DRAFT STOCK SHAKEUP - 2025 NFL COMBINE RISERS AND FALLERS

Over four days of testing, interviews, and on-field drills, prospects aimed to boost their draft stock while scouts gathered crucial data to inform their April selections. The event featured standout performances across multiple position groups, offering a clearer picture of the talent available in the upcoming draft.

Cornerbacks and Slot Defenders Shine Despite Top Absences

While top cornerback prospects Travis Hunter and Will Johnson opted not to participate in drills, the cornerback class still delivered impressive performances, particularly among projected slot defenders. Kentucky's Maxwell Hairston stole the show by clocking the event's fastest 40-yard dash at a blistering 4.28 seconds, coupled with a 39.5-inch vertical jump and 10-foot-9 broad jump - elite marks that have evaluators rethinking his draft positioning.

Hairston's remarkable speed crowned him as the fastest performer at this year's combine, surpassing even the highly touted wide receivers. His athletic testing numbers positioned him among the elite defensive backs in combine history, dramatically improving his draft stock from a solid Day 2 prospect to a potential first-round selection.

Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron addressed lingering speed concerns with a 4.39-second 40, potentially solidifying his position as one of the first cornerbacks selected in April. The main questions entering the combine for Barron revolved around his size and speed, and while he measured in at a moderate 5-foot-11 and 194 pounds, his impressive time demonstrated he possesses the necessary athleticism to match up with NFL-caliber receivers.

Ole Miss cornerback Trey Amos similarly boosted his stock with a 4.44 time, continuing his rise after a strong Senior Bowl performance. At 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, Amos has the size teams look for in boundary corners, and his demonstration of recovery speed has moved him firmly into fringe first-round consideration.

Iowa State's Darien Porter emerged as one of the combine's biggest winners at cornerback, measuring in at 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds before blazing a 4.3-second 40-yard dash. Porter also excelled in the jumps with a 10-foot-11 broad jump and 36.5-inch vertical. Though he's older at 24 and began his college career as a receiver before switching to cornerback in 2022, Porter's combination of size and athleticism could push him into the second round for teams employing heavy zone coverage schemes.

Safety Class Deeper Than Expected

South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori delivered perhaps the most complete athletic exhibition of any defender, posting a 43-inch vertical leap, 11-foot-6 broad jump, and 4.38-second 40-yard dash at 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds - numbers that could propel him ahead of Georgia's Malaki Starks as the first safety selected.

The athletic evaluation of Emmanwori lived up to pre-combine expectations, as scouts had anticipated exceptional testing numbers from the Gamecock defender. NFL personnel departments particularly value his physicality and versatility to play multiple spots in the secondary, making him an increasingly attractive option in the first round.

Starks, previously considered the consensus top safety, turned in a mixed performance. His 4.5-second 40-yard dash was respectable, but his 33-inch vertical jump ranked among the worst at the position. These results mirror the inconsistency seen on his 2024 film compared to his stellar 2023 tape, creating a challenging evaluation for NFL teams who must decide whether to trust the more recent struggles or the earlier excellence.

The safety class revealed better depth than initially projected, with Oklahoma's Billy Bowman Jr. impressing with a 4.42-second 40 at 5-foot-10 and 192 pounds. His ball-hawking skills combined with proven athleticism make him a potential late Day 2 selection. Additional safeties like Texas's Andrew Mukuba and Virginia's Jonas Sanker also performed well, suggesting teams could find starting-caliber safeties beyond the second round.

Pass Rushers Showcase Explosive Traits

The defensive line group lived up to its billing as one of the draft's deepest position groups despite several top prospects sitting out. Arkansas edge rusher Landon Jackson wowed scouts with a 40.5-inch vertical jump and 10-foot-9 broad jump at 6-foot-6 and 264 pounds before running a smooth 4.69-second 40-yard dash.

Jackson's combine performance transformed his draft outlook, elevating him from a top-50 consideration to a legitimate first-round prospect. His remarkable vertical leap led all defensive linemen, while his broad jump ranked second. When these explosive measurements combine with his impressive frame, Jackson presents a tantalizing package for NFL front offices.

Texas A&M's Shemar Turner showcased his incredible athleticism by jumping 40 inches in the vertical and running a 4.59-second 40-yard dash at 267 pounds. His 10-foot-11 broad jump placed him in the top fifth percentile of all prospects since 1999. Turner represents a classic "traits versus production" debate, as his modest 4.5 career sacks don't match his overwhelming physical gifts. Evaluations of Turner remain polarized, with some teams viewing him as a potential top-10 pick while others question why his college production never matched his athletic potential.

Tennessee's James Pearce Jr. perhaps had the most eye-popping day, weighing in at 245 pounds before blazing to a 4.47-second 40-yard dash. The weigh-in was particularly important for Pearce, as some scouts questioned whether he could maintain adequate size for the position at the NFL level. His first-step quickness and closing speed were evident in testing, recording a 1.58-second 10-yard split.

Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell cemented his first-round status by running a 4.52-second 40 at 235 pounds with an explosive 1.53-second 10-yard split. Campbell's versatility to play inside or outside linebacker, coupled with his athletic testing, likely secures him a spot in the draft's top 25 selections.

Nebraska defensive tackle Ty Robinson surprised with a 4.83-second 40-yard dash before demonstrating power and agility in position drills. The 6-foot-5, 288-pounder showed why he's considered a Day 2 prospect with his combination of size and movement skills. Indiana's CJ West similarly boosted his stock with a 4.95-second 40-yard dash at 316 pounds, potentially moving him into the top 100 picks.

UCLA had an exceptional day with multiple linebacker prospects shining. Oluwafemi Oladejo, who transitioned from inside linebacker to edge rusher during the 2024 season, measured at 6-foot-3 and 259 pounds before posting a 36.5-inch vertical jump and looking fluid in positional drills. Teammate Carson Schwesinger quieted concerns about his size by weighing in at 242 pounds while jumping 39.5 inches in the vertical, the second-best mark among linebackers. Both players significantly enhanced their draft prospects.

Receiver and Running Back Class Delivers the Goods

While quarterbacks mostly struggled during Saturday's workout session, the wide receivers and running backs showed why this draft class is considered exceptional at the skill positions.

Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden shocked observers by running a 4.29-second 40-yard dash with a 1.49-second 10-yard split, faster than his more heralded teammate Isaiah Bond, who had boasted about potentially breaking Xavier Worthy's combine record but fell short. Golden's performance vaulted him into first-round consideration.

Golden's combine participation was limited to the 40-yard dash, but that single sprint proved sufficient to dramatically alter perceptions of his draft value. Previously considered a late first-round prospect, the Texas wideout now appears poised to climb several spots on draft boards following his Indianapolis showing.

Missouri's Luther Burden III confirmed his status as one of the draft's top receivers by running a 4.41 40-yard dash at 206 pounds while displaying smooth receiving skills in the gauntlet drill. Burden's film at Missouri didn't always showcase his elite traits, but his combine performance reminded scouts of his big-play potential and tackle-breaking ability, keeping him firmly in the top-15 conversation.

Iowa State had a spectacular showing at receiver with Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins both posting excellent numbers. Noel, despite standing just 5-foot-10, recorded a 41.5-inch vertical, 11-foot-2 broad jump, and 4.39-second 40-yard dash. For those concerned about his functional strength at 194 pounds, he answered with 23 repetitions on the bench press. Higgins, a bigger target at 6-foot-4 and 214 pounds, ran a better-than-expected 4.47-second 40 and jumped 39 inches in the vertical, showcasing his ability to win contested catches with both size and athleticism.

Colorado's Jimmy Horn Jr. emerged as another standout despite his undersized 5-foot-8, 174-pound frame, running a 4.46-second 40 while posting a 38-inch vertical and 10-foot-8 broad jump. His fluidity in route-running drills and reliable hands demonstrated why he could be a valuable slot option despite his stature.

Stanford's Elic Ayomanor addressed speed questions with a 4.44-second 40-yard dash at nearly 6-foot-2 and 206 pounds, complemented by a 38-inch vertical and 10-foot-7 broad jump. This performance likely secures him a spot among the top 50 selections.

Historic Running Back Class Confirms the Hype

This running back class has been touted as historically deep, and the combine results reinforced that assessment. Virginia Tech's Bhayshul Tuten led all running backs with a 4.32-second 40-yard dash and 40.5-inch vertical jump. At 5-foot-9 and 206 pounds, Tuten showed quick feet and solid change of direction in drills while making several quality hands catches. His athletic testing could elevate him from a projected early Day 3 pick into late Day 2 consideration.

North Carolina's Omarion Hampton, Ohio State's TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins all strengthened their cases as Day 2 selections, with Judkins impressing at 221 pounds with a 4.48-second 40-yard dash, 38.5-inch vertical, and 11-foot broad jump. Hampton, at 6-foot and 221 pounds, jumped 10-foot-10 in the broad jump and 38 inches in the vertical before running a 4.46-second 40, confirming his status as potentially the second running back selected after Boise State's Ashton Jeanty, who did not participate in drills.

Tennessee's Dylan Sampson didn't run the 40 due to a hamstring injury that sidelined him for the Volunteers' playoff loss to Ohio State, but he showcased quick feet, natural hands in pass-catching drills, and smooth movement skills in the positional workout.

Kansas State's DJ Giddens was another standout, measuring at 6-foot and 212 pounds while running a 4.43-second 40-yard dash and jumping 10-foot-10 in the broad. His lateral agility in the "Duce Staley" drill highlighted his ability to make defenders miss at multiple levels.

Even Day 3 prospects like SMU's Brashard Smith, UCF's RJ Harvey, and Georgia's Trevor Etienne showed why this running back class is viewed as special. The depth at the position suggests that as many as 33 running backs could be drafted in April, which would be the highest total since 2017 when 30 were selected.

Tight End Class Shows Promise Despite Testing Concerns

The tight end class exhibited some limitations in athletic testing, with only Oregon's Terrance Ferguson and South Carolina's Joshua Simon breaking the 4.7-second barrier in the 40-yard dash. However, Ferguson's 4.63-second time and 39-inch vertical jump at 6-foot-5 and 247 pounds stood out, potentially moving him up from his pre-combine ranking as the sixth-best tight end to a solid third-round prospect.

Nebraska's Thomas Fidone II followed a strong Senior Bowl with another impressive showing, running a 4.7-second 40 at 6-foot-5 and 243 pounds while posting a 35.5-inch vertical and 10-foot-6 broad jump. Once a highly-regarded recruit who battled injuries in college, Fidone could be a Day 3 steal for teams needing tight end help.

LSU's Mason Taylor may have had the best positional workout of any player regardless of position. His fluid movement skills were particularly evident during the gauntlet drill, where he caught every pass thrown his way with smooth, natural hands. Currently ranked as the fourth-best tight end, Taylor's performance could push him into the top 50 selections.

The absence of Penn State's Tyler Warren and Michigan's Colston Loveland, considered the top two tight ends in the class, was notable. Their pro-day performances will be heavily scrutinized as teams assess the position's top talent.

Offensive Tackles Create Uncertainty at the Top

The offensive line workouts created as many questions as answers regarding the top tackle prospects. LSU's Will Campbell, widely considered OL1 on many boards, measured in with 32⅝-inch arms - well below the typical NFL threshold of 33 inches for offensive tackles. Campbell's exceptional athleticism (9.88 Relative Athletic Score) and dominant SEC career keep him in first-round conversations, but many teams may now view him as a guard prospect.

Campbell demonstrated remarkable strength, balance and fluidity of movement throughout his college career, allowing just two sacks over the past two seasons while playing left tackle in the SEC. However, his wingspan of 77⅜ inches would represent a significant outlier for a starting NFL tackle, where the average offensive tackle wingspan measures approximately 82.1 inches.

The arm length concern manifests in Campbell's pass protection technique, where he tends to be aggressive in establishing first contact and often drifts outside, opening inside paths to the quarterback. Numerous precedents exist for highly-regarded college tackles transitioning to guard in the NFL, with success stories including Zack Martin, Joe Thuney, Tyler Smith, and Alijah Vera-Tucker - all of whom developed into high-quality interior linemen.

Missouri's Armand Membou capitalized on the uncertainty, putting together one of the day's most impressive performances. At 6-foot-4 and 332 pounds with 33.5-inch arms, Membou ran a 4.91-second 40-yard dash and posted a position-best 9-foot-7 broad jump.

Membou's combine performance reinforced the physical attributes that made him a rising prospect during the college season. His remarkable blend of size and athleticism was evident in Indianapolis, with his 40-yard dash and vertical jump ranking among the top four performances by offensive linemen. His explosiveness, particularly in the broad jump where he led all linemen, demonstrates why his draft stock continues to ascend.

Texas' Kelvin Banks Jr. and Oregon's Josh Conerly Jr. both measured with identical 33.5-inch arms, hitting the threshold while displaying good athleticism that keeps them in first-round consideration. Banks ran with the second-fastest top speed in the 40-yard dash among offensive linemen (19.89 MPH). Conerly, just 21 years old with significant developmental upside, tested as a high-end athlete with an 8.69 Relative Athletic Score, showing good explosiveness with a 1.71-second 10-yard split and a 34.5-inch vertical leap.

Ohio State's Josh Simmons, who suffered a torn patellar tendon in October, received encouraging medical evaluations and may work out at Ohio State's Pro Day. His first five games pre-injury showed dominant potential, but the level of competition remains a question as he was injured before facing the meat of Ohio State's schedule.

Minnesota offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery displayed impressive movement skills for a 331-pound lineman, recording a 19.76 MPH top speed (third among offensive linemen) with a 1.75-second 10-yard split in the 40-yard dash. His athletic testing confirmed what scouts saw on tape - explosive first steps and mobility when climbing to the second level. Ersery performed particularly well against Penn State's Abdul Carter, and his combine showing could push him into the top 50 selections.

Alabama's Tyler Booker measured at 6-foot-5 and 321 pounds with massive 11-inch hands and 34.5-inch arms, cementing his status as one of the cleanest evaluations in this draft class. Though projected as a guard-only prospect, Booker's punishing power and plug-and-play potential could make him a top-20 selection, with the Bears (No. 10), Dolphins (No. 13), and Seahawks (No. 18) as possible landing spots. Interestingly, Booker remained on the field post-workout to take additional reps at center, a position he has never played - potentially indicating interest from teams in his positional versatility.

QB Competition Fails to Create Clarity

The quarterback class remains defined by its top two prospects - Miami's Cam Ward and Colorado's Shedeur Sanders - neither of whom participated in throwing drills. The battle for QB3 status produced no clear winner, as Ole Miss's Jaxson Dart and Texas's Quinn Ewers had solid but unspectacular throwing sessions.

Alabama's Jalen Milroe addressed one concern when his hand measurement came in at 9⅜ inches, up from 8¾ inches at the Senior Bowl and now above the NFL's 9-inch standard. However, his inconsistent throwing session reflected the same accuracy issues seen on film. Milroe surprisingly opted not to run the 40 or perform jumps, which seemed unusual given the explosive athletic ability he displayed throughout his college career.

Milroe's combine performance mirrored the inconsistency that characterized his college career. While flashing moments of brilliance with his arm strength, his throwing mechanics and ball placement continued to waver. Scouts agree that whichever team drafts Milroe will need to implement significant technical refinements, particularly regarding footwork fundamentals. His immediate NFL impact may come through specialized packages capitalizing on his running ability while his passing develops.

Ohio State's Will Howard struggled with accuracy during passing drills and posted the worst broad jump and vertical jump among quarterbacks who tested, potentially dropping him on draft boards. Oregon's Dillon Gabriel also had a disappointing showing, with multiple deep passes wobbling and suffering from inaccuracy in the intermediate range. The left-handed passer's different ball spin created additional challenges for receivers during the session.

The biggest quarterback surprise came from Missouri's Brady Cook, who entered the combine as a potential undrafted prospect but turned heads with both his throwing performance and athletic testing. Cook posted elite marks in the 40-yard dash (4.59 seconds), vertical jump (37 inches) and broad jump (10-foot-8), likely securing a draft selection.

Louisville's Tyler Shough made the most of his opportunity by running the 40-yard dash twice when other quarterbacks opted out. After clocking a 4.69 on his first attempt, he engaged with the crowd before improving to 4.64 on his second run. More importantly, Shough displayed the best accuracy among all participating quarterbacks with excellent anticipation despite working with unfamiliar receivers. At 25 years old with an injury history, Shough likely remains a Day 2 prospect, but his performance certainly strengthened his case.

NFL Draft Implications Taking Shape

As teams digest the combine results and continue their pro day evaluations, several storylines will dominate draft discussions:

The quarterback hierarchy remains unchanged at the top with Ward and Sanders, but the next tier of passers failed to create separation, leaving teams needing QB help outside the top picks in a challenging position.

The offensive tackle position lacks consensus, with Campbell's measurement concerns, Membou's rising stock, and questions about which prospect truly deserves the OT1 designation. Teams like the Patriots (No. 4), Jets (No. 7), Bears (No. 10) and Dolphins (No. 13) all need tackle help, creating intrigue for the first round.

The exceptional depth at running back could influence draft strategy, with teams potentially waiting on the position knowing quality options will be available throughout the draft. Will Ashton Jeanty buck the trend with an early selection, or will teams prioritize other positions in the first round?

The defensive back class features impressive athletes like Hairston, Emmanwori and Barron, but the absence of Hunter and Johnson in drills leaves teams still needing to evaluate the top prospects at their pro days.

Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter's medical examination revealed a foot injury that might require surgery, potentially impacting his status as a potential No. 1 overall pick contender.

The 2025 combine has reshaped draft conversations across the league, with unexpected winners like Missouri's Armand Membou and Kentucky's Maxwell Hairston forcing teams to reconsider their boards. Meanwhile, medical concerns for Penn State's Abdul Carter and measurement issues for LSU's Will Campbell create fascinating dilemmas for teams holding top-10 picks. The historically deep running back and defensive line classes will likely dominate the middle rounds, while quarterback-needy teams beyond the top picks face difficult decisions with no clear third option emerging after Ward and Sanders. As team visits and pro days unfold in the coming weeks, the athletic freaks who dominated in Indianapolis will try to prove that their eye-popping numbers translate to football skills worthy of the draft capital they're now positioned to command.