Pro Days Shake Up 2025 NFL Draft Board

This critical phase of the pre-draft process gives prospects one final opportunity to showcase their skills in a controlled environment, potentially reshaping draft boards across the league.

From small-school sleepers to Power Five standouts, these workouts can make the difference between going undrafted and hearing your name called. For NFL scouts and executives, Pro Days provide essential puzzle pieces in the complex evaluation process, sometimes confirming what they've seen on tape and other times forcing a complete reassessment. This year's circuit has been particularly revealing, with several prospects dramatically altering their draft trajectories through exceptional performances. Let's dive into the most significant developments from campuses across the country and examine how these showcases might influence what happens when teams go on the clock next month.

The Big Man Makes Big Waves

In what has become the most talked-about Pro Day performance of the season, Florida's massive defensive tackle Desmond Watson is rewriting the record books before even hearing his name called on draft day. Tipping the scales at a jaw-dropping 464 pounds, Watson wouldn't just break the record for heaviest player ever drafted – he'd shatter it by 84 pounds. The current record-holders, former Gator Trent Brown and Minnesota's Daniel Faalele, both weighed in at 380 pounds when drafted. Watson makes them look like middleweights.

What's truly remarkable isn't just Watson's size but his surprising athleticism. At Florida's Pro Day, the 6'6" behemoth bench-pressed 225 pounds a staggering 36 times – more than any player at this year's NFL Combine. He clocked a 5.93 in the 40-yard dash and recorded a 25-inch vertical leap, numbers that defy expectations for a man of his dimensions. "He's a unicorn," Florida head coach Billy Napier said. "You'll go the rest of your career and you'll never be around a guy of that stature."

Watson's college teammate Joey Slackman added: "He moves way better than anybody thought he would at his size. I don't see why a team wouldn't give him a chance. He's a football player through and through; I would want that guy on my team." Despite not receiving an invite to the NFL Combine, Watson has generated significant buzz with his Pro Day performance, elevating himself from an afterthought to a genuine NFL prospect. While his statistics don't leap off the page – 63 tackles and 1.5 sacks in his Florida career – his potential as a run-stuffer has scouts intrigued.

Watson's most memorable moments as a Gator included an impressive strip fumble against South Carolina as a sophomore and, in his final collegiate game at the Gasparilla Bowl, a play where he engulfed Tulane's quarterback. Perhaps most entertaining was seeing the enormous lineman take a carry as a fullback, rumbling for a crucial first down.

His durability also stands out – Watson never missed a game in his four-year Florida career, demonstrating that his massive frame didn't prevent him from staying on the field. For NFL teams looking for a space-eating nose tackle, Watson presents an intriguing, if outsized, option.

Quarterback Carousel Continues

The quarterback position remains the most scrutinized in this draft class, with several signal-callers making their case at Pro Days across the country.

Colorado's Shedeur Sanders put doubts about his arm strength to rest with an impressive showing that had scouts buzzing. Sanders, who has faced questions about whether his success was system-dependent, displayed pinpoint accuracy on deep throws and showed improved footwork in pocket movement drills.

"I've been working on extending plays and making throws from different arm angles," Sanders told reporters. "The NFL game is about adaptability, and that's what I wanted to showcase today."

Meanwhile, Ohio State's Will Howard impressed with both his physical tools and football IQ during the Buckeyes' Pro Day. Howard, who transferred from Kansas State prior to his final collegiate season, demonstrated significant improvement in his decision-making process during throwing sessions.

"Will has always had the physical traits," said one NFC scout in attendance. "What he showed today was a better understanding of when to take chances and when to protect the football. That growth is what separates prospects from future starters."

Notre Dame's Riley Leonard, who transferred from Duke for his final season, showcased his dual-threat capabilities during the Fighting Irish Pro Day. Leonard's throwing mechanics looked refined after working with quarterback specialists in the offseason, and his mobility during rollout passes particularly impressed scouts.

"The footwork is night and day from where it was at the beginning of the season," remarked one quarterback coach. "He's putting himself in position to be one of the surprises of this quarterback class."

Missouri's Brady Cook also turned heads with a precision-focused throwing session that highlighted his improved deep ball accuracy. Cook, who led Missouri to one of its best seasons in recent memory, demonstrated the arm talent that some critics had questioned throughout his college career.

Speed Demons Light Up Tracks

This year's draft class features exceptional speed, with several prospects posting eye-popping 40-yard dash times that have NFL teams reconsidering their draft boards.

Georgia's Arian Smith electrified scouts with a blazing 4.29 40-yard dash, confirming his reputation as one of college football's fastest players. Though Smith's production was limited in Georgia's deep receiver room, his game-breaking potential has teams intrigued about his ceiling at the next level.

"When you have that kind of speed, you can't teach it," said a veteran wide receivers coach. "Smith has the ability to take the top off a defense on any play, and that's invaluable in today's NFL."

Not to be outdone, Oregon cornerback Jabbar Muhammad clocked a 4.32, showcasing the speed that made him one of the Pac-12's top cover corners. Muhammad coupled his impressive straight-line speed with fluid hip movements in positional drills, potentially elevating his stock into the second day of the draft.

Tennessee's Dont'e Thornton Jr. surprised many with a 4.33 time that demonstrated his explosiveness despite his 6'4" frame. Thornton's combination of size and speed makes him an intriguing developmental prospect, particularly for teams looking for red zone threats who can also stretch the field vertically.

Oklahoma's Jalil Farooq similarly impressed with a sub-4.4 time that complemented his polished route-running during receiving drills. Farooq showed excellent body control on contested catches, potentially moving him up draft boards as teams look for receiver talent in the middle rounds.

Rising Stars and Sleeper Picks

Every draft cycle features players who significantly boost their stock during the Pro Day circuit, and this year is no exception. BYU's defensive end Tyler Batty has seen his stock soar after an impressive performance that demonstrated both power and agility. Batty, who registered 8.5 sacks in his final collegiate season, showed remarkable bend for a player his size and dominated in pass-rush drills.

"Tyler has that rare combination of power and flexibility," remarked one AFC defensive line coach. "He's going to make some team very happy on day two of the draft."

Iowa linebacker Jay Higgins, often overshadowed by flashier prospects, put together a complete Pro Day that highlighted his three-down potential. Higgins demonstrated improved coverage skills to complement his well-documented tackling prowess, potentially moving him up from a mid-round projection.

Iowa teammate Luke Lachey also boosted his stock with an athletic performance that showcased his receiving skills. Lachey, whose college career was hampered by injuries, displayed reliable hands in pass-catching drills and surprised some scouts with his blocking technique during positional work.

Texas A&M's Jake Johnson, who transferred to North Carolina, demonstrated elite athleticism for the tight end position. Johnson's 4.65 40-yard dash and impressive vertical jump highlighted his potential as a seam-stretching target at the next level.

Trenches Warfare: Offensive and Defensive Line Standouts

While skill position players often steal the headlines, this year's Pro Day circuit has showcased exceptional talent in the trenches on both sides of the ball.

Georgia offensive guard Tate Ratledge dominated strength tests with 32 bench press reps while showing nimble footwork in position drills. Ratledge, a key piece of Georgia's dominant offensive line, demonstrated the technical refinement that has scouts projecting him as a potential day one starter.

NC State defensive end Davin Vann similarly impressed with explosive first-step quickness in pass-rush drills. Vann showcased an expanded array of pass-rush moves that weren't consistently seen on his college tape, suggesting significant development potential at the next level.

Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons, who transferred from San Diego State, demonstrated excellent lateral mobility during pass protection drills. His performance in mirror drills particularly stood out, with several scouts noting his improved hand placement compared to his game film.

LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell cemented his status as a potential first-round selection with a polished Pro Day showing. Campbell's footwork in pass protection drills and power in run-blocking scenarios validated the technique improvements he made throughout his collegiate career.

Injury Recoveries Under Spotlight

Pro Days also serve as crucial moments for prospects recovering from injuries to prove their health to NFL decision-makers. Notre Dame tight end Mitchell Evans, who missed significant time with a lower-body injury, looked fully recovered during movement drills. Evans showcased the athleticism that had him projected as a potential first-rounder before his injury setback.

"Getting back to full speed has been my focus," Evans shared. "I wanted to show teams I'm not just healthy, but I'm better than I was before."

Georgia running back Branson Robinson, returning from an ACL tear that limited his college production, displayed explosive cutting ability and acceleration that suggested a complete recovery. His performance in pass-catching drills also highlighted versatility that wasn't fully utilized in Georgia's offense.

Alabama safety Keon Sabb, who dealt with a hamstring issue late in the season, moved fluidly through defensive back drills with no apparent limitations. Sabb's ability to change direction at full speed while maintaining balance particularly impressed scouts focusing on his injury recovery.

Small School Standouts Make Their Case

While Power 5 programs dominate the headlines, several small school prospects have capitalized on their Pro Day opportunities to get on NFL radars.

Central Arkansas defensive end David Walker turned heads with a dominant showing that included a 4.65 40-yard dash at 265 pounds and 30 bench press reps. Walker's combination of size and explosiveness has teams viewing him as a potential day three steal with significant upside.

Stephen F. Austin cornerback Jeremiah Walker similarly impressed, with fluid movement in positional drills and a competitive fire that had him demanding extra reps against tougher competition during one-on-one sessions.

UNLV's Ricky White III, who began his career at Michigan State, put himself firmly on the draft radar with an exceptional route-running display coupled with reliable hands. White's precision in breaking routes and ability to create separation suggests he could outperform his eventual draft position.

Holy Cross linebacker Jacob Dobbs demonstrated that his small-school dominance could translate to the next level with an impressive all-around athletic showing. Dobbs' lateral quickness and instincts during linebacker drills highlighted the skills that made him a tackling machine at the FCS level.

Secondary Stars Shine Bright

This draft class features an exceptional group of defensive backs, many of whom used their Pro Days to solidify or improve their draft positioning.

NC State cornerback Aydan White showcased elite change-of-direction ability during position drills, complementing his impressive 4.37 40-yard dash time. White's ball skills during interception drills particularly stood out, with scouts noting his natural hands and body control.

Iowa safety Sebastian Castro demonstrated versatility that could make him valuable in multiple defensive schemes. Castro excelled in both deep coverage drills and tackling exercises, highlighting his potential as a chess piece in modern NFL defenses.

Michigan cornerback Will Johnson cemented his first-round status with a fluid performance that matched his exceptional game tape. Johnson's press technique in jam drills impressed scouts, as did his recovery speed when forced to turn and run.

LSU cornerback Zy Alexander made a significant leap up draft boards with a spectacular athletic showing. Alexander's combination of size (6'3") and fluid movement skills has teams intrigued about his potential as a matchup weapon against larger NFL receivers.

Running Back Renaissance

Despite the position's devaluation in recent drafts, this year's running back class features several standouts who boosted their stock during Pro Day workouts.

Oregon's Jordan James demonstrated exceptional burst through running back drills, with scouts noting his improved pass-catching ability. James' three-cone drill time of 6.82 seconds highlighted the agility that complements his power between the tackles.

Ohio State's TreVeyon Henderson showcased the explosiveness that made him one of college football's most dynamic playmakers. Henderson's vertical jump of 40 inches ranked among the best at his position, while his receiving skills during passing drills displayed the versatility that modern NFL offenses covet.

Oklahoma's Gavin Sawchuk turned heads with an impressive all-around athletic display. Sawchuk's balance through contact drills and acceleration in open field exercises highlighted his three-down potential at the next level.

USC transfer Jo'Quavious Marks, who began his career at Mississippi State, demonstrated refined route-running ability that could make him particularly valuable on passing downs. Marks' performance in pass protection drills also addressed one of the key concerns scouts had identified in his game.

Wide Receiver Depth on Display

This draft class features exceptional depth at the wide receiver position, with numerous prospects using Pro Days to distinguish themselves in a crowded field.

Clemson's Beaux Collins, who transferred to Notre Dame, showcased reliable hands and precise route-running during his workout. Collins' ability to maintain speed through his breaks particularly impressed scouts looking for receivers who can create separation at the next level.

Georgia's Colbie Young used his imposing 6'5" frame to dominate contested catch drills. Young's combination of size and body control makes him an intriguing prospect, particularly for teams seeking red zone threats.

Missouri's Luther Burden III confirmed his elite status with a spectacular showing that highlighted his explosiveness after the catch. Burden's change-of-direction ability in open field drills demonstrated why many consider him the most dangerous receiver in this class with the ball in his hands. "Luther has that rare ability to turn routine catches into home runs," said one NFC scout. "His Pro Day just confirmed what we've seen on tape – he's special with the ball in his hands."

The Technical Improvements

Beyond pure athletic testing, Pro Days allow prospects to demonstrate technical improvements they've made since their college seasons ended.

Kentucky offensive lineman Eli Cox showed refined footwork in pass protection drills, addressing one of the primary concerns scouts had identified in his game tape. His improvement in this area could solidify his position as one of the top interior linemen in the class.

NC State defensive end Davin Vann similarly showcased expanded pass-rush techniques, displaying counter moves that weren't consistently present in his college film. This development suggests Vann could contribute earlier than expected at the next level.

Texas defensive end Barryn Sorrell demonstrated improved hand technique in pass-rush drills, showing the ability to disengage from blockers more efficiently than he did on game film. Sorrell's development in this area addresses a key concern scouts had about his translation to the NFL level. Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham showcased refined pass-rush moves from the interior, demonstrating that he can be more than just a run-stuffer at the next level. Graham's ability to convert speed to power impressed scouts who previously viewed him primarily as a two-down player.

Draft Implications and Team Fits

As the Pro Day circuit winds down, the implications for the draft are becoming clearer. Watson's unique combination of size and strength could make him an intriguing option for teams running 3-4 defenses in need of a true nose tackle. Despite not being invited to the Combine, his viral Pro Day performance has put him firmly on the draft radar.

Sanders continues to be linked to quarterback-needy teams picking in the top half of the first round, with his Pro Day performance potentially cementing his status as a top-10 selection.

Meanwhile, Howard's solid showing could make him a target for teams looking to develop a quarterback behind an established starter, with his leadership qualities and improved mechanics making him an attractive project.

For speed merchants like Smith and Muhammad, teams with specific needs for their skill sets are showing increased interest. Smith could be particularly valuable to offenses looking to stretch the field vertically, while Muhammad projects as a potential day-one contributor in the right defensive scheme.

Potential Draft Day Surprises

Every draft features selections that catch observers off guard, and this year's Pro Day performances have set the stage for several potential surprises.

Watson, despite his limited production at Florida, could hear his name called earlier than expected due to his unique physical traits. Teams running 3-4 defenses may view him as a potential game-changer at nose tackle, particularly in short-yardage situations.

Castro's versatile skill set could make him a second-round selection despite being projected as a mid-round pick throughout much of the draft process. His ability to play multiple positions in the secondary adds significant value in today's matchup-focused NFL.

Batty might be this year's small-school pass rusher who outperforms his draft position, following in the footsteps of players like Matt Judon and Maxx Crosby. His combination of power and bend could make him a steal for teams selecting in the middle rounds.

Final Preparations Before the Big Day

With Pro Days concluded, prospects now enter the final stage of draft preparation – private workouts and meetings with interested teams. These sessions allow organizations to get a closer look at players they're particularly interested in, often focusing on specific traits or scenarios relevant to their schemes.

Watson has reportedly garnered interest from multiple teams running 3-4 defenses, with private workouts scheduled to assess his potential fit in specific defensive systems. His unique physical profile makes him a fascinating study for teams considering how to maximize his considerable strengths while minimizing his limitations.

Sanders, Howard, and other top quarterback prospects have begun a circuit of private workouts with quarterback-needy teams, focusing on specific aspects of their games that align with potential NFL offenses. These sessions often include installation of basic concepts from team playbooks to assess learning capacity and processing speed. As teams finalize their draft boards, these Pro Day performances will factor heavily into their evaluations. While game tape remains the most important component of the scouting process, these controlled environments allow prospects to answer specific questions about their abilities and physical traits.

With the NFL Draft just weeks away, the Pro Day circuit has given us plenty to talk about – from record-setting behemoths to speed demons and everything in between. One thing is certain: this draft class continues to intrigue with its combination of elite talents and under-the-radar gems waiting to be discovered.