NFL Combine 2025: Top Prospects to Watch
The 2025 NFL Draft season is officially upon us, and the annual NFL Combine in Indianapolis serves as the kickoff event. From February 27th to March 3rd, the hallowed grounds of Lucas Oil Stadium will become a proving ground for over 300 college football stars vying to impress NFL coaches, general managers, and scouts. While some notable names, such as Abdul Carter, Shedeur Sanders, and Ashton Jeanty, have opted out of participating in the on-field drills, the event remains a crucial opportunity for prospects to showcase their athleticism, skills, and potential.
With the draft landscape still taking shape, the combine offers a chance for players to rise up draft boards, solidify their positions, or address lingering concerns. Here are six top prospects that NFL personnel and fans alike will be closely monitoring:
Hunter (Cornerback/Wide Receiver)
The reigning Heisman Trophy winner enters the combine as arguably the most talked-about prospect in the entire draft class. Hunter’s name has been a constant topic of conversation among coaches and general managers, and for good reason. He is listed as a cornerback at the combine, but his versatility is a major point of intrigue.
Some teams view Hunter as a potential standout wide receiver, while others believe his future lies primarily at cornerback. However, the consensus is that he possesses the skills and athleticism to contribute in some capacity at both positions at the NFL level.
Hunter’s skills as a wide receiver seamlessly translate to his cornerback play, giving him a unique advantage. He demonstrates exceptional ball skills and possesses a keen ability to diagnose routes, making him the consensus top cornerback prospect in this draft class.
McMillan (Wide Receiver)
Widely regarded as the premier wide receiver prospect in the 2025 draft, McMillan boasts an imposing 6-foot-5 frame and an impressive catch radius. His long strides and exceptional ball skills make him a reliable possession receiver, capable of winning contested catches and moving the chains.
However, questions linger regarding McMillan’s speed and his ability to consistently execute a diverse route tree. If he manages to clock a 40-yard dash time in the 4.5-second range or faster, it could solidify his status as the top wide receiver in the draft.
McMillan’s outstanding 2024 season, in which he recorded 84 receptions for 1,319 yards and eight touchdowns, earned him first-team All-Big 12 honors and AP first-team All-American recognition. He will aim to replicate his success from college in Indianapolis.
Dart (Quarterback)
With Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders widely considered the top two quarterbacks in the 2025 draft, the battle for the QB3 spot is wide open. Dart, who started three years in the SEC, has a golden opportunity to make his case at the combine.
Dart exhibits adequate accuracy, demonstrates the ability to progress through reads, and generally makes sound decisions. However, concerns exist about his arm strength and his ability to consistently make anticipatory throws. The passing drills at the combine will be crucial in evaluating his potential.
Despite the concerns, Dart earned first-team All-SEC honors in 2024 and left his mark on the Ole Miss record books, amassing a school-record 10,617 passing yards.
Hampton (Running Back)
There is buzz surrounding Hampton and Ashton Jeanty potentially being selected in the first round of the upcoming draft. If both players are taken in the first round, they would be the first pair of running backs selected in the first round since Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs in 2023.
Hampton is a downhill runner who plays with good aggression. At 6-foot, 200 pounds, he has the size and strength to be a three-down running back. However, improvements can be made on his ability to diagnose holes, and he lacks elusiveness. His performance in the cone drill will be equally important to the 40-yard dash.
Ewers (Quarterback)
Ewers is an enigma, having showcased flashes of brilliance that suggest top-three quarterback potential, while also exhibiting inconsistency that casts doubt on his draft stock. He is a gamer who excels when he finds a rhythm and demonstrates solid arm talent.
However, Ewers sometimes struggles with consistency, and his mechanics occasionally break down under pressure. Despite these flaws, his raw talent is undeniable, and the combine provides a platform to showcase his potential.
Ewers brings a wealth of experience to the table, having started 35 games at Texas and leading an FBS-best 26 straight games with a passing touchdown.
Green (Edge)
Green arrives at the combine riding a wave of momentum after a superb performance at the Senior Bowl. He is lauded for his athleticism, explosiveness, and the bend and flexibility he demonstrates when rushing the passer.
Green’s remarkable 2024 season saw him lead the FBS with 17 sacks, setting a Sun Belt Conference record and matching the Marshall team record. He also registered 22.5 tackles for loss, solidifying his status as a disruptive force.
With Penn State’s Abdul Carter widely regarded as the top edge prospect, Green has a prime opportunity to establish himself as the clear-cut No. 2 pass rusher in this draft class.
However, Green also comes with character concerns stemming from his 2022 departure from the Virginia football team. At the combine, he addressed the allegations of sexual assault, which he denied.
