2025 NFL Combine: Three Surprising Performances

The 2025 NFL Combine has concluded, leaving a wave of exceptional athleticism and unexpected performances. While some prominent prospects, like Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward, chose to sit out of drills, others took full advantage of the opportunity to showcase their abilities and elevate their draft stock. This year's combine was especially noteworthy for the remarkable showings by defensive backs and offensive linemen.

Interestingly, this year's running back class is particularly deep and talented. This comes at a time when the value of running backs is on the rise, as evidenced by the recent success of teams that prioritized the position. For example, the New York Giants, Tennessee Titans, and Las Vegas Raiders all let their top rushers walk away last year, and each team ended up with a top-six draft pick. Meanwhile, those running backs—Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, and Josh Jacobs—excelled with their new teams, leading them to the playoffs and even a Super Bowl victory for Barkley with the Philadelphia Eagles. This trend suggests that teams are placing a higher value on running backs, which could impact the draft position of this year's talented running back class.

Adding to the intrigue of this year's combine were some surprising measurements. Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, for instance, saw his hand size increase from 8 6/8 inches at the Senior Bowl to 9 3/8 inches at the combine, exceeding the 9-inch threshold that many scouts consider crucial for quarterbacks in the NFL. In another unexpected turn of events, Texas tight end Gunnar Helm performed on one leg after twisting his ankle during the 40-yard dash.

Beyond the individual performances, several trends emerged at this year's combine. One notable observation was the overall disappointment in the tight end group's performance. Unlike previous years, where several tight ends impressed with their athleticism, this year's class struggled to break 4.7 seconds in the 40-yard dash, leaving many onlookers underwhelmed. Another trend was the lack of participation from quarterbacks, with many top prospects, including Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders, opting to wait for their pro days. This absence of top-tier quarterbacks made it difficult to draw significant conclusions from the quarterback drills.

Now, let's dive into the three most surprising individual performances that captivated scouts and reshaped draft boards:

Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky

Maxwell Hairston arrived at the combine with a point to prove. After a shoulder injury kept him off the field for most of the 2024 season, questions arose about his health and his ability to compete at a high level. Hairston silenced those doubts with a statement performance, clocking the fastest 40-yard dash time of any player at the combine with an astonishing 4.28 seconds. He further showcased his explosiveness with a 39.5-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot-9 broad jump.

College Background:

Hairston spent three seasons at Kentucky, primarily playing as a boundary cornerback. In his 20 starts, he snagged six interceptions, demonstrating his knack for creating turnovers. He earned All-SEC honors in both 2023 and 2024, a testament to his talent and consistency despite his injury-shortened 2024 season.

Strengths:

• Elite speed and athleticism: Hairston's 40-yard dash time is a testament to his exceptional speed, a crucial attribute for a lockdown corner in the NFL.
• Ball skills: With six interceptions in his college career, including three returned for touchdowns, Hairston has a proven ability to make game-changing plays on the ball.
• Versatility: While he primarily played boundary corner in college, Hairston has the potential to excel in the slot or even transition to safety in the NFL.
• Aggressive and confident: Hairston plays with a physicality that belies his size. He's not afraid to challenge receivers and disrupt plays in the run game.

Weaknesses:

• Slight frame: At 5'11" and 186 pounds, Hairston lacks the ideal size for an NFL cornerback. This could put him at a disadvantage against larger, more physical receivers, particularly in press coverage or contested catch situations. He may need to rely on his technique and quickness to overcome this size differential.
• Durability: His shoulder injury in 2024 raises some concerns about his ability to withstand the physical demands of the NFL.
• Over-aggression: While his aggressive style is a strength, it can also lead to penalties and missed tackles if not properly channeled.
• Hand size: Hairston's hands measured in the 12th percentile for cornerbacks. This could potentially affect his ability to secure interceptions at the NFL level, where receivers are bigger and more physical.

Draft Projection:

Hairston's exceptional combine performance has solidified his position as a potential first-round pick. Teams seeking a speedy and dynamic cornerback with a nose for the ball will be highly interested in adding him to their roster. Potential landing spots include the Los Angeles Chargers, Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars, Detroit Lions, and Minnesota Vikings.

Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina

Nick Emmanwori entered the combine as a highly regarded safety prospect. He had a productive college career at South Carolina, but it was his athletic testing that truly stole the show. Emmanwori achieved a perfect 10.0 Relative Athletic Score (RAS), a metric that quantifies athleticism based on combine results. He blazed through the 40-yard dash in 4.38 seconds, soared to a 43-inch vertical jump, and leaped an impressive 11-foot-6 in the broad jump. These extraordinary numbers place him among the most athletic safeties in combine history, making him the first safety to ever achieve a perfect 10.0 RAS.

College Background:

Emmanwori was a three-year starter at South Carolina. He consistently made his presence felt on the field, racking up over 70 tackles in each of his three seasons. In his junior year, he intercepted four passes, including two that he returned for touchdowns.

Strengths:

• Exceptional athleticism: Emmanwori's RAS score speaks volumes about his athletic prowess. He possesses an exceptional blend of size, speed, and explosiveness, making him a rare talent at the safety position.
• Physicality: Emmanwori is a forceful tackler who can deliver impactful hits, making him a formidable presence in the run game.
• Ball skills: With six interceptions in his college career, he has demonstrated the ability to make plays on the ball and create turnovers.

Weaknesses:

• Inconsistency: While he has shown flashes of elite potential, Emmanwori can be inconsistent at times, particularly in coverage.
• Change of direction: He can struggle to change direction quickly, which could be a liability against agile receivers and running backs.
• Zone discipline: Emmanwori needs to refine his discipline in zone coverage to avoid getting caught out of position.

Draft Projection:

Emmanwori's combine performance has undoubtedly cemented his status as a first-round pick. He could very well be the first safety selected in the draft, with potential landing spots including the San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Ravens, and Miami Dolphins.

Armand Membou, OT, Missouri

Armand Membou arrived at the combine as a highly regarded offensive tackle prospect, but his performance surpassed even the loftiest expectations. At 6'4" and 332 pounds, he displayed remarkable athleticism for a player of his size. He ran an astonishing 4.91-second 40-yard dash, the fastest time for any player of his size since 2003. He also recorded a 9-foot-7 broad jump and a 34-inch vertical jump.

College Background:

Membou was a two-year starter at right tackle for Missouri. He played in a zone-based run scheme, demonstrating his agility and ability to move laterally.

Strengths:

• Elite athleticism for his size: Membou's combine numbers are a testament to his rare athleticism for an offensive lineman of his stature.
• Power and strength: He possesses impressive upper body strength and functional power, making him a dominant force in the run game.
• Quick feet and hand placement: Membou has the quickness and technique to mirror pass rushers effectively and protect the quarterback.

Weaknesses:

• Inconsistency: Like Emmanwori, Membou can be inconsistent at times, particularly with his technique.
• Footwork: His footwork can be inconsistent, especially when facing speed rushers who test his agility.
• Head placement: He has a tendency to duck his head into blocks, which can cause him to lose leverage and get driven back.

Draft Projection:

Membou's combine performance has solidified his status as a potential top-10 pick. His athleticism and power have drawn comparisons to elite NFL tackles like Trent Williams and Tristan Wirfs, suggesting that he has the potential to become a franchise cornerstone at the next level. Teams in need of an athletic and powerful offensive lineman will be eager to secure his services. Potential landing spots include the Jacksonville Jaguars, Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, and Dallas Cowboys.

Versatility: A Defining Trait

One of the most striking trends at this year's combine was the emergence of versatile players, particularly among defensive backs and offensive linemen. Players like Maxwell Hairston and Nick Emmanwori showcased their ability to play multiple positions in the secondary, while Armand Membou demonstrated the potential to excel at both tackle and guard. This versatility is becoming increasingly valuable in the NFL, where defenses and offenses are becoming more complex and require players who can adapt to different roles and schemes.

Conclusion

The 2025 NFL Combine offered a glimpse into the future of the league, with numerous prospects displaying their elite athleticism and potential. Maxwell Hairston, Nick Emmanwori, and Armand Membou delivered some of the most surprising performances, exceeding expectations and solidifying their draft stock. These three players have the potential to make an immediate impact in the NFL.

Beyond these standout individuals, the combine highlighted several key trends. The impressive performances of defensive backs suggest that this is a particularly strong draft class for that position group. The rise of versatile players, capable of playing multiple positions, is another notable development. Finally, the combine reinforced the increasing importance of athleticism in the NFL, as demonstrated by the emphasis on speed, explosiveness, and agility in the drills. These trends are shaping the future of the league and will undoubtedly influence how teams evaluate and draft players in the years to come.