During the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah offered a noteworthy comparison between Tennessee Volunteers cornerback Jermod McCoy and established NFL star Stephon Gilmore. Jeremiah highlighted similarities in their playing style and potential impact, sparking interest among scouts and fans observing McCoy’s development.
Notable 40-yard Dash Performances by Defensive Backs at the Combine
The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine showcased impressive speed displays from several defensive backs across top college football programs. South Carolina Gamecocks safety Jalon Kilgore clocked an official 4.40-second 40-yard dash, demonstrating his agility and quickness. Ohio State Buckeyes safety Lorenzo Styles Jr. posted a remarkable 4.27 seconds, one of the fastest among his peers.
Lorenzo Styles Jr. also provided a memorable moment as he raced his brother, linebacker Sonny Styles, in a friendly but intense 40-yard dash competition, underscoring the athletic talent within the family.
Other standout safeties included Oregon Ducks’ Dillon Thieneman with a 4.35-second run, Toledo Rockets’ Emmanuel McNeil-Warren and LSU Tigers’ A.J. Haulcy both finishing at 4.52 seconds. Meanwhile, TCU Horned Frogs’ Bud Clark and Arizona Wildcats’ Dalton Johnson each completed their sprints in 4.41 seconds.
The Iowa Hawkeyes’ Xavier Nwankpa ran a respectable 4.48 seconds, while Oklahoma Sooners safety Robert Spears-Jennings impressed with a swift 4.32-second time. Arizona Wildcats safety Treydan Stukes closely followed at 4.33 seconds, highlighting depth at the position.
Additional performances included Texas Longhorns’ Michael Taaffe at 4.50 seconds, USC Trojans safeties Kamari Ramsey and Bishop Fitzgerald clocking in at 4.47 and 4.55 seconds respectively, and Kansas State Wildcats’ VJ Payne recording 4.40 seconds. The collective efforts of these athletes underscore the competitive talent present at the combine.
Other Defensive Back Athleticisms on Display
The combine also featured impressive jumping abilities from cornerbacks and safeties. Arkansas Razorbacks cornerback Julian Neal posted an 11-foot, 2-inch broad jump alongside a 40-inch vertical leap, showcasing his explosiveness. Texas A&M Aggies cornerback Will Lee III also demonstrated elite leaping skills with strong broad and vertical jump measurements.
Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks cornerback Charles Demmings recorded an 11-foot broad jump and a 42-inch vertical leap, marking him as a standout athlete in these events. South Carolina cornerback Brandon Cisse matched this vertical prowess with a 41-inch vertical and a near 11-foot broad jump, underscoring his physical capabilities.
Additional Cornerback Workouts and Team Meetings Highlight Combine Activity
The combine provided comprehensive on-field workouts from a variety of cornerbacks, including Georgia Bulldogs’ Daylen Everette, California Golden Bears’ Hezekiah Masses, Missouri Tigers’ Toriano Pride Jr., and Tennessee Volunteers’ Colton Hood, giving scouts extensive footage to evaluate their skills.
Meanwhile, Indiana Hoosiers quarterback and projected first overall pick Fernando Mendoza engaged in constructive discussions with the Las Vegas Raiders. NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that Mendoza’s meeting with the Raiders “sounded like it went well,” suggesting positive developments in draft preparations.
The Significance of These Performances and Comparisons
Daniel Jeremiah’s Stephon Gilmore comparison elevates expectations for Jermod McCoy, positioning him as a promising talent to watch as the NFL draft approaches. McCoy’s performance at the combine, alongside the swift 40-yard dashes and explosive jumps by defensive backs across various programs, underscores the strength and depth at these positions for the 2026 draft class.
These athletic displays, combined with positive team interactions such as Mendoza’s meeting with the Raiders, set the stage for an engaging draft period. Scouts and franchises will continue to analyze these metrics and workouts closely, determining how these prospects might fit into their rosters in the coming NFL seasons.
