by 2026 NFL Combine Day 2 Takeaways started with a bang as the track at Lucas Oil Stadium was absolutely on fire. If Day 1 belonged to the “big uglies” in the trenches, Day 2 was all about the thoroughbreds, with defensive backs and tight ends stealing the spotlight. The 40-yard dash timers barely got a break as blazing speed reshaped draft narratives in real time. Several secondary standouts may have locked themselves into the top 10, while a few tight ends left scouts rethinking their boards. From jaw-dropping performances to unexpected slides, Day 2 delivered a true rollercoaster for front offices preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Ultimate Winner: Nick Emmanwori is a Freak of Nature
If you haven’t heard the name Nick Emmanwori yet, you’re about to hear it on every draft podcast for the next two months. The South Carolina safety didn’t just meet expectations; he shattered them. Measuring in at a sturdy 6’3″ and 221 pounds, Emmanwori clocked a blazing 4.38-second 40-yard dash. But the real “mic drop” moment was his 43-inch vertical jump. In terms of raw athleticism, these 2026 NFL Combine Day 2 Takeaways suggest he might be the most “pro-ready” athlete in the entire defensive class. He has the frame of a linebacker and the recovery speed of a corner—a literal cheat code for any defensive coordinator.
The Risers: Jahdae Barron and the Longhorn Hype
Texas is officially back—at least in the eyes of NFL scouts. Jahdae Barron entered the week with some “football IQ” praise but questions about his top-end speed. He answered those concerns with a resounding 4.40 40-yard dash, proving he has the wheels to mirror elite NFL receivers. When analyzing the 2026 NFL Combine Day 2 Takeaways, Barron’s performance stands out because he coupled that speed with a masterclass in the interview room. Scouts are raving about his “coach on the field” mentality, likely vaulting him from a Day 2 prospect into firm first-round conversation.
Tough Day at the Office: The “Losers” Column
While some soared, others hit a bit of turbulence in Indianapolis. Tez Johnson (Oregon) had a difficult outing that will be a major part of the 2026 NFL Combine Day 2 Takeaways. Despite being a productive playmaker for the Ducks, Johnson weighed in at a light 154 pounds and only managed a 4.51 40-yard dash. For a player whose primary “calling card” is supposed to be explosive speed and twitch, that number—combined with his slight frame—has raised some red flags regarding his ability to win against physical NFL press coverage.
Pro Tip for Scouts: Film doesn’t lie, but the stopwatch often dictates the price tag. Expect Johnson to lean heavily on his Pro Day to course-correct.
Tight End Turmoil: Harold Fannin Jr.’s Slide
The tight end group was expected to be top-heavy, but Bowling Green’s Harold Fannin Jr. struggled to keep pace with the elite. Coming off a monster collegiate season, Fannin’s 4.71 40-yard dash was noticeably sluggish compared to the 4.5s and 4.6s being posted by his peers. These 2026 NFL Combine Day 2 Takeaways indicate that while his tape is elite, his “athletic ceiling” might be lower than scouts originally projected. He’ll need to prove his “football speed” is better than his “track speed” during position drills to stop the slide.
The “Hammy” Heartbreak: Cam Skattebo
One of the most disappointing 2026 NFL Combine Day 2 Takeaways involved Arizona State’s versatile star Cam Skattebo. After flashing elite explosiveness with a 40.5-inch vertical, Skattebo suffered a hamstring tweak that sidelined him for the remainder of the drills. It’s a “what could have been” scenario for a player who was generating massive buzz as a hybrid weapon. While the injury isn’t a long-term concern, missing the 40-yard dash in a crowded running back/tight end transition group means he’ll have to wait for the Sun Devils’ Pro Day to officially “set” his draft stock.
Final Thoughts: A High-Octane Class
As we wrap up the mid-point of the event, the primary 2026 NFL Combine Day 2 Takeaways point toward a draft class that is exceptionally deep in secondary talent but perhaps more volatile at the “skill” positions than we anticipated. The gap between the “freaks” and the “football players” has never been wider. Teams looking for defensive anchors got exactly what they wanted today, while offensive coordinators might be going back to the film to see if the testing numbers match the production.
