Winners and Losers

The combine. A combination of drills and measurables that will can have a direct impact on an individual draft stocks of players. I always have mixed feelings about the combine, because while it is a great way to physically test prospects, it’s not truly indicative of whether a player will have success in the NFL. But every year, players who had lower stocks improve their stocks by a good combine performance. And vice-versa. This year was no different. Let’s look at some winners and losers of the 2025 combine.

Winners. There were a lot of guys who showed out. Starting with safety Nick Emmanwori out of South Carolina. This guy put a flawless physical performance on tape. He ran a 4.38 forty time at 220 lbs. He had a 1.49 second 10-yard split. That’s almost superhuman for that size. He put everyone on notice day one. Next, Matthew Golden ran a 4.29 forty time, with a 1.49 10-yard split Keep in mind, he is 30lbs lighter than Emmanwori. This dude was flying. Maxwell Hairston out of Kentucky ran the fastest 40 time at 4.28 seconds. He was in the top percentile in almost every workout between broad jump, vertical jump, and 10-yard split. He looks exceptional out of his breaks too. Darien Porter, the cornerback out of Iowa State, shocked people with his measurables, standing at 6’2, 195lbs, with an 80-inch wingspan. That’s crazy. He looked solid in every workout he participated in too. Finally, two edge guys made a bigger name for themselves following the combine. Landon Jackson out of Arkansas, is 6’6, 264 lbs, with the longest wingspan I’ve ever seen, (I’m sure it’s not actually, but look at his wingspan, it’s ridiculous.) The most impressive was from Shemar Stewart, who posted an unofficial Relative Athletic Score of 10.00. This has only been seen in Travon Walker and Myles Garrett. He has got unbelievable speed, matched by some crazy power. These guys really took a step forward with their combine performances, and that will most likely be reflected in their draft positions.

Losers. These guys may have said some things, or their expected abilities may have been a little bit higher than their showings. This is true for Isaiah Bond. He declared pre-combine that he would be breaking Xavier Worthy’s 40-yard dash time. Well, he ran a 4.39, which isn’t bad, but it wasn’t even close. If you’re going to make that kind of noise, you better be close. He did hit 24 mph, which was the second fastest in the combine, so there’s that. Next, Abdul Carter. While he is expected to maybe be the #1 overall pick, that surprise stress fracture in his foot is not going to help his stock. He still is most likely generational talent, but that injury may have teams questioning some things. Quinn Ewers comes next, as he looked to disprove the noise about his accuracy issues. Well, on his first two throws, to receivers running a 10 yard out, he wildly missed his throws. He calmed down and got more accurate, but not the start you’re looking for if you’re trying to overturn an opinion. Then there was Tez Johnson, who comes in as the lightest receivers in the combine at 154 lbs. He ran a 4.51 which is bad for someone that light. He made some improvements in other areas, but this one hurts the stock. Shedeur Sanders, you are next. For someone’s stock who is falling daily, it makes no sense to not throw. You went from potential #1 to maybe not even the 4th QB taken. This would’ve been the time to put more stuff on tape. If you’re really that good. Finally, we had Cam Skattebo. He is a fringe prospect with a lot of interest. But not being able to perform at the combine doesn’t help. On top of that, Virginia Tech’s Bhayshul Tuten had promising combine that caught the eye of many. Skattebo’s value falls, as any player’s does, if they are unable to perform.

Ultimately, the combine does not make or break you, but it has the influence to change how early or late you go come draft day. I’ve always believed that if you can play, you should. Practice and showcase are no different, especially if you’re trying to prove your worth to NFL teams that may take a chance on you.