This week in Indianapolis, the annual NFL Combine brings together more than 300 draft prospects. Soon, we'll have detailed data on their 40 times, weights, and heights to the nearest eighth of an inch. However, our aim was to delve deeper, so we reached out to 40 prospects for a Combine Confidential—an anonymous survey showcasing a comprehensive cross-section of offensive and defensive players from major programs and small schools. This includes potential first-round picks and likely undrafted free agents.
We kicked off the survey with a quarterback superlative, questioning if a year without a Super Bowl win or an MVP title might have dulled Patrick Mahomes' shine. When asked which NFL quarterback they’d want leading their team for a crucial touchdown, Mahomes received 19 votes, far surpassing others like Jalen Hurts (6), Lamar Jackson (5), and Josh Allen (4). Despite the Chiefs' Super Bowl setback, Mahomes' reputation remains intact.
In a league driven by quarterbacks, we asked prospects which non-QB they’d build a franchise around. Surprisingly, the top choices were positions not traditionally valued for high pay or draft priority: running back and linebacker. The Eagles' Saquon Barkley, fresh off a 2,000-yard rushing season and a Super Bowl win, led with 10 votes. Following were Fred Warner with 6 votes and Myles Garrett with 5. Other notable mentions included Ja'Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson.
Days ahead of the combine, we asked draft hopefuls if they could name a current NFL General Manager. Surprisingly, only 15 out of 40 could do so. Jerry Jones of the Cowboys and Howie Roseman of the Eagles were the most recognized, each with three mentions. Other mentions included John Lynch of the 49ers and Brett Veach of the Chiefs.
When asked about their favorite non-football professional athletes, 31 out of 40 respondents named basketball players. LeBron James led with 20 votes, followed by Steph Curry with 5. Other athletes receiving votes included Anthony Edwards, Scottie Scheffler, and Lewis Hamilton.
Following the introduction of a 12-team format, 23 out of 40 players favored the current College Football Playoff model. Some suggested an eight-team playoff, while others leaned towards further expansion. Ideas ranged from a 14-team format to a 24-team playoff, with various opinions on the best number of teams.
Prospects shared their toughest college opponents, with names like Jayden Daniels and Aidan Hutchinson standing out. Additionally, 34 out of 38 players reported receiving NIL money, with earnings ranging from a few hundred dollars to over $400,000. This marks a significant increase from a similar poll three years ago.
The transfer portal has transformed college football, and players have mixed feelings about its impact. While 19 believe it has improved the sport, others see both positives and negatives. Some advocate for regulating transfers to prevent excessive movement among schools.
In terms of coaching preferences, Mike Tomlin of the Steelers was the top choice, followed closely by Dan Campbell and Andy Reid. As for the 2025 NFL Draft, prospects overwhelmingly favored Miami's Cam Ward as the anticipated top pick, with Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter also receiving significant consideration.
Looking at potential breakout stars for the 2025 NFL season, Travis Hunter narrowly edged Abdul Carter. Other notable mentions included Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders. These insights provide a glimpse into the future stars of the NFL.
Greg Auman is an NFL Reporter for FOX Sports. He previously spent a decade covering the Buccaneers for the Tampa Bay Times and The Athletic. You can follow him on Twitter at @gregauman.
