OTL: Four Guys to Watch as Combine Kicks Off Today

It’s an exciting time of year, as prospects prepare to take the field over the next few days for the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. Kickers, defensive linemen, and linebackers will start the testing this afternoon, defensive backs and tight ends on Friday, quarterbacks, receivers, and running backs on Saturday, and offensive linemen on Saturday. The Ravens currently hold the 14th overall pick and enter this draft with a number of positional needs to address.

General manager Eric DeCosta mentioned the depth at edge rusher in the class, and the possibility of using multiple picks to address the position group.

So who’s worthy of keeping an eye on as testing unravels this week?

Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami

Rueben Bain Jr. is coming off another strong season with the Hurricanes, falling just short of a National Championship in 2026. Bain has a knack for getting to the quarterback, producing 83 total pressures and 12 sacks across 16 games last season. The Miami Junior brings NFL-ready size, with a 6’3” 270-lb frame, while carrying good quickness and movement. Heavy hands are a large aspect of Rueben’s success, utilizing his strength and physicality at the point of attack, gaining control, and setting the edge. Bain’s ability to hold his ground against combo blocks also sticks out, rarely getting flushed out of the play if he’s able to get on hand on his blocker first. Bain will not participate in on-field workouts, but is expected to partake in all medical screenings. His rollercoaster of Mock Draft stock gives off similar vibes to Kyle Hamilton’s draft process in 2021. If Bain is still sitting there at 14, it’s hard to imagine the Ravens not running to the podium with his name on the card.

Miami EDGE Rueben Bain Jr. on his arm length and what NFL teams are saying. pic.twitter.com/4VkDFECIYH

— The Draft Network (@TheDraftNetwork) February 25, 2026

STRENGTHS

• Loose hips and violent hands
• Creates inside openings, stabbing and shoving tackles off-balance
• Great disguise of speed-to-power change
• Good bend at the top of his rush, with efficient paths to the QB

WEAKNESSES

• Shorter arm length could get him crowded at the point of attack
• Tendency to take plays off when the action is away from his side
• Doesn’t show elite closing speed on the quarterback

Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M

Texas A&M will have 13 players participating in this weekend’s combine, with none more intriguing on the defensive side of the ball than Cashius Howell. Howell has had an ease getting to the quarterback over four seasons as a starter, recording 12 with Bowling Green before transferring to A&M in 2024 and totaling 16 sacks across two seasons in the SEC. The 2025-26 season was a true breakout year for Howell, recording 41 total pressures, 12 sacks, and 27 QB Hurries. Howell, however, has his limitations, struggling in run defense particularly. Howell might not possess the abilities to be a three-down player right away, but a designated rusher role in his first year could be the perfect situation. He needs to work on his consistency setting the edge, but there’s no questioning his talent when asked to get to the quarterback. With Baltimore ranking around the league’s basement in team sacks last season, Howell could be an immediate difference-maker.

STRENGTHS

• Consistent pressure and sack production across four years as a starter
• Bends and flattens into pockets
• Exceptional change of direction and pursuit from the back side
• Avoids punches from long tackles, creating a smart rush distance

WEAKNESSES

• Drops head into first contact
• Struggles at times to hold his ground at the point of attack
• Needs improvement on consistent edge-setting

Red Murdock, Linebacker, Buffalo

The MAC conference has produced some legitimate NFL talent over the last few years. Maxx Crosby, Khalil Mack, Diontae Johnson, and Quinyon Mitchell are just a few MAC alumni to have their names called in the NFL draft. In 2026, Buffalo linebacker Red Murdock has his eyes on becoming the next small conference NFL star. The UB senior has shown consistent production, totaling 232 tackles, 39.5 TKFL, 11 sacks, 43 total pressures, and an eye-popping 17 forced fumbles over the last three seasons. Murdock’s 17 forced fumbles broke the Buffalo program record, previously set by 2016 NFL DPOTY, Khalil Mack, and set a new NCAA mark as well. Murdock is a consistent tackler, but his speed and coverage limitations could hold him back from generating three-down value. His physicality and toughness scream “Raven.” Murdock will test on Thursday with the linebackers, and currently holds some day three value. A solid testing day could get him the attention he deserves, and ten picks for the Ravens on days 2 and 3 could potentially land him in Charm City.

STRENGTHS

• Insane production across three seasons
• Heavy hands and pads as a striker
• Successful tackle-finisher when set in position

WEAKNESSES

• Tight hip movement limits his lateral quickness
• Tends to fall behind blocks with a slower reaction speed
• Struggles in coverage, leading to explosive passing plays

Peter Woods, Defensive Interior, Clemson

Defensive interior could be a position the Ravens address early, especially with uncertainty still surrounding Nnamdi Madubuike’s future. Peter Woods is a very intriguing defensive prospect who brings serious strength to counter his limited size. Woods experienced a dip in production in 2025, seeing a large uptick in double teams as a key player on a struggling Clemson team. He shows tenacity in the trenches, utilizing his lower-body explosiveness to win at initial contact. Finding another talent to fill the interior of the Ravens defense is key to getting the most out of their front seven. Travis Jones, who signed a three-year contract extension in December, is a key piece of the Ravens future. Should Nnamdi be forced to retire, Woods could be the perfect counter piece to Jones’ ceiling. Getting back to a feared defensive unit is key for Baltimore, and Thursday’s testing could feature a plethora of potential future Ravens, with Woods definitely one to keep an eye on.

STRENGTHS

• Explosive athlete
• Finds the seam to split the double team
• Good block shedding quickness
• Real sturdy lower body strength

WEAKNESSES

• Tends to take too many risky chances in the run game
• Short arms, struggling to keep blockers out of his frame

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