The NFL world will descend upon Indianapolis this week as the league kicks off the 2026 NFL Combine. On-field drills begin Thursday, February 26, with defensive linemen and linebackers showcasing their talents. On Friday, defensive backs and tight ends take the field, while Saturday features the all-day showcase for quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs.

GM Adam Peters and HC Dan Quinn will be in attendance looking to add speed, youth, and talent to a Commanders roster that desperately needs it. While the front office will look for value throughout the draft, this year’s class is headlined by a rare group of "athletic outliers" at the top. Below is a draft guide of five first-round prospects who should absolutely show out this week. I cross-referenced Bruce Feldman’s iconic Freaks List and identified five blue-chip players who match Washington’s primary needs.

Bruce Feldman is a highly respected sports journalist who is a Senior Writer for The Athletic and a sideline reporter for Fox Sports. He created the "Freaks List" in 2005 to highlight college athletes with extraordinary physical traits—height, weight, and speed—that truly make them special compared to their counterparts. Compiled through scouting and coach interviews, it is viewed as the industry standard for monitoring the most athletic prospects in the country.

Let’s take a look at some of the players he highlighted, and who would fit in DC. 

Height/Weight: 6-3, 250 lbs 2025 2025 Stats: 14 GP, 19.5 TFL, 14.5 SACKS

Profile: David Bailey is considered the premier speed rusher in this class. He led the nation with 14.5 sacks last season, winning with an amazing first step that makes it look like he knows the opponent’s cadence. He is PFF’s highest-rated edge player (92.4 grade) and is known for his elite athleticism and speed. While some question his ability to stack up in the run game, no one doubts his ability to pursue QBs.

Why He’s a Freak: Bailey's training numbers are staggering: a 40-inch vertical, a 10-foot-7 broad jump, and a GPS-clocked top speed of 22.16 mph. But the real test comes this week in Indy. Keep a close eye on his 40-yard dash and specifically his 10-yard split; if he shows that elite initial burst, he could easily cement himself as a top-five lock. Bailey is a natural 'closer'—exactly the kind of high-speed finisher Washington’s pass rush has lacked for years.

Draft Projection: Top 10

Height/Weight: 6-6, 285 lbs

2025 Stats: 12 GP, 29 TOT, 23 Solo, 5.0 TFL, 2.0 SACKS, 6 QBH

Profile: Faulk is the ultimate "traits vs. production" prospect. With a ready-made NFL frame and raw power, he anchored Auburn’s line while playing every position from nose tackle to wide-9 edge. He is a menacing, nimble defender whose best football is ahead of him. Faulk is a polarizing prospect considering he only produced two sacks this season, but his size and upside are exactly what forward-thinking GMs crave

Why He's a Freak: Faulk won’t turn 21 until April. He reportedly squats 700 lbs, benches 415 lbs, and possesses 35-inch arms, making him nearly impossible to control in the trenches. He’s arguably the most physically imposing defender in the SEC. This week, keep a close eye on his 3-cone drill and short shuttle. While his power is unquestioned, scouts want to see the lateral agility and 'bend' required to win as a true edge rusher. Faulk could be a meaningful addition to the Commanders' defensive line and a versatile piece for Daronte Jones’ positionless defense.

Draft Projection: Top-Half of the First Round

Height/Weight: 6-2, 200 lbs

2025 Stats: 9 GP, 61 REC, 711 YDS, 11.7 AVG, 8 TD.

Profile: This silky-smooth receiver is arguably the best in his class. His film shows an effortless ability to pluck the ball out of the air away from his body. The way he high-points the ball and makes acrobatic catches gives shades of prime Brandon Lloyd, while his aggressive running style post-catch gives off major Stefon Diggs vibes.

The Mentality: In addition, he has a "cheat code" in his corner. His position coach is none other than Steelers legend Hines Ward, who has instilled a “No Block, No Rock” mentality. Tyson is a fierce run-blocker who isn't afraid to stick his nose in, exhibiting the toughness of his Hall of Fame mentor. 

Why He’s a Freak: Tyson hit 22.8 mph on GPS and bench presses 335 lbs—rare power for a receiver. He is a vertical threat who can dominate in the red zone. However, all eyes in Indy will be on two things: his medical exams and his 40-yard dash. After a series of lower-body injuries in college, scouts need to see that his long speed is fully intact and that he’s cleared the medical hurdles. If he clocks a sub-4.45 and checks out with the doctors, Tyson has the ceiling to be the true WR1 this Commanders offense needs to level up.

Draft Projection: Top 10

Height/Weight: 6-3, 255 lbs

2025 Stats: 14 GP, 51 REC, 560 YDS, 8 TD.

Profile: Sadiq is a matchup nightmare used as a “move” tight end in Oregon’s pass-happy scheme. Deployed as a jumbo slot receiver, he thrives in YAC. With the ball in his hands, he oddly reminds me of Kenneth Walker in the way he runs with the ball, seeks contact, and falls forward. In addition to his run-after-catch skills, he can contort his body in the air to make extremely difficult catches.

Why He’s a Freak: Ranked No. 11 on the Freaks List, Sadiq boasts a 41.5-inch vertical and a 435-lb bench press. He arrived at Oregon at 220 lbs and is now a shredded 255. He was much leaner this season due to a stricter diet, dropping from 13% body fat to about 10%. This Saturday, pay close attention to his gauntlet drill and vertical jump. Since he lacks the towering height of a traditional tight end, scouts need to see that his 'bounce' and catching radius allow him to play much bigger than his 6-foot-3 frame.

Draft Projection: Late First / Early Second Round

Height/Weight: 6-4, 243 lbs

2025 Stats: 14 GP, 82 TOT, 6.5 TFL, 5 PD, 1 INT.

Profile: The Combine is Styles’ time to shine. A former standout basketball player and five-star recruit, he transitioned from safety to linebacker following the arrival of Caleb Downs from Alabama. It’s easy to forget that Styles served as the Buckeyes' "green dot" captain, acting as the vocal leader of the nation’s No. 1 ranked defense. Styles is an enticing NFL prospect because he offers a modern-day profile at linebacker: the ability to get downhill in the run game as well as provide pass coverage in zone. Across the 2025 season, he led the team in tackles and finished as the highest-graded tackler in the country (91.6) per PFF. Even in the playoff loss to the Hurricanes, Styles was everywhere, recorded nine tackles and 2.0 TFLs, proving that his game translates when the stakes are highest.

Why He’s a Freak: Styles offers an 11-0 broad jump, a 40-inch vertical, and a 675-pound squat—all maintained at a lean 10% body fat. He has been clocked at a blistering 23.2 mph on GPS. He credits his explosive foundation to his father, Lorenzo Styles Sr., a former Super Bowl winner with the Rams who started Sonny on a regimen of parachute sprints and hill jumps at age five. This Thursday, keep a close eye on his Pass Drop drill. Because he transitioned from safety, scouts need to see if he can still flip his hips and mirror targets with the same fluidness now that he’s carrying an extra 20 pounds of linebacker muscle.

Draft Projection: First Round

For Dan Quinn and Adam Peters, the 2026 NFL Combine represents more than just a series of drills; it is a critical milestone in the mission to recapture the momentum of Washington's 2024 season. Quinn has been vocal about his desire to inject youth and explosive talent into this roster, and the five "Freaks" highlighted here represent a blueprint for that vision. 

With the No. 7 overall pick, there is little margin for error. This selection won't just be expected to contribute—they will be tasked with becoming a cornerstone of the franchise's new era. Whether Washington elects to anchor the front seven with a high-twitch disruptor or ignite the offense with a vertical weapon, the goal remains the same: finding a game-changer who can command the field from Day 1.  This April, the Commanders have a golden opportunity to shape their future by landing an impact player capable of leading the Burgundy and Gold back into the postseason conversation.