2025 NFL Scouting Combine- Players Looking to Make the Most of Their Combine Opportunity

Every year, top-ranked players solidify their first-round status, while lesser-known athletes use the Combine to climb draft boards with breakout performances.

The 2025 edition promises to be no different, with prospects looking to impress in the 40-yard dash, bench press, vertical jump, and position-specific drills. Additionally, team needs will play a significant role in shaping how performances at the Combine influence the draft order.

Omarion Hampton (RB, University of North Carolina)

Omarion Hampton has been a dominant force for North Carolina, demonstrating a powerful running style combined with impressive breakaway speed.

At 6-foot and 220 pounds, Hampton brings an ideal blend of size and agility, making him a legitimate candidate to shine in the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. His ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact has caught the attention of scouts, but the Combine will be his opportunity to prove his top-end speed and explosiveness.

Hampton’s 40-yard dash time will be critical in determining his draft position. If he can clock a sub-4.5 second time, he could solidify himself as one of the top running backs in the class. Additionally, his bench press performance will showcase his upper body strength, and his ability to perform in pass-catching drills will further highlight his versatility.

Shavon Revel Jr. (CB, East Carolina University)

Shavon Revel Jr. has quietly risen up draft boards thanks to his elite speed and ball-hawking instincts. As a cornerback from East Carolina, he may not have received the national attention that prospects from powerhouse programs do, but the Combine provides him a stage to prove he belongs among the elite.

The most significant test for Revel will be the 40-yard dash. If he can run in the low 4.3-second range, he could catapult himself into first-round consideration. His footwork in position drills and his ability to change direction fluidly will also be major indicators of his ability to transition to the next level.

As the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine approaches, several standout players from North Carolina are set to showcase their skills and boost their draft stock. Omarion Hampton (RB, UNC) brings power and explosiveness to the field, making him a top prospect to watch, while Shavon Revel Jr. (CB, ECU) has the speed and instincts that could make him a coveted defensive asset.

Fans looking to get in on the action can follow these prospects closely and take advantage of North Carolina sportsbooks, which offer exciting ways to engage with the draft process and future NFL betting markets.

Team Needs and How the Combine Shapes Draft Strategy

Several franchises are in need of a dynamic running back, and Hampton’s performance at the Combine will dictate whether he fits their plans. Teams such as the Baltimore Ravens, Los Angeles Chargers, and Miami Dolphins could be interested in a physical back who can complement their offensive schemes.

The demand for lockdown cornerbacks is always high, and teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Minnesota Vikings, and Philadelphia Eagles could be in the market for a speedy, instinctive defensive back. A strong showing from Revel could make him an attractive option for cornerback-needy teams.

Historic NFL Scouting Combine Performances That Elevated Draft Stock

Patrick Willis entered the 2007 NFL Combine as a projected late first-round or early second-round pick. However, his incredible athletic performance changed everything. He ran a 4.56-second 40-yard dash, recorded a 39-inch vertical jump, and dominated agility drills. His Combine numbers helped him become the No. 11 overall pick by the San Francisco 49ers, where he went on to have a Hall of Fame-caliber career.

Byron Jones wasn’t initially projected as a first-round pick, but that changed when he set a world record with a 12-foot, 3-inch broad jump at the 2015 Combine. His insane explosiveness, along with his strong showing in the vertical jump and 40-yard dash, propelled him into first-round status. The Dallas Cowboys selected him at No. 27 overall.

Ali Marpet, coming from Division III Hobart College, was largely an unknown prospect before the 2015 NFL Combine. He ran an impressive 4.98-second 40-yard dash at 307 pounds and performed exceptionally well in agility drills. His Combine numbers proved he could compete with top-tier talent, leading to his second-round selection by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Most to Prove at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine

Players recovering from injuries have the most to gain at the Combine. Demonstrating full recovery and elite athleticism will be key to improving their draft stock.

Like Ali Marpet in 2015, prospects from smaller programs have the most to gain from the national exposure the Combine provides. A strong showing can lead to a massive jump in draft position.

Some players enter the Combine with doubts about their explosiveness, speed, or strength. Drills like the bench press, shuttle run, and 40-yard dash allow them to erase concerns with standout performances.

Travon Walker (2022) – The Speed of a Defensive Lineman

Travon Walker entered the 2022 Combine as a projected first-round pick, but his unbelievable performance solidified him as the No. 1 overall selection. His 4.51-second 40-yard dash at 272 pounds stunned scouts, proving he had rare athletic traits for a defensive lineman.

Aaron Donald (2014) – Strength and Quickness at an Elite Level

Aaron Donald faced skepticism due to his size, but his Combine erased all doubts. Running a 4.68-second 40-yard dash at 285 pounds and recording 35 bench press reps of 225 pounds, Donald displayed both strength and quickness, leading to a Hall of Fame-caliber career.

The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine is set to feature another group of athletes hoping to make history. With the potential for under-the-radar players to explode onto the scene and top prospects to cement their status, the Combine remains one of the most vital events in the pre-draft process.