Combine Sleepers: 10 Prospects Poised to Shock the NFL World
With several highly touted prospects opting out of testing and on-field drills at this year’s NFL Scouting Combine, the stage is set for some lesser-known players to steal the spotlight in Indianapolis. In a draft class that some perceive as lacking a true superstar, the combine provides a crucial opportunity for athletes to elevate their stock and capture the attention of NFL scouts and general managers. Identifying these potential "sleepers" requires careful evaluation, as these players may not have the same pre-combine hype as their more celebrated counterparts. However, they possess the athleticism, skills, and determination to make a significant impact on draft day.
Here are 10 prospects who could surprise everyone and generate considerable buzz during the combine:
1. Shough, Quarterback:
This seventh-year senior presents an intriguing case study. Turning 26 as a rookie might raise eyebrows, prompting questions about his developmental ceiling. After all, he entered college in the same recruiting class as luminaries like Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields. Shough’s journey included stops at Oregon and Texas Tech before finding a semblance of stability and success in his final season.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 224 pounds, Shough embodies the classic pocket passer archetype. He possesses the arm strength and accuracy to deliver throws to all areas of the field, adeptly manipulating coverage to exploit defensive vulnerabilities. However, his composure can waver when pressured, hindering his ability to maintain rhythm under duress.
Shough’s medical history looms large over his combine performance. He endured significant sideline stints in the preceding three seasons due to various injuries. His ability to demonstrate durability and resilience will be paramount. A clean bill of health, coupled with solid testing numbers, could significantly boost his draft stock amidst a crowded quarterback pool vying for Day 2 consideration.
2. Blue, Running Back:
Operating within a crowded Longhorns backfield, Blue’s opportunities were somewhat limited, amassing just 214 carries in three years, even after assuming a more prominent role last season. Yet, those limited touches were sufficient to showcase his electrifying breakaway speed.
A former track star, Blue boasts a verified 10.7-second 100-meter dash time in high school, but claims to have reached speeds of 10.2 seconds. At 6-foot and 200 pounds, he’s built to maximize his natural explosiveness. The 40-yard dash will be his prime opportunity to display his speed, and a top-tier time could solidify his image as a potential game-breaking threat, both as a rusher and a receiver out of the backfield.
3. Yarns, Running Back:
After amassing an impressive 29 touchdowns in the last two years, Yarns proved at the Senior Bowl that he’s capable of competing against higher-caliber competition. Now, the 5-foot-10, 189-pound back has a chance to differentiate himself from more celebrated prospects as a potential third-down specialist.
He possesses the agility and receiving skills to create mismatches against linebackers in the passing game. Yarns is expected to excel in the 40-yard dash and various agility drills, further emphasizing his explosiveness and ability to contribute as a versatile offensive weapon.
4. Williams, Wide Receiver:
Don’t make the mistake of categorizing this 5-foot-10, 182-pound target solely as a slot receiver. The UNLV transfer demonstrates an uncanny ability to quickly eat up defensive cushions, demonstrated by his impressive 17.1 yards per reception and 14 touchdowns last season.
He clocked a remarkable 21.36 mph during Senior Bowl practices, the fastest speed recorded by any receiver during the initial session. With the potential to achieve outstanding scores in agility drills, Williams could solidify his push into Day 2 consideration with a strong combine performance.
5. Hampton, Wide Receiver:
Hampton’s physical attributes alone should warrant consideration from NFL teams. At 6-foot-5 and 212 pounds, he presents a rare combination of size and downfield playmaking ability. However, the former Norfolk State transfer must address concerns about dropped passes and a general lack of refinement in his route running.
His deep-ball prowess is evident from his 17 yards-per-catch average in 2023, but outstanding results in the vertical leap, broad jump, and 40-yard dash might be crucial. These impressive physical feats could encourage teams to overlook his current shortcomings and view him as a high-upside developmental prospect.
6. Grant, Offensive Lineman:
The trend of wrestlers transitioning to the offensive line continues with Grant, an all-state wrestler at 220 pounds in high school. Now, standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 300 pounds with an impressive wingspan, he is a two-time All-American and a likely first-round pick among Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) prospects.
Grant’s athleticism should shine in the combine drills, showcasing his ability to move effectively and maintain leverage. This will be particularly important if some teams envision him as a guard, where agility and lateral quickness are paramount.
7. Swinson, Edge Rusher:
Is it possible for a second-team All-Southeastern Conference selection to be overlooked in the early stages of the draft process? In Swinson’s case, the answer is yes. The 6-foot-4, 250-pound former Oregon transfer may lack the widespread recognition of other established edge rushers, but his explosive burst off the line and relentless pursuit of the quarterback are undeniable.
While his technique is still developing, rangy and explosive pass rushers with a knack for slipping past blockers tend to be highly sought after on draft day. A strong combine performance, emphasizing his speed and agility, could solidify his status as a rising star in this year’s class.
8. Asante, Linebacker:
A sixth-year senior, Asante toiled in relative obscurity for three years at North Carolina and one at Auburn before breaking out in 2023. At 6-foot and 220 pounds, he possesses the build of a safety but the speed of a cornerback, closing in on ball carriers with impressive swiftness.
His energetic style made him a defensive spark plug, but his aggressiveness occasionally led to overruns or misjudgments. Despite his experience, his instincts are still developing, and his size might limit his fit in certain defensive schemes. However, Asante can showcase his raw athleticism at the combine. A strong performance could pave the way for him to secure a role as a sub-package linebacker, unleashing his blitzing abilities and potentially evolving into a coverage asset against running backs.
9. Porter, Cornerback:
It’s rare to find a 6-foot-2, 197-pound cornerback who also holds a high school state record in the 400 meters. It’s even rarer to discover a defensive back with elite linear athleticism who’s also fluid enough to excel in man coverage and possess impressive ball skills honed during his time as a receiver.
Yet, Porter manages to combine all these traits, making him one of the most intriguing physical specimens in this year’s class. A sixth-year senior who didn’t become a starter until 2024, Porter is a late bloomer who can still be challenged by technically refined receivers. However, his immense potential should be evident through his combine workout and testing results.
10. Hill, Safety:
Another former receiver turned defender, Hill saw his promising 2024 season hampered by plantar fasciitis. If fully recovered, the 6-foot, 205-pound defensive back has the potential to lead in the vertical leap, broad jump, and 40-yard dash.
For teams prioritizing zone coverage and seeking a reliable tackler with exceptional ball skills, Hill could be a highly appealing prospect. A standout combine performance would solidify his reputation as a versatile and athletic safety with significant upside.
These ten players exemplify the potential for unexpected stars to emerge during the NFL Scouting Combine. By capitalizing on their opportunities to showcase their athleticism and skills, they can significantly boost their draft stock and leave a lasting impression on NFL teams seeking the next hidden gem. The combine is their chance to rewrite the narrative and prove that they belong among the top prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft.
