As the calendar flips toward the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, Mel Kiper Jr. has already begun reshaping the board.
The longtime ESPN draft analyst identified prospects who boosted their stock at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. These group of standouts whose workouts could push them higher than previously projected. Here are six players from Kiper’s list.
Chris Brazzell II, WR – Tennessee
Brazzell turned heads with a 4.37-second 40-yard dash. At 6-foot-4, flashing the size-speed combination evaluators covet. He’s one of the few transfer player who stayed consistent and got better after drills. Brazzell had 1,017 yards and nine touchdowns last season, averaging 16.4 yards per catch.
Kadyn Proctor, OT – Alabama
Proctor slimmed down to 352 pounds officially for the combine and showed improved movement skills in drills. While still one of the draft’s most massive prospects, his conditioning and footwork impressed scouts. Kiper suggested Proctor solidified himself as a mid-to-late first-round option with his performance.
Malachi Lawrence, OLB – UCF
Lawrence emerged as one of the week’s biggest risers. He ran a 4.52 in the 40-yard dash and posted a 40-inch vertical jump. After recording seven sacks and 14 tackles for loss last season, Lawrence showcased the explosiveness teams look for off the edge.
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D’Angelo Ponds, CB – Indiana
Ponds continued his climb up after helping Indiana capture a national title. The undersized corner recorded a 43.5-inch vertical. With seven interceptions and 27 pass breakups over three seasons, Ponds may have worked his way into second-round consideration.
Jack Kelly, LB – BYU
Kelly posted a 4.57 40-yard dash and a 10-foot-5 broad jump, reinforcing his production at BYU, where he totaled 66 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks last season.
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Kyle Louis, S/LB – Pittsburgh
Louis highlighted his versatility over the weekend. He ran a 4.53 in the 40 and added a 39.5-inch broad jump. Over the past two years, Louis compiled 183 tackles, 10 sacks and six interceptions.
With pro days still ahead, Kiper’s list shows how one strong week in Indianapolis can shift draft momentum in a hurry.
