INDIANAPOLIS -- The first night of workouts at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine is in the books, with the defensive linemen and linebackers taking center stage on Thursday.
Many of those who partook in the events at Lucas Oil Stadium wowed scouts with their speed in the 40-yard dash, their agility in drills and their explosiveness in the broad and vertical jumps. Some exceeded expectations, causing their draft stock to rise; others displayed flaws in their speed and/or athleticism (or chose not to perform), hurting their chances of being selected on Day 1 or Day 2 when the draft begins in Green Bay, Wisconsin (April 24-26).
Below I've listed six players who undoubtedly impressed the league's personnel decision-makers with their on-field performance. I also list four players who could use a strong effort at their school's pro day to leave the most favorable impression possible before the draft.
Programming note: Tune in to NFL Network and NFL+ for live coverage of the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine beginning at 3 p.m. ET on Friday and 1 p.m. ET on Saturday and Sunday.
Stock up
With many top prospects either unable to participate because of injury or choosing not to partake in drills, Campbell deserves kudos for competing on Thursday. His 4.52-second 40-yard dash at 235 pounds confirmed his speed and his 10-foot-7 broad jump was another indication of his explosiveness. Campbell looked like a pro executing drills, moving in space and catching passes during the workout. He was clearly the top off-ball linebacker on the field, and he even stayed late to do pass-rush drills after the LBs had completed their workout.
Harmon is fighting for a spot in the first round after a strong 2024 season with the Oregon Ducks. The former Michigan State tackle was impressive in the weigh-in (6-foot-4 1/2, 313 pounds, 34 3/8-inch arms). He ran an unofficial 4.95-second 40-yard dash, showing plenty of quickness. In drills, Harmon moved well in on-field work, running the hoop-push rush drill well enough for Baltimore Ravens pass-rush coach Chuck Smith -- who was on the field for the drill -- to say, "That's what we do!"
Pearce impressed with a 4.47-second 40 at 245 pounds on Thursday. He also looked smooth in drills, displaying quick feet and good change-of-direction ability. There are comparisons being made between Pearce and Giants edge rusher Brian Burns, which is understandable after Pearce bested the 2019 first-round pick’s 40 time from the 2019 combine (4.53). Pearce's below-average arm length (32 3/4 inches) and lack of explosion in the vertical jump (31 inches) are noteworthy, but overall, he helped his cause on Thursday.
Stewart made a splash on Thursday. He posted a 40-inch vertical (second-best among combine defensive linemen), 10-foot-11 broad jump (best among combine D-linemen) and excellent 4.59-second 40 (fourth-fastest among combine DLs). He tweaked his hamstring running the 40, per NFL Network Senior National Reporter Stacey Dales, and the injury kept him out of the position workouts. The drills could have given him a platform to show he has the agility and change-of-direction skills to become a more productive player in the pros (4.5 sacks in three seasons at Texas A&M), but he did more than enough in the athletic testing to help himself.
Tafuna started the day with a solid 5.03-second unofficial 40 at 308 pounds. His foot quickness in drills was even more impressive. He slalomed between and ripped around pads with no issues, keeping his balance while moving with purpose and flashing powerful hands.
I don’t usually give stock-up nods to players who opt out of running the 40-yard dash, but Williams' movement skills at 334 pounds were noteworthy. In every drill, he moved quickly and with a low center of gravity. Williams' powerful hands slammed against pads, but his feet were nimble. He maintained his balance turning corners despite his girth. He’s more athletic than some evaluators might think.
Stock down
Running a 4.73-second 40 at 254 pounds won’t be helpful to Kennard’s stock. Players heavier by 15 to 25 pounds bested that mark on Thursday. Kennard's drill work was not exceptional, either. He displayed average bend and change-of-direction ability. Scouts should like his arm length (34 inches) and production (11.5 sacks in 2024), but the fact he did not participate in the jumps on Thursday leaves open the question of whether he lacks lower-body explosiveness.
Paul was a productive player at Arkansas and Ole Miss, but his combine workout did not help his case to be a Day 2 (Rounds 2-3) pick. His arm measured 29 7/8 inches, shorter than desired at the position. Paul's 4.63-second 40, 1.62-second 10-yard split and 9-9 broad jump won’t make it any easier for scouts to overlook his lack of size (6-1, 222 pounds). He showed average stop-start ability and transition from a backpedal, too.
Umanmielen labored through his 40-yard dash, posting an official time of 4.72 seconds, which is slower than teams would like to see from a 244-pound edge rusher. His 38-inch vertical was more than acceptable, but the leggy defender failed to display plus short-area agility while moving over pads and in space during his workout. His 7.33-second three-cone drill didn’t help, either. Overall, Umanmielen's performance won’t do him any favors as he tries to keep pace in a competitive edge rusher group.
Walker is a massive human, even after dropping nine pounds since he weighed in at the Reese’s Senior Bowl a month ago. He did not attempt a 40-yard dash on Thursday, and his movement looked stilted during position drills. I give him credit for putting forth effort during the workout, but it’s clear he lacks the bend to lower his pad level. Chasing plays outside the box could be a tough ask for him.
