Three Edge Rushers Who Boosted Their Stock at the 2026 NFL Combine

The edge group at the 2026 NFL Combine brought speed, explosion, and clarity to one of the most valuable positions in football. For pass rushers, Indianapolis is about proving that first-step burst and bend translate into measurable athletic traits. This year, three defenders separated themselves during on-field testing and drills: Malachi Lawrence (UCF), David Bailey (Texas Tech), and Mason Reiger (Wisconsin).

Each arrived with expectations. Each left with momentum.

David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

• Combine Highlights: 4.51 40-yard dash | 1.58 10-yard split
• Scouting Grade: 7.1 (Immediate Impact Pass Rusher)
• Updated Round Projection: Top 5 Pick

Bailey delivered the most dominant edge performance of the day and possibly of the entire defensive workout. His 4.51 forty immediately turned heads, but the more telling number was his 1.58 10-yard split, confirming elite first-step explosiveness.

In positional drills, Bailey backed up the testing numbers by dominating the field work. His transitions were violent and controlled, his bend around the hoop looked natural, and he showed the ability to flatten without losing speed. He didn’t just test well but he looked different when moving than the rest of the prospects.

Evaluation: Bailey’s combination of burst, flexibility, and power translates cleanly to Sundays. His workout likely cemented him as one of the top edge rushers in the class, and teams searching for immediate pass-rush juice will have him firmly in top-5 or top-10 pick discussions.

Malachi Lawrence, EDGE — UCF

• Combine Highlights: 4.53 40-yard dash | 1.59 10-yard split | Elite wave drill performance
• Scouting Grade: 6.9 (High-Upside Rotational EDGE / Starter Traits)
• Updated Round Projection: Round 2

Lawrence delivered one of the most well-rounded workouts among edge defenders. His 4.53 forty and 1.59 10-yard split validated his explosiveness, but what truly stood out was how naturally he moved during the wave drill. His balance, coordination, and body control were evident as he changed direction fluidly without gearing down.

The wave drill often exposes stiffness in longer edge players. Lawrence showed none. His feet were light, his transitions were smooth, and he maintained acceleration through movement patterns.

Evaluation: Lawrence’s workout reinforced that he has the athletic ceiling teams look for in developmental starters. He may not have had the same headline number as Bailey, but his overall performance likely elevated him firmly into Day 2 territory.

Mason Reiger, EDGE — Wisconsin

• Combine Highlights: Top-10 10-yard split | Excellent agility drills | Strong hoop run
• Scouting Grade: 6.8 (Versatile Front-Seven Defender)
• Updated Round Projection: Round 2–3

Reiger’s performance was less about pure straight-line speed and more about versatility and controlled athleticism. He logged a top-10 10-yard split among edge defenders, reinforcing his burst off the snap. But where he truly shined was in the agility drills and hoop run, showing tight cornering ability and excellent foot efficiency.

Reiger’s ability to stay low, bend, and redirect without losing balance stood out. He looked comfortable transitioning through different movement patterns, a key indicator for defenders who may align both outside and inside at the next level.

Evaluation: Reiger’s positional flexibility adds significant value. He projects as a player who can rush off the edge on early downs and slide inside in sub-packages. That inside-outside versatility will appeal to multiple defensive schemes and likely solidified his place in the top 75–90 picks.