Full Breakdown
Utah Utes Shine at NFL Combine Ahead of 2026 Draft
3/2/2026, 5:55:42 AM
Key Performers at the Combine
The NFL Combine concluded recently, showcasing the talents of five former Utah Utes players as they prepare for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Among them, offensive tackles Spencer Fano and Caleb Lomu emerged as standout performers. Fano, who is regarded as one of the top offensive tackles in the draft, is projected to be selected as high as the No. 3 overall pick, potentially making him the second-highest player ever drafted from Utah, following Alex Smith, the 2005 No. 1 pick. Lomu is also anticipated to be a first-round selection.
Spencer Fano's Impressive Metrics
Spencer Fano, measuring 6 feet 5.5 inches and weighing 311 pounds, demonstrated exceptional athleticism at the combine. His performance included a 40-yard dash time of 4.91 seconds, ranking second among offensive linemen, and a top score in the three-cone drill. Fano's overall "combine score" of 91, according to Next Gen Stats, positions him first among offensive tackles, reinforcing his status as a top prospect.
Caleb Lomu's Strong Showing
Caleb Lomu, standing 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 313 pounds, also showcased his athletic capabilities. His 40-yard dash time of 4.99 seconds, along with a vertical jump of 32.5 inches and a broad jump of 9 feet 5 inches, placed him in the top 10 among offensive linemen. Lomu's "combine score" of 81 ranks him second among his peers, indicating a strong likelihood of moving up the draft board.
Additional Participants
Other Utes at the combine included tight end Dallen Bentley, linebacker Lander Barton, and defensive end Logan Fano. Bentley, at 6 feet 4 inches and 253 pounds, improved his draft stock with a 40-yard dash time of 4.62 seconds and an athleticism score of 81, ranking seventh among tight ends. His overall score of 75 placed him sixth in his position group. Meanwhile, Lander Barton did not participate in testing but engaged in interviews with teams, while Logan Fano was also present for interviews without participating in drills.
Implications for the Draft
The performances of Spencer Fano and Caleb Lomu at the NFL Combine have significantly bolstered their draft prospects, with both players likely to be selected in the early rounds. Dallen Bentley's improved metrics may also position him for a late-round selection. The outcomes of the combine will play a crucial role in shaping the draft landscape as teams assess their needs and potential picks.
Verbatim Quotes
- “67 seconds How he performed: Fano, already in the mix to become the first offensive tackle selected, definitely helped himself with Sunday’s combine performance.” — Deseret News
- “Already considered a potential first round pick, Lomu may have shown enough at the combine to jump up the draft board.” — Deseret News
