The 2026 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching, and the next major event on the docket is the NFL Combine, set to take place from February 26 through March 1. With over 300 prospects ready to meet with teams and run drills at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, there is always a handful of players who prove themselves in a big way.
Of the hundreds of players participating in 2026 combine, here are a few sleepers to keep an eye on throughout the weekend's festivities.
5 Sleepers to keep your eye on at the NFL Combine
Cole Payton,QB, North Dakota State
Everybody loves a small-school quarterback sleeper, and that's exactly what Cole Payton has become. His stellar senior season with the Bison placed him firmly on the NFL Draft radar, and he's a "traitsy" signal caller who could easily draw some major attention in Indianapolis. He's a big-bodied, accurate QB who can add value with his legs, and, in a substantially weak positional group, has the chance to separate himself from the middle of the pack.
Demond Claiborne, RB, Wake Forest
Demond Claiborne has the kind of top speed NFL scouts dream of at the running back position, and the combine will give him the perfect opportunity to showcase just how dynamic an athlete he is. The upper echelon of RB prospects in the 2026 class leaves much to be desired, and Claiborne is a name that has grown in popularity among draft media circles. He can add receiving ability and advanced shiftiness to a team's backfield, and his performance at the combine could give him a leg up on his competition.
Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State
It's getting more difficult by the day to classify Brenen Thompson as a "sleeper", but there are certainly still some with doubts about his game. Turning on his tape, you'll find a player that's as juiced-up as anyone in the class. His movement skills are flat-out elite, and his top speed already has scouts wondering how close he could get to challenging the 40-yard dash record. The Mississippi State product's stock has been consistently climbing in recent weeks, and an electric combine performance could cement him among the upper tiers of wide receiver prospects.
Scouting Report: Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi St: 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report plus pro comp
Kaleb Proctor, DL, Southeastern Louisiana
Another FCS sleeper, Kaleb Proctor enters the combine on the heels of a standout Shrine Bowl performance. The undersized defensive lineman has popped on tape with his explosiveness and get-off, and will have the chance to show off his athletic profile during testing. He shone against LSU and other FBS opponents during the season and in the all-star bowl circuit, and will now have his moment to add certified NFL-level athleticism to his growing resume. Seen as a Day 3 prospect, Proctor could drive his draft stock up into the middle rounds with a strong weekend.
Genesis Smith, DB, Arizona
It'd be hard to pick out a position group that's more fun to watch in the 2026 draft class than the safeties, and Genesis Smith is undoubtedly part of that discussion. He's shown exceptional coverage abilities and range as a deep safety, and proven athletic metrics might allow him to shake up the top of the safety draft board. The Wildcats' defender could push for an early Day 2 selection, and his combination of NFL size and fluidity makes him an intriguing option who can raise his stock even further.