by NFL Combine 2026 DB rankings were completely reshaped Friday night at Lucas Oil Stadium, where the “Speed Merchants” delivered a masterclass in secondary play and lit up draft boards with historic testing numbers—from small-school standouts to elite blue-chip Buckeyes.
The Speed Kings: Who Won the 40-Yard Dash?
Speed is the ultimate currency for NFL secondaries, and the 2026 class is filthy rich. Ohio State’s Lorenzo Styles Jr. sent shockwaves through the stadium, clocking a blazing 4.27-second 40-yard dash. What makes this even more “spicy” for his NFL Combine 2026 DB rankings stock is that he did it while playing through a labrum injury that requires surgery next week. Talk about elite toughness meeting elite speed.
The Shutdown Corner: Tacario Davis is a Unicorn
If you were building a cornerback in a lab, it would look like Washington’s Tacario Davis. Checking in at a massive 6-foot-4 and 194 pounds with 33-inch arms, Davis proved he isn’t just a “length” guy; he’s a “speed” guy too, posting a smooth 4.41-second 40. His ability to move with fluidity at that size has him skyrocketing up the NFL Combine 2026 DB rankings as a potential top-15 lock.
The Small-School Steal: Charles Demmings
Don’t let the Stephen F. Austin helmet fool you—Charles Demmings belongs on the big stage. Demmings was arguably the most well-rounded tester of the night, finishing Top 5 in nearly every drill. With a 4.41-second 40, a 42-inch vertical, and an 11-foot broad jump, his Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.97 is one of the highest ever recorded. He’s the definitive “riser” in our NFL Combine 2026 DB rankings.
Safety First: Dillon Thieneman’s Masterclass
Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman came into Indy with a reputation for being a “football player,” but he left as an “elite athlete.” Thieneman’s 4.35-second 40 and 41-inch vertical showed he has the range to play single-high in any NFL scheme. In a safety class that was considered top-heavy, Thieneman has cemented himself at the summit of the NFL Combine 2026 DB rankings.
The “Freak” Factor: Robert Spears-Jennings
Sometimes the Combine is about pure, unadulterated power, and Robert Spears-Jennings brought the thunder. Clocking a 4.32-second 40 at over 215 pounds is a scary proposition for NFL wide receivers. While some scouts worry about his transition in man coverage, his raw testing numbers are going to make it impossible for him to slide past the second round in the current NFL Combine 2026 DB rankings.
The Technical Wizard: Avieon Terrell
While he didn’t run the 40 (opted for Pro Day), Clemson’s Avieon Terrell dominated the on-field drills. His backpedal was like poetry, and his transition in the gauntlet was the smoothest of the evening. The younger brother of Falcons star A.J. Terrell is proving the pedigree is real, keeping his spot firm near the top of the NFL Combine 2026 DB rankings thanks to his high football IQ and technique.
Ranking the Top 5 DBs Post-Combine
| Rank | Player | School | Notable Stat |
| 1 | Caleb Downs | Ohio State | Pro-Ready IQ |
| 2 | Tacario Davis | Washington | 6’4″ Frame / 4.41 Speed |
| 3 | Dillon Thieneman | Oregon | 4.35 Forty / 41″ Vert |
| 4 | Lorenzo Styles Jr. | Ohio State | 4.27 Forty (Fastest) |
| 5 | Charles Demmings | SFA | 9.97 RAS Score |
This list proves that the NFL Combine 2026 DB rankings are more competitive than ever, with elite athleticism spanning from the Power 5 to the FCS.
Final Report Card: A+ for the Secondary
This defensive back class is deep, fast, and physical. Whether you need a rangy safety like Thieneman or a physical specimen like Tacario Davis, the 2026 draft is a gold mine. As teams head back to their war rooms, the data from Indianapolis will be the deciding factor in who gets that life-changing phone call in April. Expect these NFL Combine 2026 DB rankings to be the blueprint for the first round.
