2025 NFL Scouting Combine: Key Moments and Standouts
The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine has officially concluded, marking the end of a week-long event where 329 of the top prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft showcased their skills, athleticism, and potential to NFL scouts, coaches, and analysts. Held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, the combine saw some prospects rise to the occasion, while others opted out of certain drills, choosing instead to wait for their school’s pro day. The event was packed with standout performances, surprising measurements, and memorable moments that will undoubtedly influence draft boards in the coming weeks.
Top Performances and Surprises
The combine was headlined by several prospects who used the platform to boost their draft stock. One of the most anticipated aspects of the event was the performance of Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe. While his passing drills were closely watched, it was his hand measurement that made headlines. Milroe’s hand size was recorded at 9 3/8 inches, surpassing the critical 9-inch threshold often considered essential for NFL quarterbacks. This was a significant improvement from his 8 6/8-inch measurement at the Senior Bowl, easing concerns about his ability to grip and control the ball at the next level.
Among the tight ends, Texas’ Will Helm struggled with his testing after twisting his ankle during the 40-yard dash. His 40-yard dash time of 4.84 seconds was the third slowest among tight ends, and his vertical jump of 30 inches ranked last at the position. However, his injury likely played a role in these underwhelming results, and scouts will likely give him another look during his pro day.
Offensive Line and Wide Receiver Showdowns
The offensive linemen took center stage on Sunday, with several players impressing in drills. Will Campbell, a tackle from Miami, faced skepticism about his arm length, which was measured at 32 5/8 inches—short of the 33-inch benchmark preferred for NFL tackles. However, Campbell silenced doubters with elite athleticism. He ran a 4.98 in the 40-yard dash, recorded a 32-inch vertical, and posted a 9-foot-5 broad jump, earning an impressive Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.88. His performance likely solidified his position as one of the top offensive tackles in the draft.
Meanwhile, Missouri tackle Andy Boyd delivered the fastest 40-yard dash time among offensive tackles, finishing in 4.91 seconds. He also led all offensive linemen in the broad jump with a 9-foot-7-inch leap and recorded the fourth-best vertical jump at 34 inches. Boyd’s combine performance likely boosted his draft stock significantly.
Ohio State Stars Shine Bright
Ohio State, fresh off a national championship, saw several of its key contributors excel at the combine. Running backs Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson were among the standout performers. Judkins, the 6-foot, 221-pound back, impressed with a 4.48 40-yard dash and a league-leading 11-foot broad jump. His RAS of 9.88 ranked third among running backs, solidifying his reputation as one of the most athletic backs in the draft. Henderson, smaller but faster, ran a 4.43 in the 40-yard dash and reached a top speed of 23.38 mph, the second-fastest among running backs. His RAS of 9.45 further cemented his status as a top-tier prospect.
Defensive Standouts and Record-Breaking Moments
The defensive side of the ball also saw its fair share of highlights. Safety Nick Emmanwori of South Carolina may have redefined the archetype for his position with an elite performance. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound safety ran a 4.38 in the 40-yard dash, the second-fastest time among safeties, and graded out as "elite" in every measurable category, including size, explosion, and speed.
Linebacker Demetrius Knight II of South Carolina also made waves, though not just for his on-field performance. Knight wore custom-made Scrooge McDuck-themed Adidas cleats during his 40-yard dash, which he completed in 4.58 seconds, placing him in the top third of linebackers. His unique choice of footwear added a lighthearted moment to the event, earning him widespread attention on social media.
Fastest 40-Yard Dash Times and Broad Jump Excellence
The 40-yard dash is always one of the most highly anticipated events at the combine, and this year did not disappoint. Among wide receivers, Texas’ Matthew Golden ran the fastest time at 4.29 seconds, making him the only wide receiver to break the 4.3-second barrier. Golden’s performance solidified his status as a rising star in the draft process, with some mock drafts projecting him as a late first-round pick. Florida’s Chimere Dike (4.34) and Maryland’s Tai Felton (4.37) followed closely behind, with Isaiah Bond of Texas, who had predicted he would break the combine’s 40-yard dash record, finishing fourth at 4.39 seconds.
On the defensive side, Maxwell Hairston of Kentucky posted the fastest 40-yard dash time of the combine at 4.3 seconds. The defensive back’s impressive speed could help boost his draft stock, especially after missing part of the 2024 season due to injury. Edge rusher James Pearce Jr. of Tennessee also turned heads with the fastest 40-yard dash among defensive linemen at 4.47 seconds, a time faster than many skill players in the NFL.
Finally, Shemar Stewart of Texas A&M delivered one of the most impressive all-around performances of the combine. The 6-foot-5, 267-pound edge rusher recorded a 40-inch vertical and a 10-foot-11-inch broad jump, leading all participants in the latter. His vertical jump was one of the highest ever recorded for a player weighing over 260 pounds, further showcasing his freakish athleticism.
Key Takeaways and Draft Implications
The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine once again proved to be a pivotal event in the draft process, with several players solidifying their status as top prospects while others faced questions about their measurements and athleticism. Standouts like Will Campbell, Jalen Milroe, and Shemar Stewart used the combine to quiet concerns about their size or injury history, while others, like Will Helm and Abdul Carter, will have to make up for lost time during their pro days.
As the NFL draft approaches, the performances from Indianapolis will undoubtedly influence how teams evaluate these prospects. With the draft just a few months away, the next phase of the process will see scouts and analysts diving deeper into game tape and pro day performances to finalize their assessments. One thing is certain: the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine has set the stage for what promises to be an exciting and unpredictable draft.
