3 thrillers and 3 chillers Rams should note from Day 1 of the NFL combine

The Los Angeles Rams may not have flooded the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine with an entire entourage of scouts, coaches, and personnel executives. Still, they have enough of a presence to take copious notes to relay back to California. And as we had noted in a recent article, there is plenty of activity to engage fans and team staff at the combine's week-long activities.

Thursday, February 26, was the start of actual measurements and on-field workouts. So, which group was flooding the internet with key elements of information? Group I consists of placekickers, defensive linemen, edge rushers, and interior linebackers.

• Group I: Placekicker, defensive linemen, interior linebackers
• Group II: Defensive backs, tight ends
• Group III: Quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers
• Group IV: Offensive linemen

Now, keep in mind that the annual NFL combine measures track and field events. While there may be a direct correlation between performances at the combine and the chances of success in the NFL, many coaches and personnel executives weigh these events less than actual game tape.

Still, it's the first opportunity for fans to see direct comparisons between collegiate football players. So, who thrilled and who gave frosty chills?

3 thrillers and 3 chillers Rams should note from Day 1 of the NFL combine

Loser: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M (Day 1)

Texas A&M edge rusher Cashius Howell made headlines, but not in a way he had hoped. He measured 30.25-inch arms, a huge disappointment for a pass rusher. Those are the shortest arms any rookie edge rusher prospect has been measured at the combine.

Loser: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (Day 1)

It seems as though Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. timed his combine correctly. But his 30.875-inch arms triggered another Klaxon among attending scouts. Like Howell, he has been a productive college football player. But there is a jump from college football to the NFL. Some teams will cool after learning of Bain's T-Rex arms.

Loser: Justin Jefferson, LB, Alabama (Day 3)

Alabama linebacker Justin Jefferson touted superior athleticism in his pre-combine narrative. But he showed up at the combine more like Clark Kent than Superman. Of course, most teams will judge from his game footage. But he didn't click any 'athletic freak' boxes.

Winner: Kaleb Proctor, DT, Southeastern Louisiana (Day 3)

Southeastern Louisiana interior defensive lineman Kaleb Proctor is a player Rams fans have been monitoring. Hailing from a small school, fans hoped Proctor might remain under the radar. Well, that didn't happen. He showed up poised and prepared. And that bodes well for a young man some feared might be overwhelmed by the scrutiny at the combine.

Winner: Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, Central Florida (Day 3)

Central Florida edge rusher Malachi Lawrence may not have been on every team's radar before the combine, but he certainly is now. It's easy to give Lawrence a winner's nod from his combine performance, as he was featured in an NFL social media post. The buzz after his performance made him an easy addition to the winner's circle.

Winner: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida (Day 2)

Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks certainly popped at the combine. He did confirm his reputation as an athletic freak, but in a way that makes NFL coaches salivate. He has been blessed with tremendous measurables, hinting that All-Pro honors are not out of reach for the young man early in his NFL career.

The LA Rams enter the draft with 10 picks. Will they use any of their picks to select from the players listed above? Time will tell.

As always, thanks for reading.