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After the interior defensive linemen and edge rushers took the field at the 2026 NFL Combine, the linebackers closed out Day 1 of on-field drills. We previewed 10 off-ball linebackers for Detroit Lions fans to watch during this segment of on-field drills, and while not all of them participated, some players put on sensational showings.
Here are the top prospects from the linebacker group at this year’s NFL Combine.
Sonny Styles, Ohio State (6-foot-5, 244)
Styles won the day with one of the most complete Combine performances we’ve ever seen from a linebacker. Despite checking in as one of the biggest linebackers at the event, he also ran the fastest with a 1.56/4.46 10/40-yard-dash split (Teammate Vell Reese also ran a 4.46 40 y/d, but had a 1.58 10 y/s). His jumps were even more impressive, breaking a size record with a 43.5-inch vertical and an 11-foot-2 broad jump. He wrapped up his measurables with a 7.09 3-cone drill and a 4.26 short shuttle. No surprise, NFL.com graded his performance as the top athletic score amongst the linebacker group.
During on-field drills, everything looked easy, and it never looked like his endurance was tested. He stays naturally low in his stance, has smooth footwork, is able to cover a lot of ground with his lateral slide, and has great speed in the lateral run. He showed off his soft hands and effortlessly caught anything thrown his way. Styles looks like a top-five prospect in this draft class. The only question surrounding where he’ll be picked is: Will he slide due to his off-ball position?
Jake Golday, Cincinnati (6-foot-4 1/2, 239)
After seeing Styles’ measurables, Golday’s 1.6/4.62 split may underwhelm, but it shouldn’t for a linebacker his size. For example, Lions MIKE Jack Campbell is the same height as Golday, 10 pounds heavier, and ran a 1.58/4.65. Golday’s 39-inch vertical jump and 10-foot-5 broad jump is also in Campbell’s range, while Golday’s agility scores—7.09 3-cone score and 4.34 short shuttle time—were slower than the Lions All-Pro.
During on-field drills, Golday explodes at the start of the drill and covers a lot of ground quickly, especially laterally, as his transitions are beautiful and effortless. He’s a long strider when given a chance to open up and run, but also possesses the necessary quick feet to sift through choppy spaces. He never slowed down during any drill, full go at all times.
Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech (6-foot-1 1/2, 231)
Rodriguez doesn’t have Styles or Golday’s size, but he can hang with them athletically. With a 1.6/4.57 split, a 38.5-inch vertical jump, 10—foot-1 broad jump, 6.9-second 3-cone, and 4.19-second short shuttle, Rodriguez was acknowledged as the 4th most athletic linebacker in this class.
During on-field drills, Rodriguez had a nice vertical slide, the ability to turn and run quickly, and terrific change-of-direction skills. He speeds up as the drill unfolds, adn hs maximum speed can be reached when he opens things up. His ball skills were also very solid, which is not surprising considering his ability to create turnovers.
Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh (6-foot-0, 220)
Louis was recognized as the second-most athletic linebacker at the Combine, running a 1.58/4.53 split, jumping a 39.5-inch vertical and a 10-foot-9 broad, along with a 6.97-second 3-cone, and 4.26-second short shuttle.
In on-field drills, he’s a smooth mover, with an explosive start and fast change-of-direction movement. He is capable of working his way through choppy waters and picks up speed when running laterally and downfield. He never throttled down during drills and found ways to recover quickly when he made a mistake. His speed measurables are solid, but Louis is the type of player who has better speed on the football field than down the 40-yard dash lane.
Anthony Hill, Texas (6-foot-2, 238)
Hill didn’t participate in on-field drills, so I was a bit reluctant to include him as a winner. However, his measurables earned him the No. 6 most athletic score at the Combine after running a 1.58/4.51 split and jumping 37 inches in the vertical, and 10-foot-5 in the broad. Add in the fact that Hill told the media that he had a formal meeting with the Lions, and it’s worth taking note and keeping tabs on him moving forward.