For future NFL players, taking every opportunity to showcase their talent is a must, as only 1.6% of NCAA players go pro, per the NFL. In this week’s edition of Tyler’s Take, I will discuss players who increased and decreased their draft stock following the 2025 NFL Combine.
Winners
S Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina
After recording outstanding numbers at the NFL combine, Nick Emmanwori could get picked up by the end of the first round. The safety ran a 4.38 in the 40-yard dash, achieved a 43-inch vertical and jumped 11 feet and six inches in the broad jump. After showcasing a once in a lifetime performance, the former Gamecock landed at No. 27 in Mel Kiper’s mock draft, while Matt Miller has him going at No. 28, per ESPN. Moreover, Emmanwori received a 6.35 grade by the NFL. The 21-year-old came out of high school as a three-star recruit and now could become the first safety off the board.
WR Matthew Golden, Texas
Matthew Golden became one of two players to run a sub 4.30 in the 40-yard dash. In addition, the former Longhorn tied with four other participants with a 1.49-second 10-yard split. Despite deciding not to perform in the rest of the combine activities, the NFL gave Golden a 6.40 prospect grade. With incredible route running skills, Golden could get selected in the second round. However, seeing him split into the first round could happen due to the weakness of this year’s wide receiver class, per the Pro Football Network.
CB Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky
Maxwell Hairston raised eyebrows across the league, becoming the fastest player amongst the 2025 draft class. With a time of 4.28 seconds and a 10-yard split of 1.50 seconds, the cornerback used speed to his advantage. In every drill, Hairston exploded with energy, showing confidence throughout the reps. Seeing teams target the former Kentucky player on day two of the NFL draft should come as no surprise, per Bleacher Report.
Losers
QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
Shedeur Sanders opted out of performing at the 2025 NFL combine, which could come back and haunt him come draft night. Despite the weakness of this year’s quarterback draft class, the debate between who’s getting picked up first, Cam Ward or Sanders, still sits in the air. In addition to Sanders, Ward decided not to throw at the combine either. However, the NFL gave the former Hurricane a 6.39 grade, while Sanders got a 6.30 rating. Furthermore, the former Colorado signal caller shows confidence and composure within the pocket. Nonetheless, the quarterback has film showing throws that would get intercepted in the big league, according to the NFL. Needless to say, Sanders could have sealed the deal by proving his worth at the combine.
RB Cam Skattebo, Arizona State
After suffering a hamstring injury, Cam Skattebo was forced to miss the NFL Combine. However, the former Sun Devil gets the opportunity at Arizona State’s pro-day to showcase his skills. Despite rushing 143 yards for two touchdowns against Texas in the Peach Bowl, players like Bhayshul Tuten could pass Skattebo in the running back draft class. With a 4.32 second 40-yard dash, Tuten ran the fastest amongst the running back group, allowing him to jump up in mock drafts and push Skattebo down.
WR Tez Johnson, Oregon
Weighing in at 154 pounds, Tez Johnson became the lightest wide receiver to participate at the NFL Combine, per CBS Sports. Despite showing signs of life regarding route running, teams could pass on the wide receiver because of his small frame. To add on, the former Oregon Duck struggled to make a case with a time of 4.51 seconds in the 40-yard dash. With a NFL grade of 6.23, Johnson is projected to get selected in round three, per Bleacher Report.
Despite the NFL giving players a chance to showcase their talent, only time will tell who can deliver at the professional level. The difference between getting picked at No. 1 or becoming Mr. Irrelevant, like 49ers’ quarterback Brock Purdy, doesn’t matter as much as people make it out to be. Everyone has a shot at making a name for themselves.