2025 NFL Draft: Top Athletes and Players to Watch at the NFL Scouting Combine
Check out more than 50 players to keep an eye on during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine
The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine is underway in Indianapolis, but players don’t start taking their measurements and going through on-field workouts until Thursday. We’re increasingly seeing prospects achieve rare testing outcomes. These feats don’t always translate to the field, but traits-based drafting carries some historical weight.
Today, I’ll cover more than 50 names you should keep an eye on throughout the NFL Combine. These 2025 NFL Draft prospects vary from elite athletic freaks to well-known prospects with questionable athletic profiles to potential under-the-radar testers. Let’s get started.
You can check out the day-by-day schedule for the Combine here. All measurements used are from the Senior Bowl or Shrine Bowl unless specified as unofficial.
The Athletic Wonderkids
Jihaad Campbell is one of the most unique off-ball linebacker prospects in recent years. He possesses the size and strength to stack and shed blocks at the second level, the length and burst to rush off the edge, and the speed and fluidity to bail from a mugged-up look to carry slot receivers 20+ yards downfield.
Campbell is the ideal modern linebacker who can battle through muddy boxes while still offering coverage upside at depth. I wouldn’t be shocked if he lobbies for an expanded role rushing the passer once he reaches the NFL.
Shemar Stewart is 6'5 1/8", 281 lbs. with 34 1/4" arms and is one of the most explosive edge rushers in the class. His combination of burst and power makes him a bull in a China shop. I don’t think Stewart will set any Combine records, but he should fill out one of the craziest MockDraftable spider charts we’ve seen in recent years.
Myles Cole ran a 4.67 40-yard dash at 278 lbs. last year. I expect Stewart to top that mark and finish closer to Travon Walker’s 4.51.
Speaking of big men running fast, Michigan’s Kenneth Grant went viral in 2023 for chasing down Penn State running back Kaytron Allen 25 yards downfield. Grant, who is unofficially listed at 6'3", 339 lbs., reportedly ran a sub-five-second 40-yard dash at 360 lbs. as a college freshman. He’s reached a max speed of 18.75 miles per hour on the GPS and possesses rare explosiveness for a nose tackle-sized athlete.
Jordan Burch checked in at 6'5 1/8", 295 lbs. over the summer. The defensive end jumps 35" in the vertical and reaches a top speed of 20.75 miles per hour. Oregon places so much stock in Burch’s athleticism that he even got the ball on a fake punt this year. Burch lacks elite bend but possesses the burst and power to play through offensive linemen.
William & Mary offensive tackle Charles Grant projects as an outside zone guard in the NFL. The former all-state high school wrestler hits 21 miles per hour on the GPS and jumps 32" in the vertical. His college strength coach claims he runs a 1.44 machine-timed 10-yard split, which would easily be the fastest time in MockDraftable’s database for an offensive lineman, and their Combine data goes back to 1999.
I take the 1.44 with a grain of salt, considering that’s an insane historical outlier. Regardless, I think it’s fair to expect a 40-time from Grant in the low 4.9s or maybe even mid-4.8s.
Iowa State cornerback Darien Porter began his college career as a wide receiver before changing sides of the ball. In high school, he won the Iowa Class 4A State Championship in track and field in the 400-meter dash in 2017 and 2019 and finished as the runner-up in 2018. His 46.99-second 400-meter time in 2019 set the Class 4A state record and was the first sub-47-second 400-meter run in state high school history. Porter also won awards in the 200-meter dash.
Porter’s lean 6'2 3/8", 197 lb. frame has retained its speed. He reached a max speed of 22.17 miles per hour at the Senior Bowl. For reference, no one else at the event got above 21.65 MPH. The only player to reach a faster speed at the last seven Senior Bowls is Riq Woolen (22.45 MPH).
Georgia’s Arian Smith isn’t a complete wide receiver, but he’s an elite athlete. Smith was a Florida state champion in the 200-meter dash in high school and the state runner-up in the 100 meters. He appears to have set personal bests of 21.14 in the 200 and 10.39 in the 100. Smith reached a top speed of 20.2 miles per hour at the Senior Bowl last month.
Smith projects as one of the top contenders to post the fastest 40-yard dash at the Combine.
TCU’s Savion Williams is the other intriguing wide receiver in this group. He split time between receiver and running back in the latter half of the 2024 season. According to Bruce Feldman for The Athletic, the 6'5", 225 lbs. (unofficial measurements) athlete reportedly squats 600 lbs., bench-presses 355, power cleans 350, jumps 10-6 in the broad and 40" in the vertical, and reaches a top speed of 22.5 miles per hour.
Williams should rank at the top of the wide receiver group in the strength tests, but his size might prevent him from posting individually dominant scores in the other drills. The team that drafts Williams needs to have a well-thought-out plan for his long-term role. Personally, I prefer giving him the majority of his snaps in the backfield.
We already know Jalen Milroe has a rocket arm. Now the question is how fast he can run. At 6'1 1/2", 220 lbs., Milroe is a dense athlete with elite acceleration and top speed. Remember how fast Jayden Daniels looked at LSU? Milroe is that explosive with an extra 15-25 lbs. on his frame.
The Next Elite Tier
Purdue right tackle Marcus Mbow will kick inside at the next level. He might have the best open field acceleration and change of direction among all offensive linemen in the class. Charles Grant is his only immediate competition. Mbow should star in the hip rotation drop, long pull, wave, and mirror drills. His 40-time should also pop.
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart raved about center Jared Wilson’s athleticism over the summer. I don’t think Wilson’s speed fully translated on tape this past year, but we’ll get a great look at it this week. Wisconsin center Tanor Bortolini ran a 4.94 40-time last year. Wilson could threaten that mark.
It will already be a good week for Nick Emmanwori if he checks in anywhere close to his unofficial 6'3", 227 lb. measurements from college. His hip fluidity and change of direction at his size are excellent. Emmanwori possesses impressive closing burst and reaches his top speed quickly. He reportedly jumps 11-4 in the broad and 42" in the vertical.
According to Bruce Feldman, James Pearce Jr. hit 23 miles per hour in a game as a sophomore. His explosiveness and speed rush are foundational parts of his game, which should translate to strong showings in the 40-yard dash and jumps. Character concerns are the only thing that could keep Pearce out of the first round.
Mike Green was a member of Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List for running a 4.57 40-yard dash over the summer while also bench pressing 405 lbs., power cleaning 365 lbs., and squatting 525 lbs. For reference, that 40-yard dash would rank in the 93rd percentile for edge rushers at the Combine dating back to 1999. Green is a bendy, explosive athlete.
Like Pearce, Green carries some character concerns that could impact his draft stock. These issues date back to his time in high school and at Virginia. Talent tends to win out over character in the draft process, but some teams might remove Green from their boards because of these concerns.
There’s a five-way race to be the fastest running back at the NFL Scouting Combine. Ohio State’s TreVeyon Henderson is the big ticket name, but don’t sleep on Texas’ Jaydon Blue and Virginia Tech’s Bhayshul Tuten. Michigan’s Donovan Edwards and Georgia’s Trevor Etienne won’t rank far behind those initial three either.
Tuten reportedly clocked a 4.32 40-time previously and has reached max speeds over 20 miles per hour in games in each of the past two seasons. Henderson possesses similar home run ability every time he touches the ball. Blue might be the fastest of the bunch, and he possesses the most open field elusiveness of the three. However, Henderson has the most natural feel for run lanes and the best footwork.
Etienne hit 20.18 miles per hour at the Senior Bowl, leading all running backs. He’s a loose mover and explosive athlete who didn’t get enough chances to really shine at Georgia because of injuries. Edwards needs to improve his vision, but his pure speed capacity is amazing.
Speaking of speed, Texas’ Isaiah Bond, Iowa State’s Jaylin Noel, and Washington State’s Kyle Williams all enter the week with lofty expectations. Bond needs to ace the pre-draft process after a chaotic season with the Longhorns. I still remember him toasting Jahdae Barron while with the Crimson Tide in 2023. His insane acceleration and angle-erasing speed are threats on schemed touches or go routes.
Noel wins at every level with impressive route running and agility. He’s an extremely fluid athlete with the speed to beat prospects like Kansas’ Cobee Bryant over the top. Noel reached a top speed of 20.77 miles per hour at the Senior Bowl, which only ranked below Williams’ 21.36 among receivers. Even with Arian Smith in the class, I think there’s a strong chance Williams runs the fastest 40-time.
The Senior Bowl linebacker duo of Jeffrey Bassa and Shemar James should blow the speed testing out of the water. Bassa is a fluid, rangy converted safety who reached 20.36 miles per hour at the Senior Bowl, which only trailed Notre Dame’s Jack Kiser (20.55) and James (20.71). James played some wide receiver in high school, and he still has the juice to play sideline-to-sideline and carry running backs downfield.
Oklahoma safety Billy Bowman Jr. is an undersized (5'9 3/4", 198 lbs.) true centerfielder in single-high coverage with some ability to assist in the slot. He possessed sideline-to-sideline range and elite ball skills that make him an ideal prospect for Cover 1-heavy defenses.
Strong Testers
The following players should test well, but I won’t guarantee they knock our socks off.
This group starts with UCLA linebacker Carson Schwesinger. The former walk-on is one of the rangiest players in the class and possesses excellent closing burst. I’m just not sure he’ll test at the same level as Jeffrey Bassa and Shemar James.
Tez Johnson (5'9 1/4", 156 lbs.) and LaJohntay Wester (5'9 1/4", 177 lbs.) are extremely undersized slot options with excellent explosiveness and twitch. They also have extensive experience returning punts. Johnson possesses the better top speed of the two, but Wester is a better true route runner. Both should crush the three-cone.
Virginia Tech’s Jaylin Lane (5'9 1/8", 191 lbs.) is undersized but sports 32" arms. He was one of college football’s most explosive punt returners over the past few years. His instant acceleration and ability to reach his top speed in a few strides should translate to the speed testing.
UTSA cornerback Zah Frazier is 6'2 5/8", 189 lbs. with 33 1/8" arms. He hit 20.1 miles per hour at the Shrine Bowl. Frazier isn’t the same level of freak as fellow former Roadrunner Riq Woolen, but he should still rank toward the top of the cornerback class in most categories.
Georgia linebacker Smael Mondon Jr. should also have a strong showing. Mondon is one of the loosest and most free-flowing linebackers in this class. He and Notre Dame’s Jack Kiser should push for strong marks in all the speed testing.
Intriguing Results to Watch
Utah State wide receiver Jalen Royals reportedly posted a 40-yard dash in the 4.3s and 10-10 broad jump entering his time with the Aggies. He’s short but dense at 5'11 3/8", 210 lbs. A strong showing after his injury-shortened season and average Senior Bowl week would lock him in as at least a third round selection.
Will Johnson and Benjamin Morrison haven’t received much love in recent weeks. The medical checks will be huge for both, especially Morrison, as the two stars work back from season-ending injuries. Johnson should measure in well, but Morrison might come in small across the board.
If both Johnson and Morrison do a full slate of testing, all eyes will be on their speed and agility numbers. A strong portion of the draft community feels they lack the speed to play in man-heavy schemes. Poor testing would hit Morrison especially hard, considering his size and history of hip injuries.
Sticking with cornerbacks, Azareye'h Thomas (6'1 1/2", 191 lbs. with 32 1/2" arms) and Nohl Williams both provide impressive size and flashes of elite play. There’s some concern that Thomas’ speed testing might damage his chances of going in the first round. Hopefully he gets into the 4.4s in the 40-yard dash. Williams faces similar questions, except he’s more of a borderline top 100 prospect.
I didn’t evaluate Texas’ Jahdae Barron as a full-time outside cornerback. He appears to lack the top speed and fluidity for the role on tape, even though his football IQ is excellent. I think he’s better off as a nickel or safety. Barron’s measurements and testing will have a significant impact on his projected position in the NFL.
Neither Jacob Parrish (5'9 7/8", 196 lbs.) nor Upton Stout (5'8 1/4", 178 lbs.) have great size, but both punch above their weight. Stout is sticky in coverage and should do well in movement-based drills. Parrish is denser and looked slower on tape, but he supposedly began preparing for the Combine by running in the mid-4.4s. That could translate to a low 4.4s 40-time, which would be a huge win. There’s a lot of love for Parrish in the draft community.
Darius Alexander, Alfred Collins, and Mykel Williams will all win the weigh-ins. They’re going to be big, strong, and long in the arms. Alexander and Collins don’t show great explosiveness on tape. Their change of direction, especially in Alexander’s case, will also be under a microscope. Williams is a much more fluid, explosive athlete. I wonder if he could turn in one of the ten best performances in Indy.
There might not be two more different prospects in this class than 6'2", 342 lbs. Jamaree Caldwell and 6'0 3/8", 289 lb. Aeneas Peebles. Peebles is an explosive, twitchy penetrating pass rusher, while Caldwell is a nose tackle with short-area explosiveness. His ten-yard split could be really impressive. Peebles needs a Braden Fiske-level showing to get his name into the top 100 conversation.
Bowling Green tight end Harold Fannin Jr. is awesome, but he’s only 6'3 1/8", 238 lbs. That puts him in Chigoziem Okonkwo territory. Fannin needs to test well after a relatively quiet week at the Senior Bowl. I’ve been higher on his fluidity and explosiveness than most during the pre-draft process. Hopefully, he backs my opinion up with his performance.
Sneaky Names to Know
Elijhah Badger won’t create any waves with his weigh-in, but I’m hopeful that he’ll test well. Badger averaged more than 20 yards per reception in 2024, snagging 39 passes for 806 yards. He possesses field-stretching ability but also made waves as a big yards-after-the-catch (YAC) generator with Arizona State in 2023. Badger is one of my favorite Day 3 steals.
Texas Tech tight end Jalin Conyers is 6'3", 263 lbs. with 33 5/8" arms, and he can MOVE. Despite his size, Conyers is primarily a slot option. He’s exciting after the catch and displays the speed and fluidity to create mismatches in coverage. Don’t be surprised if he ends up as an early Day 3 selection.
Speaking of tight ends who can move, we’ve all kind of forgotten about Bryson Nesbit throughout the pre-draft process. A season-ending wrist injury took him out of the public eye this past season. Nesbit offers nothing as a blocker, but he’s speedy and possesses enough fluidity to create some separation as a route runner.
Baylor edge rusher Steve Linton’s arm length has been listed everywhere from 34 1/2" to 35 1/8". We’ll get the official measurements soon. Concerns around Linton’s profile likely limit him to a late round selection or the priority UDFA pool, but his lean frame and explosiveness could turn heads in Indy.
Jaylin Smith is only 5'10 1/4", 182 lbs., but the USC cornerback flies. He reached a top speed of 21.61 miles per hour at the Senior Bowl, which only ranked below Darien Porter for the week. That would’ve been the fastest speed at the Shrine Bowl too.
Tory Horton missed a significant chunk of the season with a knee injury. I’m not sure if he’ll test at the Combine. If he does, I don’t expect his numbers to blow anyone away. However, he flashes the build up speed to stack corners and enough juice to test press-man corners. Horton showed off his burst and creativity as a big YAC threat in 2022 and 2023.
I’m curious how North Carolina linebacker Power Echols will test. He’s undersized and most likely a career special teamer, but he’s a sudden and urgent mover with nice range. There’s a good chance Echols goes undrafted, but his motor and feisty playstyle should land him a chance to stick in the league.
Opt-Outs and Injuries
Several high level athletes won’t test at the Combine because of previous injuries. Projected top three pick Abdul Carter is still recovering from the shoulder injury that he played through against Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff. The injury likely set his Combine prep back several weeks.
Likely first round cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. is still rehabbing from the torn ACL he suffered during the 2024 season, but he’s ahead of his expected recovery timetable. His doctor recently sent a notice informing teams that Revel will be cleared for strength and conditioning activities when it’s time to report. He’ll be cleared for full contact around training camp.
Connecticut right tackle Chase Lundt had to withdraw from the Senior Bowl because of an injury he suffered in his team’s bowl game. Lundt will kick inside to guard at the next level and play in an outside zone scheme. He’s excellent in space and uses his speed and burst to execute difficult assignments. He should crack a five-second 40-time when he runs at his pro day.
Projected top 50 selection Elijah Arroyo won’t work out because of a knee injury he suffered during his standout week at the Senior Bowl, but he plans to have a full workout during his Pro Day on March 24.
Michigan tight end Colston Loveland is still working back from surgery on his right shoulder. His doctor released a notice saying Loveland will be ready for non-contact activities during minicamp and won’t face any restrictions by training camp. Loveland is a top 15 prospect in the class.
Finally, Ashton Jeanty has opted to only do interviews and the medical evaluation at the Combine. Jeanty will go through the full on-field process at his pro day. The Boise State star probably would’ve checked boxes in Indianapolis but not to the same level as previous college legends like Saquon Barkley and Bijan Robinson.