Another significant milestone in the 2025 NFL Draft process has come and gone: the combine. Over 300 prospects showcased their skills in Indianapolis, participating in on-field position drills, running 40-yard dashes, undergoing medical evaluations, and interviewing with team personnel. Although nine of my top ten players didn’t take part in the workouts, many athletes raised their profiles, surpassing expectations. Who are the players poised to climb the draft board? Here, I highlight some notable risers from the combine.
I’ve categorized these emerging prospects into two sections. First, I’ll discuss six players who were already featured in my most recent mock draft but appear likely to elevate their positions. Secondly, I’ll cover twelve players who were previously projected outside of Round 1 but significantly improved their stock due to their impressive performances at the combine.
It's essential to note that this analysis focuses solely on on-field performances. In the coming weeks, I will consult sources across the league to discuss potential red flags and insights from the team interview segments of the combine.
Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 221
Hampton entered the combine as one of the top running backs, and after an impressive workout, he solidified that status. He clocked a remarkable 4.46-second 40-yard dash, showcasing his speed for a larger back. With a 38-inch vertical and a 10-foot, 10-inch broad jump, he confirmed his explosiveness. After rushing for 1,660 yards in the previous season, I projected him at No. 12 to the Cowboys in my mock draft, but his performance suggests a likely range between No. 12 and No. 22, potentially with the Broncos at No. 20.
Armand Membou, OT/G, Missouri
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 332
The competition for the top offensive tackle position is heating up, and Membou made a strong case with a 4.91-second 40-yard dash. He showcased power with a 9-foot, 7-inch broad jump, the best among offensive linemen, along with a 34-inch vertical leap. With 30 career starts under his belt and arm length suitable for tackle, Membou's combine performance could push him into the top 10 of the draft.
Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 235
Projected at No. 19 to Tampa Bay, Campbell's performance in Indianapolis may have him climbing higher. He recorded a 4.52-second 40-yard dash, ranking third among linebackers. His production in 2024—112 tackles and 16 pressures—combined with his athletic showing could make him a top off-ball linebacker in the class.
Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 220
Emmanwori was a standout at the combine, boasting a jaw-dropping 43-inch vertical jump and an 11-foot, 6-inch broad jump, ranking first among all players. His 4.38-second 40-yard dash also ranked second among safeties. With impressive college production, including four interceptions, he may now be the first safety off the board.
Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 183
Hairston clocked the fastest time at the combine with a blistering 4.28-second 40-yard dash. He also recorded a 39½-inch vertical and a 10-foot, 9-inch broad jump, both of which ranked among the top results for cornerbacks. His speed and strong recognition skills could see him elevate from a late first-round pick to a more prominent position.
Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 194
Barron exceeded expectations with a 4.39-second 40-yard dash, solidifying his place in the first round. Initially projected at No. 30 to Buffalo, his performance has him in contention for picks in the middle of Round 1, possibly with Arizona or Cincinnati.
The following players have made significant gains in their draft stock, moving into consideration for Day 2 selections:
Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 191
Golden lit up the combine with a 4.29-second 40-yard dash, establishing himself as a top prospect. With impressive college stats, including 987 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, he has likely moved into the top 25 picks.
Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 195
Porter shifted from a third-round projection to the second round after running a 4.30-second 40-yard dash. His impressive athleticism and potential as a former receiver could enhance his appeal.
Tyler Shough, QB, Louisville
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 219
Shough stood out among quarterbacks at the combine, showcasing his accuracy and decision-making. His 23 touchdown passes to six interceptions last season puts him in the conversation for Day 2.
Jared Wilson, C, Georgia
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 310
Wilson ran the fastest time among offensive linemen with a 4.84-second 40-yard dash and had zero sacks allowed during his career. His performance solidifies him as a top center prospect.
Jonah Savaiinaea, OT/G, Arizona
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 324
Savaiinaea's 4.95-second 40-yard dash places him among the top offensive linemen. Teams might see him as a versatile asset, potentially as a late-Day 1 or early-Day 2 pick.
Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, DL, Georgia
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 276
Ingram-Dawkins impressed with a 4.86-second 40-yard dash and superior athleticism. His versatility makes him a strong candidate for a Day 2 selection.
Danny Stutsman, LB, Oklahoma
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 233
Stutsman demonstrated his speed with a 4.52-second 40-yard dash, showcasing his tackling ability and pass-rush potential. He is likely to be picked in Round 2.
Demetrius Knight Jr., LB, South Carolina
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 235
Knight's solid performance and 4.58-second 40-yard dash could see him land in Day 2 discussions.
Jacob Parrish, CB, Kansas State
Height: 5-10 | Weight: 191
Parrish's impressive production and 4.35-second 40-yard dash could elevate him into the Day 2 mix.
Jonas Sanker, S, Virginia
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 206
Sanker showcased his ability with a solid 4.48-second 40-yard dash and impressive jumps, potentially making him the third or fourth safety in this class.
CJ West, DT, Indiana
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 316
West's strong combine performance and 4.95-second 40-yard dash could place him as a Round 4 candidate.
Eli Cox, C, Kentucky
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 306
Cox's improved performance at the combine could see him rise into the fifth-round conversation.
As we move closer to the 2025 NFL Draft, these players' performances at the combine have undoubtedly reshaped their prospects and raised excitement around their potential selections.
