The NFL Scouting Combine is the premier event showcasing draft-eligible players to all 32 teams. Over the next four days, 300 participants will take part in the combine. What players have an opportunity to improve their draft stock the most?
5 Players Who Could Benefit the Most With a Great Performance at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine
QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama
Milroe had a disappointing week during the Senior Bowl, showing inaccuracy in on-air throwing that had also hindered him at the college level.
The NFL Combine will feature much of the same, but the bar is set lower than it had been. If he performs better than he did during the Senior Bowl, that’ll show improvement to NFL teams, something they’re looking for with the developmental prospect that Milroe projects to be.
Additionally, if he chooses to run, he’ll likely record the fastest 40-yard time among quarterbacks. QBs sometimes skip the event, but with a blistering time, he could make up for some of the disappointment at the Senior Bowl by showing off his athletic potential at the game’s most important position.
WR Arian Smith, Georgia
Continuing with the trend of speed, Smith is a candidate to record the fastest 40-yard time of all the participants. The 6’0″, 185-pound receiver is a true burner who can take the top off of defenses at the next level.
Former Texas Longhorn and current Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy snuck into the back end of the first round of his year’s NFL Draft after he ran a record-breaking 4.21 40-yard dash.
Although Smith isn’t expected to be drafted nearly that high, a number close to—or breaking, as some believe he will—Worthy’s time could entice a team to grab him earlier than previously expected.
DT Darius Alexander, Toledo
Alexander, projected to be a late Day Two pick, could make waves due to his sheer athleticism. At 6’4″, he is expected to weigh over 300 pounds—even if he moves like he weighs far less.
His explosion is noticeable at the snap of the ball, which should bode well for the three-cone drill and 40-yard dash.
NFL teams are always looking for the next great defensive tackle that can anchor a defense. In a draft full of terrific defensive linemen, Alexander has a great opportunity to rise up draft boards with a good performance.
WR Matthew Golden, Texas
Although the Longhorns receiver didn’t put up huge numbers in the regular season, he popped in the postseason, totaling 411 yards in four games.
Golden sticks out on tape with the fluidity of his routes combined with absolute speed on the outside. He’s expected to have one of the top 40-yard times out of all the wide receivers.
The argument for Golden also stems from the idea that he wasn’t given the requisite opportunities in the Longhorn offense until injuries above him opened up space. With eyes now solely on him, he has a chance to rise up draft boards and cement himself as a first-round pick.
OL Charles Grant, William & Mary
The William & Mary product started three seasons for the Tribe at left tackle after picking up football as a junior in high school. Prior to that, Grant was a wrestler, which may prove to benefit him at the combine.
WHERE DO THESE PROSPECTS RANK ON OUR BIG BOARD? SEE THE FULL LIST
While he bulked up at the collegiate level, he still possesses top-tier athletic ability for an offensive lineman. The 6’4″, 300-pounder should stand out during on-field drills as a prime day two prospect still with tons of untapped potential.
Grant could prove to be the steal of the draft as an athletic force in a zone-heavy running offense.
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