The NFL Combine kicked off on Thursday, Mar. 3 at 3 p.m. ET in Indianapolis, Indiana. Though the combine invites arrived on Feb. 27, it was yesterday that on-field activities began for NFL Draft hopefuls. Prior to on-field events, players were meeting with interested teams and taking interviews with the media.

On day one, it was the DL and LB took the field. Let’s take a look at who impressed the most.

Calijah Kancey sprints into top 10 conversation

Pittsburgh’s Calijah Kancey shocked many with his combine results. Kancey, 6’1, 281 pound DT, impressed when he clocked a 4.78 in his first attempt at the 40-yard dash. Though that wasn’t good enough, so Kancey decided run again. This time, he clocked a 4.73. Ultimately, his official time landed at 4.67, which is the fastest time for a DT at the NFL Combine since 2003.

Moreover, Kancey killed the competition in the 10-yard split, clocking a 1.64. The next best among the rest of the defensive lineman was 1.72.

Nevertheless, Kancey was already regarded as a top DL prospect. NFL Draft expert Daniel Jeremiah currently has him as his 30th best overall prospect, which is most likely subject to change after his performance. Kancey could now find himself selected within the first 10 picks of the draft.

Bryan Bresee shows he’s healthy

Clemson DT Bryan Bresee missed most of last season. Bresee said on air, once his day was over, that he was dealing with lots of sicknesses this past season. Furthermore, his goal was to come out and show teams he is healthy and ready to go. It’s safe to say he did just that, running an impressive 4.92 40-yard dash at 6’5, 298 pounds. Bresee was already regarded as a first round pick coming into the combine, and this performance should have solidified that.

Nolan Smith hops to the top

Georgia’s Nolan Smith impressed on Thursday with his leaps and speed. The edge rusher jumped a 41.5″ vertical and sprinted a 4.39 official time in the 40-yard dash. Smith’s time in the 40 was the fastest among the rest of the edge rushers. Moreover, he clocked a faster time than offensive superstars Davante Adams and A.J. Brown.

Moreover, Smith ranks as Jeremiah’s 20th best overall prospect and his sixth best edge prospect. But if teams are looking to take a chance on sheer athleticism, than Smith may move up on boards after his freakish day.

Will McDonald displays toughness

Iowa’s Will McDonald IV woke up on Thursday with a 104-degree fever and decided to still participate in the on-field drills. In doing so, he turned the heads of scouts. McDonald took off for an 11-foot broad jump, which ranked second among defensive lineman and linebackers.

Furthermore, the NFL Combine continues today at at 3 p.m. ET with defensive backs and special teams taking the field. More updates are to come.

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