking the football out of the air and staying down the line with balance. He bounced back from a poor showing at the Senior Bowl and made a great impression.

D'Angelo Ponds, Indiana

Yes, Ponds is 5'9" with sub 30-inch arms. However, the diminutive defensive back exploded during the only testing drill that he completed. Ponds mitigate his lack of height with a 43.5-inch vertical jump. His lower-half explosion shows up on tape to go with a relentless mentality. He was smooth and steady during on-field drills, continuing to showcase how he's risen throughout this draft cycle.

The first-team All-American had some drops during drills. Still, Ponds proved to be one of the best corners on the field.

Toriano Pride Jr., Missouri

Sometimes, the combine offers an opportunity for unheralded players to steal the show. Pride did just that.

While Pride started with a modest 37.5-inch vertical jump, he followed it with an impressive 10'8" broad jump, showing off his lower-body explosion. Then, he really made a name for himself by laying down the fastest  40-yard dash of the cornerback session at 4.32 seconds, even surprising himself. 

Pride's on-field drills were a mixed bag, but he's going to be a prospect whose performance sends scouts back to the tape.

Safeties

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Ohio State's Lorenzo Styles Jr.

Lorenzo Styles Jr., Ohio State

The wide receiver-turned-defensive back blew everyone away with a stunning 4.27-second 40-yard dash. Styles also posted a 39-inch vertical and joined his brother in showing off elite athletic testing.

The 6'0", 194-pound safety looked smooth, controlled and explosive during on-field drills to go along with natural ball-skills to pluck the ball out of the air. His showcase should send people across the country to reassess his tape. 

Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina

After an early-season injury derailed his final campaign, Kilgore came into the combine fully healthy and ready to show what he could do. He did not disappoint.

At 6'1" and 210 pounds, Kilgore led the safety group in the broad jump (10'10"), provided a 37-inch vertical and showed off his speed with a 4.41 forty-yard dash. His athletic ability, ball skills, and versatility jump off the tape for the former Gamecock defensive back, and he was smooth as silk in and out of the on-field drills. He's one to watch after this performance. 

Dillon Thieneman, Oregon

Watching Thieneman at Purdue and seeing his range on tape, then playing an aggressive downhill style at Oregon, the safety's impressive combine performance was expected. He still had to deliver, though.

The junior prospect cashed in during testing. At the same time, Thieneman was one of the smoothest and quickest performers during on-field drills. His natural ball skills, tracking and explosiveness were all on display, on top of his range.

A 4.35-second 40-yard dash was simply icing on the cake.

Zakee Wheatley, Penn State

A decision to not run a 40-yard dash isn't a death sentence for prospects. However, when that decision is compounded by poor explosive drills in the broad and vertical jumps, Wheatley now needs a strong bounce-back at Penn State's pro day.

Wheatley looked better during some of the on-field drills, but noticeable stiffness was seen regarding his lateral change of direction. The tape shows a much better player than athlete, which should be the deciding factor for the former Nittany Lion. Nonetheless, a disappointing showing on the big stage didn't help Wheatley's case in a strong safety class.