Scouting the 2025 NFL Draft: Top Performers and Key Storylines from the Combine
The 2025 NFL Draft Combine is finally here, and it’s one of the most crucial stepping stones for football’s future stars. More than 300 of the best college players have descended upon Indianapolis, all hoping to prove they have what it takes to play at the highest level. Over the next four days, they’ll be tested, measured, and scrutinized by NFL coaches, scouts, and executives.
Lucas Oil Stadium is the stage where raw athleticism meets high-pressure performance. These prospects will undergo medical evaluations, participate in interviews with teams, and, of course, show off their speed, strength, and skill in on-field drills. It’s a make-or-break moment for many players who are looking to solidify their draft stock or make a surprise leap up the board.
The schedule is set: Defensive linemen and linebackers go first on Thursday, followed by defensive backs and tight ends on Friday. Quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs take the spotlight on Saturday, while the offensive linemen close things out on Sunday. Here’s everything you need to know about the players, the storylines, and the potential breakout performances that could shake up the 2025 NFL Draft.
Who’s Going to Steal the Show
Some guys are built for this moment, and a few names are already generating serious buzz as potential combine standouts.
Nick Emmanwori (S, South Carolina)
If you love freak athletes, you’ll love Emmanwori. At 6-foot-3 and 227 pounds, he’s expected to run a blazing sub-4.4-second 40-yard dash. Add in an expected 40-inch vertical and an 11-foot broad jump, and you’ve got a player who could turn heads fast. He was a tackling machine in college, finishing last season with 88 tackles and four interceptions, including two pick-sixes. Scouts are starting to think he could be the first safety off the board, even ahead of Georgia’s Malaki Starks.
Shemar Stewart (EDGE, Texas A&M)
Stewart is the classic “traits vs. production” guy. At 6-foot-6 and 281 pounds, he looks like a first-round pick, but his college stats—just 4.5 sacks in three years—haven’t backed it up. That said, his physical gifts are undeniable, and if he runs under 4.6 seconds in the 40, teams might not be able to resist taking him in the top 15.
Savion Williams (WR, TCU)
At 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, Williams has the frame of an elite NFL receiver. The question is, can he show enough speed to separate himself from the pack? He caught 60 passes for 611 yards and six touchdowns last season, but a fast 40-yard dash could push him further up the draft board.
Jordan Burch (EDGE, Oregon)
This guy is a beast. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 295 pounds, Burch has already been clocked at 21 mph in game situations. His explosive lower-body strength and agility should translate well to the combine. A 4.7-second 40-yard dash and a strong showing in agility drills could cement him as a first-rounder.
Players With the Most to Prove
While some guys are looking to impress, others are just trying to avoid sliding down the draft board.
Jahdae Barron (CB, Texas)
Barron is a ball hawk with five interceptions and 10 pass breakups last season, but teams need to see speed. If he runs in the 4.4s, he could lock in a first-round grade. If he’s in the 4.5s, he might slip to the second round.
Luther Burden III (WR, Missouri)
Burden is a talented receiver, but he had an underwhelming 2024 season. His film shows good speed, but a strong combine performance could remind scouts why he was once considered a top-15 prospect.
Isaiah Bond (WR, Texas)
Once projected as a top receiver, Bond suffered a foot injury last season, limiting his production. Scouts will watch his 40-yard dash and pass-catching drills closely to see if he still has the burst that made him special.
Tetairoa McMillan (WR, Arizona)
McMillan is an elite contested-catch receiver, but his 40 time will determine how high he goes. If he runs under 4.5 seconds, he’ll solidify himself as a first-round pick.
Edge Rushers Ready to Put on a Show
If you love watching athletic freaks, keep an eye on the edge rusher group.
- James Pearce Jr. (Tennessee): Speed and agility are his calling cards.
- Donovan Ezeiruaku (Boston College): Expected to put up great numbers in agility drills.
- Jack Sawyer (Ohio State): Should dominate in positional drills.
Quarterback Watch: Who’s Rising
Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss) – The Next Best QB
With Shedeur Sanders sitting out, Dart has a chance to make his case as the next best QB behind Cam Ward. He needs a strong performance to solidify himself as a Day 1 pick.
Jalen Milroe (Alabama) – The X-Factor
Milroe is an insane athlete, but his accuracy is a concern. Scouts will be watching to see if he can improve on his short-to-intermediate throws.
Tyler Shough (Louisville) – A Dark Horse
Shough is 25 (turning 26 in September), which is older for a rookie, but his arm talent and mobility make him an intriguing prospect.
Source: 2025 NFL draft combine preview: Top prospects, predictions
Who Will Run the Fastest 40-Yard Dash
Top Contenders:
- Arian Smith (WR, Georgia): A former track star who could hit the 4.2s.
- Quincy Riley (CB, Louisville): Another speedster with 4.3 potential.
- Bhayshul Tuten (RB, Virginia Tech): Fastest running back in this class.
- Isaiah Bond (WR, Texas): Could post a time in the low 4.3s.
- Jaydon Blue (RB, Texas): Clocked at 22.3 mph in-game.
Final Thoughts & Bold Predictions
- The Running Back Class Will Surprise: There could be more than 30 running backs drafted this year.
- Jaxson Dart Could Leapfrog Shedeur Sanders: Some teams believe Dart has the tools to be QB2.
- Small-School Standouts Will Shine: Keep an eye on Marshall’s Mike Green and William & Mary’s Charles Grant.
- Tight Ends Will Impress: Gunnar Helm (Texas) and Harold Fannin Jr. (Bowling Green) are expected to boost their stock.
The 2025 NFL Draft Combine is going to be full of surprises, breakout performances, and major draft shake-ups. Stay tuned as the results roll in and reshape the future of the NFL!
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