Two Ohio State defenders made a strong impression during Thursday’s workout sessions at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, posting impressive athletic numbers that caught the attention of professional scouts.
Linebackers Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese both clocked identical 4.46-second times in the 40-yard dash. Styles, who played middle linebacker for the Buckeyes, and Reese, who announced earlier this week that he’s preparing for a pass-rushing role in the NFL, demonstrated exceptional speed for their position.
Styles delivered a standout performance across multiple drills at Lucas Oil Stadium. The 6-foot-5, 244-pound defender recorded a remarkable 43.5-inch vertical jump, surpassing the previous combine record of 43 inches set by safety Nick Emmanwori in 2025. His broad jump exceeded 11 feet, marking the day’s best result, while he completed the three-cone drill in 7.09 seconds and the short shuttle in 4.26 seconds. Reese chose not to participate in the vertical jump or broad jump events.
Among defensive ends, Texas Tech’s David Bailey posted the fastest 40-yard dash at 4.50 seconds. Bailey, who measures 6-foot-4 and 251 pounds with a 35-inch vertical jump, is anticipated to be chosen within the first 10 picks.
Draft analysts currently project both Styles and Reese to be selected among the top 15 overall picks when the draft takes place in April.
Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, viewed as a potential second-round selection, led all linebackers in agility drills with a 6.90-second three-cone time and a 4.19-second short shuttle performance.
