2026 NFL Scouting Combine

[tapeANaspirin2it]

Odds are against him. I think the last edge with short arms was Dwight Freeney and he was super quick with a spin move.

I don’t think James Harrison has arm measurements anywhere because he wasn’t at the combine but he seemed to have short arms.

Bain will have to be a bull rusher like Harrison because every OT will get their hands on him.

 

[Litos]

• Height: 6'0 5/8" (approx. 6'1")
• Weight: 285 lbs
• 40-Yard Dash: 4.68 seconds
• Bench Press (225 lbs): 35 reps
• Vertical Jump: 32 inches
• Broad Jump: 9' 8" (116 inches)
• 3-Cone Drill: 7.11 seconds
• 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.39 seconds
• Arm Length: 32 5/8 inches
• Hand Size: 9 7/8 inches

Aaron Donald was considered small and he looks like he even has smaller measurements.

No thank you.

We don't need that hobbit

 

[SteelerFan448]

And not taking swings at filling the franchise QB void for about a decade sets back a franchise about a decade.

It’s a QB driven league plan and simple.

A team can take zero shots (or very poor shots) in the name of fear/safety and be irrelevant for a long time…we’re watching it unfold in real time, very slowly.

This is something that no one ever says...it is so true.

Post of the year candidate here.

 

[WindyCitySteel]

Odds are against him. I think the last edge with short arms was Dwight Freeney and he was super quick with a spin move.

I don’t think James Harrison has arm measurements anywhere because he wasn’t at the combine but he seemed to have short arms.

Bain will have to be a bull rusher like Harrison because every OT will get their hands on him.

The guy's a beast and played against top competition, hire someone to feed him if you have to, but if he falls to 21 it's a no-brainer.

 

[WindyCitySteel]

Sonny Styles is crushing it. His film is outstanding. They traded up for Devin Bush, which was a huge mistake, this would not be.

https://x.com/11W/status/2027167224557961628?s=20

 

[Litos]

The guy's a beast and played against top competition, hire someone to feed him if you have to, but if he falls to 21 it's a no-brainer.

Maybe hire the spanish inquisition to stretch him a bit

 

[Drink IRON City]

Maybe hire the spanish inquisition to stretch him a bit

Better off to get the guys who stretched the Scotsman Wallace.!



Salute the nation

 

[SteelerSask2]

And not taking swings at filling the franchise QB void for about a decade sets back a franchise about a decade.

It’s a QB driven league plan and simple.

A team can take zero shots (or very poor shots) in the name of fear/safety and be irrelevant for a long time…we’re watching it unfold in real time, very slowly.

Eventually the Steelers have to nut up and take another swing and get over their KFP trauma.

As far as guys that could give Howard a legit run for the spot in an open competition? Nussmeier, Beck, Green, Simpson, Mendoza and maybe even an Allar. Howard is as an unknown and unproven (just like all those guys) until he isn’t.

I’d take 2 mid rounders to throw in the ring with Howard and hope 1 guy comes out more than serviceable.

Id say a 3rd dropper. Certainly not a 1.

 

[Drink IRON City]

What about the DT that knows the Haywerd kids……… from Ohio State Buckeyes.

That would be a true no-brainer if he fell to us.



Salute the nation

 

[SteelerSask2]

Fans want to see Will Howard and McCarthy and Khan keep talking him up. They're either setting up a huge smokescreen for something or setting him up for heavy criticism when he plays like a 6th-round pick if he ever gets a chance.

I have no idea what he is. No one does. All I know is there is no one outside Mendoza that you could put a higher draft grade on. Or if there is Id like to know who and why.

 

[WindyCitySteel]

What about the DT that knows the Haywerd kids……… from Ohio State Buckeyes.

That would be a true no-brainer if he fell to us.



Salute the nation

Kayden McDonald is really good. But at 6'2" he's a true NT, and I doubt they'd take one in first considering how little the NT plays in our system.

 

[Crossdogblitz]

IMO, if any of these are at 21:

CB - Jermod McCoy ( could fall to us due to his injury that cancelled his 2025 season)
CB - Colton Hood
WR - Carnell Tate
WR - Denzel Boston
WR - Jordan Tyson

one of those will be our pick.

I'd not mind the DT from Ohio State, either.

Ideally, our first three picks would be:

1. McCoy
2. Gennings Dunker (OG, Iowa)
3. Sarratt/Cooper - WR, Indiana

Saw Jermond McCoy is not doing drills at the combine, I still like Colton Hood but this may cause McCoy to fall

 

[slashsteel]

Kayden McDonald is really good. But at 6'2" he's a true NT, and I doubt they'd take one in first considering how little the NT plays in our system.

Not even sure what the new scheme will look like. I do know what we saw is going to look different. They can call it a 3/4 but I think when they are done modifying it won’t be the same ol same ol.

 

[Crossdogblitz]

Anybody see the Kaleb Elarms-Orr kid from TCU? 4.47 40. Speed AND he's a helluva lber. Would be a great 3rd rounder imo.

 

[SteelerFan448]

Caleb Banks got some attention today. Tough evaluation with very limited game action this year.

 

[alancac98]

Suuuuuure. alancac98. Sure thing.

I've got proof. I have my smart watch data that shows I was in REM sleep at that time.

 

[Confluence]

I wouldn't let Highsmith go for less of a 2nd round pick and maybe add a 6th to that price

how about a 2nd and a 4th for Highsmith and a couple of our 7ths?

 

[Drink IRON City]

Not even sure what the new scheme will look like. I do know what we saw is going to look different. They can call it a 3/4 but I think when they are done modifying it won’t be the same ol same ol.

I agree, but heaven forbid if they don’t change.

I see a way different look, man on man mix.

Different front seven scheme, more scattered blitz to keep opposing OL honest.

Opponents won’t be able to run the same play 26 times over and over.




Salute the nation

 

[Drink IRON City]

how about a 2nd and a 4th for Highsmith and a couple of our 7ths?

Is coooch staying at your place, tell him hi for me ………………………………. I would take that offer.

Keep in mind that Herbig isn’t near as accustomed to seal the edge from the run, his weakness currently.

Something has to give in the ILB room, we are stacked with two sets of starters (Sawyer could start, but needs more experience).

Turn that 2nd and 4rth into a 1st round next year to help set up for QB draft.







Salute the nation

 

[Confluence]

Turn that 2nd and 4rth into a 1st round next year to help set up for QB draft.


EDIT: OOooooppppps this was meant for the Aaaa-Ron thread.




Salute the nation

Exactly

 

[Drink IRON City]

Exactly

Sorry about the EDIT, I was in BaZarrO world.




Salute the nation

 

[jitter77]

I think people get too enamored with dumb things like arm measurements. I know what the stat says, but most DEs are fairly tall and would typically have long arms. How many guys actually played the position with <31" arms? I think the stat can be very misleading. It's not like guys are running around with fully extended arms. You need some bend for leverage / strength. I just don't get it when they say if a guys arms were .5" longer he would be top 10 but now he is projected 3rd round.

 

[SteelBuckeye]

I think people get too enamored with dumb things like arm measurements. I know what the stat says, but most DEs are fairly tall and would typically have long arms. How many guys actually played the position with <31" arms? I think the stat can be very misleading. It's not like guys are running around with fully extended arms. You need some bend for leverage / strength. I just don't get it when they say if a guys arms were .5" longer he would be top 10 but now he is projected 3rd round.

I couldn't remember what they were saying about this yesterday during the draft broadcast. So, I asked AI ... (The redded part jumped out at me)

Drafting a defensive lineman (DL) or edge rusher with arms shorter than 31 inches is considered a significant risk in the NFL due to the historical lack of success and the physical disadvantages, especially in establishing leverage and controlling blocks. While elite production can sometimes overcome this, 31 inches is viewed as a "red flag" for a position that relies on creating distance from offensive linemen (OL).
Here is why a DL with sub-31-inch arms is often avoided:

• Historical Failure Rate: According to data surrounding the 2026 NFL draft, there is essentially no precedent for success, as three “edge rushers” with arms shorter than 31 inches drafted since 2013 registered zero career sacks.
• Lack of Leverage and Range: Shorter arms prevent a defender from utilizing an effective "bench press" maneuver to push back blockers. This allows offensive linemen to get into the defender’s chest, negating their ability to shed blocks and make plays.
• Disadvantage in "First Contact": NFL pass rushing relies on timing, with longer arms allowing defenders to touch the offensive tackle's pads first. A defender with shorter arms often gets blocked immediately at the line of scrimmage.
• Reduced Tackle Radius: Shorter arms reduce a defensive lineman's ability to stop the run and tackle evasive players.
• Position Limitations: While 33 inches is typically the minimum threshold for edge players, even a 31-inch measurement is considered a "killer" for draft status, as it often means the player will struggle against NFL-level tackles.

Exceptions and Nuance:
Despite these drawbacks, elite college production can sometimes lead teams to overlook this statistic. Players with shorter arms often have to compensate with "Mike Tyson-power" hands, a lower pad level, or better technical skills. Some analysts suggest such players might find more success as interior pass rushers (3T or 5T) rather than as edge rushers.

 

[jitter77]

I couldn't remember what they were saying about this yesterday during the draft broadcast. So, I asked AI ... (The redded part jumped out at me)

Drafting a defensive lineman (DL) or edge rusher with arms shorter than 31 inches is considered a significant risk in the NFL due to the historical lack of success and the physical disadvantages, especially in establishing leverage and controlling blocks. While elite production can sometimes overcome this, 31 inches is viewed as a "red flag" for a position that relies on creating distance from offensive linemen (OL).
Here is why a DL with sub-31-inch arms is often avoided:

• Historical Failure Rate: According to data surrounding the 2026 NFL draft, there is essentially no precedent for success, as three “edge rushers” with arms shorter than 31 inches drafted since 2013 registered zero career sacks.
• Lack of Leverage and Range: Shorter arms prevent a defender from utilizing an effective "bench press" maneuver to push back blockers. This allows offensive linemen to get into the defender’s chest, negating their ability to shed blocks and make plays.
• Disadvantage in "First Contact": NFL pass rushing relies on timing, with longer arms allowing defenders to touch the offensive tackle's pads first. A defender with shorter arms often gets blocked immediately at the line of scrimmage.
• Reduced Tackle Radius: Shorter arms reduce a defensive lineman's ability to stop the run and tackle evasive players.
• Position Limitations: While 33 inches is typically the minimum threshold for edge players, even a 31-inch measurement is considered a "killer" for draft status, as it often means the player will struggle against NFL-level tackles.

Exceptions and Nuance:
Despite these drawbacks, elite college production can sometimes lead teams to overlook this statistic. Players with shorter arms often have to compensate with "Mike Tyson-power" hands, a lower pad level, or better technical skills. Some analysts suggest such players might find more success as interior pass rushers (3T or 5T) rather than as edge rushers.

I still say this is a bunch of BS. They basically have no data to back this up. Since 2011 only 8 guys have been drafted with arms < 31" . Only 3 of those were edge guys. One was an 8th round pick, one was Sutton Smith a 6th rounder by the steelers. The other one Tyree Johnson was signed by the steelers after going undrafted. Smith played in 8 games, but looks like he converted to fullback for the NFL. The other guy nate Williams I can't find info on

 

[mightyguru]

The DBs are burning up the 40 track. Lorenzo Styles JR just ran a 4.27!