The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine has concluded, and as always, it provided a crucial stage for draft prospects to showcase their athleticism, skill sets, and football intelligence. With all 32 NFL teams watching, some players significantly boosted their draft stock, while others saw their potential value take a hit. This year’s event saw impressive performances from defensive ends Shemar Stewart and James Pearce Jr., who solidified themselves as top-tier prospects. However, not everyone left Indianapolis on a high note. Let’s break down the biggest winners and losers of the 2025 NFL Combine.
Winners
Shemar Stewart, DE, Texas A&M
Shemar Stewart stole the show with an electrifying performance that left scouts in awe. The defensive end trimmed down from his college weight of 285 pounds to a leaner 267 pounds, which translated to improved speed and agility. Stewart clocked a blazing 4.59-second 40-yard dash, posted a 40-inch vertical jump, and recorded a broad jump of 10 feet 11 inches. His blend of size, power, and athleticism made him one of the biggest winners of the Combine. Despite limited sack production in college, his raw explosiveness has cemented his status as a potential top-10 pick in the NFL Draft.
James Pearce Jr., DE, Tennessee
James Pearce Jr. turned heads with one of the fastest times among defensive linemen, running a 4.47-second 40-yard dash. His first-step quickness was evident with a 1.58-second 10-yard split, demonstrating elite acceleration. In addition to his speed, Pearce recorded a 31-inch vertical and a broad jump of 10 feet 3 inches. His ability to translate that athleticism to the field is one of the reasons he’s skyrocketing up draft boards, with teams envisioning him as an explosive pass rusher at the next level.
Kain Medrano, LB, UCLA
Linebacker Kain Medrano showcased elite athleticism for his position. His 4.46-second 40-yard dash was the fastest among all linebackers, and he also recorded a 38-inch vertical jump and a broad jump of 10 feet 5 inches. His speed and explosiveness have secured his place as a likely Day 2 selection in the draft, with teams valuing his versatility in coverage and run defense.
Landon Jackson, DE, Arkansas
Landon Jackson measured in at 6-foot-6 and 264 pounds and still managed to impress with his testing numbers. His 4.68-second 40-yard dash, 40.5-inch vertical, and 10 feet 9-inch broad jump showcased his unique blend of size and athleticism. Jackson’s stock has soared following the Combine, and he now appears to be a solid second-round pick with the potential to sneak into the first round.
Donovan Ezeiruaku, DE, Boston College
One of the most agile defensive linemen at the Combine, Donovan Ezeiruaku displayed elite change-of-direction skills. He ran a 4.19-second short shuttle and a 6.94-second three-cone drill, both ranking at the top for his position group. His quick feet and lateral movement ability make him an intriguing option for teams seeking a versatile pass rusher who can also drop into coverage if needed.
Losers
Jeffrey Bassa, LB, Oregon
Hyped as one of the most athletic linebackers in the class, Jeffrey Bassa fell short of expectations in Indianapolis. His 4.63-second 40-yard dash was slower than expected, raising concerns about his ability to track down ball carriers at the NFL level. While his 38-inch vertical showed good explosiveness, the disappointing straight-line speed could hurt his draft stock.
Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
Quarterback Jaxson Dart made a puzzling decision to skip physical drills at the Combine, opting to showcase his skills at his pro day instead. While pro days allow for a more controlled setting, the Combine presents an opportunity to compete and prove readiness under pressure. This decision has raised questions among scouts, and with other quarterbacks taking advantage of the stage, Dart may have missed a crucial opportunity to solidify his draft position.
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Much like Jaxson Dart, Shedeur Sanders also chose not to participate in Combine workouts, electing to throw only at his pro day. While he possesses a strong collegiate resume, skipping the workouts has led some scouts to question his competitiveness and readiness for the NFL level. Given that he’s already projected as a top pick, it may not hurt him significantly, but it did little to improve his stock.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 NFL Combine was a proving ground for many draft hopefuls, with some players solidifying their first-round status while others left more questions than answers. Shemar Stewart and James Pearce Jr. emerged as two of the biggest winners, dazzling scouts with their athleticism and upside. Meanwhile, players like Jeffrey Bassa and Jaxson Dart may have to rely on their pro days to regain momentum. With the NFL Draft fast approaching, teams will now dissect these performances and determine which prospects fit their long-term plans. The Combine is just one step in the journey, but for many, it can be the difference between being a first-round pick or slipping down the draft board.
