NFL Combine 2025: Winners, Losers, Top Performers & Draft Stock

2025 NFL Combine: Risers, Fallers, and Measurement Mysteries

The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine has concluded, leaving a trail of solidified reputations, shattered expectations, and lingering questions for teams preparing for the upcoming draft. Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis played host to hundreds of prospective NFL players over four days, a crucial period filled with interviews, physical measurements, and grueling on-field drills. From defensive line dominance to offensive line athleticism, the combine offered a glimpse into the future of the league.

Thursday kicked off the action with the defensive line and linebacker groups taking center stage. Several players positioned to become first-round selections showcased their abilities, leaving scouts salivating over potential game-wrecking talent. Friday belonged to the tight ends and defensive backs, with a deep and talented class of each vying for attention. The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the fastest 40-yard dash of the entire combine, setting a high bar for speed and athleticism.

Saturday shifted the focus to the offensive side of the ball, with running backs, wide receivers, and quarterbacks taking their turn in the spotlight. Drills tested their agility, catching ability, and arm strength, providing valuable data for teams evaluating their offensive needs. The combine concluded on Sunday with the offensive line class, a group lauded for its size and athleticism, aiming to prove their worth to potential suitors.

The combine inevitably produces both winners and losers, players who exceeded expectations and those who fell short. Here’s a look at some of the standout performers and those whose stock may have taken a hit:

Winners:

• Xavier Golden (WR, Texas): While teammate Isaiah Bond was expected to challenge the 40-yard dash record, it was Golden who stole the show. His blazing 4.29-second time, coupled with a stellar 1.49-second 10-yard split, propelled him into the upper echelon of receiver prospects. Previously considered a late first-round pick, Golden may now find himself selected even higher.

• Braden Jackson (TE, Arkansas): Jackson firmly established himself as a first-round contender with his impressive athleticism. His 40 1/2-inch vertical jump, the best at the position, and 10-foot, 9-inch broad jump, the second-best, demonstrated his exceptional explosiveness. At 6-foot-6 and 264 pounds, Jackson presents a unique combination of size and athleticism that NFL teams covet.

• D’Shawn Hairston (WR, Kentucky): Hairston silenced any doubts about his speed with a blistering 4.28-second 40-yard dash, the fastest of the combine. He further solidified his performance with a 39 1/2-inch vertical jump and 10-foot, 9-inch broad jump, demonstrating his all-around athleticism. His performance likely elevated him into second-round consideration, addressing concerns about his speed and prior injury.

• Malachi Emmanwori (DB, South Carolina): Emmanwori lived up to the hype, delivering a performance that solidified his status as a first-round pick. His combination of size, athleticism, and production made him one of the most impressive defensive backs in combine history, even at a less-premium position.

• Iowa State Standouts: Cornerback Darien Porter showcased his impressive size and speed with a 4.30-second 40-yard dash, the second-best at the position. Wide receivers Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins also impressed. Noel’s 4.39 40 and elite jumps (41 1/2" vertical and 11′ 2" broad) offset any strength concerns (23 bench reps at 5’10, 194lbs). The bigger Higgins (6’4 214) ran a respectable 4.47 and jumped well (39" vert, 10’ 8” broad) for his size.

• Terrion Barron (CB, Texas): Barron addressed concerns about his speed with a 4.39-second 40-yard dash. While his size (5-foot-11, 194 pounds) remains a question mark, his improved speed could propel him into contention as one of the first cornerbacks selected in the draft.

• Isaiah Membou (OL, Missouri): Membou validated his first-round potential with a strong showing. His 4.91-second 40-yard dash and 34-inch vertical jump were among the best for offensive linemen, while his 9-foot, 7-inch broad jump led the position group. His impressive movement skills at 6-foot-4 and 332 pounds with 33 1/2-inch arms make him a highly sought-after prospect.

• Brady Cook (QB, Missouri): Cook dramatically improved his draft stock with a strong performance. Initially projected as an undrafted free agent, Cook impressed as one of the best throwers among the quarterbacks and showcased his athleticism with elite marks in the 40-yard dash (4.59 seconds), vertical jump (37 inches), and broad jump (10 feet, 8 inches).

• Running Back Class: The highly touted running back class lived up to expectations. While top prospect Ashton Jeanty did not participate, standouts like Omarion Hampton, TreVeyon Henderson, and Quinshon Judkins solidified their Round 2 status. Bhayshul Tuten showcased his athleticism, potentially earning a full-round jump in the draft. Prospects like Brashard Smith, RJ Harvey, DJ Giddens, and Trevor Etienne also delivered strong performances.

• Shemar Stewart (DE, Texas A&M): Stewart showcased his impressive athleticism with a 4.59-second 40-yard dash at 6-foot-5 and 267 pounds. His 40-inch vertical jump and 10-foot, 11-inch broad jump ranked in the top fifth percentile among all prospects since 1999.

Losers:

• Isaiah Bond (WR, Texas): Bond’s promise to break the 40-yard dash record fell flat, raising questions about his deep speed and consistency.

• Deonte Carter (DT, Penn State): News of Carter’s foot injury, discovered during medical examinations, could jeopardize his status as a potential No. 1 overall pick. The need for potential surgery and concerns about a previous shoulder injury raise questions about his overall health.

• Mason Graham (DT, Michigan): Graham’s measurements were underwhelming. Weighing in at 296 pounds (down from estimated 320) and measuring 32-inch arms (26th percentile), he failed to stand out in a deep interior defensive line class.

• Kurtis Gabriel (QB, NC State): Gabriel struggled with accuracy during throwing drills, and his arm strength was below average, requiring a longer windup for deeper throws.

• Javon Starks (S, Notre Dame): Starks, the consensus top safety prospect, underperformed in athletic testing. His 4.50-second 40-yard dash and lackluster shuttle and 3-cone times raised concerns about his overall athleticism.

• Spencer Howard (QB, LSU): Howard’s accuracy issues persisted at the combine. He also posted the worst broad and vertical jump numbers among the quarterbacks who participated in athletic drills.

• Roger Campbell (OT, Georgia): Campbell’s arm length, measuring 32 5/8 inches, fell short of the 34-inch standard favored by many teams, despite an otherwise athletic performance.

• Marquis Johnson (WR, SMU): Johnson’s small frame (5-foot-10, 154 pounds) was further exacerbated by a slow 4.51-second 40-yard dash, likely causing him to drop on many draft boards.

• Cody Sawyer (DE, Oklahoma): Sawyer’s short arm length (31 3/4 inches) is a significant concern for an edge rusher, placing him in the bottom 10th percentile among defensive linemen since 1999.

Measurement Mysteries:

The combine also brought attention to inconsistencies in measurements compared to previous all-star games. Quarterback Jalen Milroe’s hand size discrepancies between the Senior Bowl and the combine raised eyebrows, as did the shorter arm length measurements for offensive linemen compared to earlier events. These discrepancies highlight the importance of teams conducting their own measurements during individual meetings with prospects. Ultimately, the 2025 NFL Combine provided a critical platform for players to showcase their talents and solidify their draft positions. The performances, measurements, and interviews from Indianapolis will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the landscape of the upcoming NFL Draft.