INDIANAPOLIS -- The second night of workouts at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine is in the books, with the defensive backs and tight ends taking center stage on Friday.
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 seven players who undoubtedly impressed the league's personnel decision-makers with their on-field performance. I also list three 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 1 p.m. ET on Saturday and Sunday.
Stock up
Barron needed to fly in the 40-yard dash after measuring on the smaller side (5-foot-10 3/4, 29 5/8-inch arms), and he did not disappoint. His 4.39-second 40-yard dash and 1.5-second 10-yard split at 194 pounds proved he has the speed to play outside against NFL receivers, a major boon for his draft stock. All-Pro CB Trent McDuffie had similar size (5-10 3/4, 193) and length (29 3/4 arms) at the 2022 combine, and Barron bested McDuffie's 40 time (4.44).
Bowman's length isn’t exactly ideal for the safety position (5-9 7/8, 28 1/2-inch arms) but the 192-pounder's 40 time (4.42 seconds, 1.52 10-yard split) was better than I expected. His most impressive work was in drills. He looked like a bulked-up corner moving around cones and in transition drills. Bowman fluidly caught the ball, adjusting to a throw behind him and perfectly executing the gauntlet drill. He gave himself a leg up in the safety competition with his effort.
A safety of Emmanwori’s size (6-3 1/8, 220 pounds) is not supposed to be able to run a sub-4.4 40-yard dash, but that’s exactly what he did on Friday, posting a time of 4.38 seconds. He also had the best vertical (43 inches) and best broad jump (11-6) of any safety at the combine this year. Emmanwori chose not to take part in position drills after putting up those great numbers, but he had already displayed his plus athleticism as he tries to convince teams he’s worthy of a first-round selection.
With other tight ends taking a step back on Friday with their performance at the combine, Ferguson might have secured a Day 2 (Rounds 2-3) spot with a position-best 4.63-second 40 (1.55 10-yard split). His 39-inch vertical and 10-2 broad jump met expectations, as well. The former Duck caught everything thrown his way with ease during the workout, reeling in a ball thrown above his head on a deep route and toe-tapping on the sideline in a jump-ball drill. He had suddenness in his routes that many of his fellow tight end prospects lacked, separating himself in a competitive group.
Hairston added four pounds since the Reese’s Senior Bowl (179 to 183) but still posted a head-turning 4.28-second 40, the best time of the combine so far. The 5-11 1/4 corner took a much-deserved victory lap after that run. His 39 1/2-inch vertical, 10-foot-9 broad jump and fluid hips in position drills also stood out. Hairston smoothly caught passes in position drills, backing up his five-interception effort from 2023. We might have seen similar production from him in 2024 if not for the shoulder injury that sidelined him for five games.
Porter was only a one-year starter for the Cyclones, but the former receiver showed plus athleticism on Friday. At 6-2 7/8 and 195 pounds, he ran a 4.30 40 with a 1.49-second 10-yard split and a 10-foot-11 broad jump. Porter looked good in drills, showing off strong hands to high-point most deep throws. He also exceled in the gauntlet drill, running in a straight line and snatching passes with his 33 1/8-inch arms.
Athleticism was Simon's calling card during his six college seasons, split between Western Kentucky and South Carolina. We saw more of the same from the 6-4 1/8 pass catcher in Indianapolis, where he ran a 4.65-second 40 at 239 pounds. He impressed in the jumps, too, with 38 inches in the vertical and 10-4 in the broad. His smooth routes and soft hands in drills showed he has the skills to move the chains, potentially pushing him into the top of Day 3.
Stock down
Coming off an excellent Shrine Bowl performance last month, Bryant added nine pounds, lessening concerns about his frame. His 4.53 40 at 180 pounds on Friday did not impress, though, especially given the times posted by bigger defensive backs. Bryant chose not to participate in the jumps, missing an opportunity to display some explosiveness. He showed hip tightness during drills while mistiming his jump on some deep balls. Thanks to strong game film, he still has an NFL future pestering receivers and attacking plays in zone coverage.
Castro was known for his physical play from the slot and near the line of scrimmage during his Iowa career. Unfortunately, his 4.59-second 40-yard dash, with a pedestrian 1.59 10-yard split, won’t inspire confidence that he can stay with NFL receivers if he’s unable to corral them quickly after the snap. His athletic limitations also stood out in the jumps (30 1/2-inch vertical and 9-9 broad). The 203-pound defender with large hands (10 1/2 inches) was solid in drills, but he failed to quiet any concerns teams might have about his pure speed.
Helm was a reliable target during his career with the Longhorns and showed solid hands during combine drills, including a nice over-the-shoulder grab during a 50/50 drill. However, he didn’t help himself with a 4.84-second 40 (1.69 10-yard split) and 30-inch vertical at just 241 pounds. The lack of suddenness showed in his routes in the positional workout, too. Helm's primarily contribution in the NFL will be as a pass catcher, and his combine showing casts some doubt on his chances of becoming a starter at the next level.
