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4 from the Combine: Breaking down top performers from Indy

The 2025 NFL Combine is wrapped.

Over the week, teams got a good look at the upcoming draft class, potentially revamping and adding to their evaluations.

Many of the top prospects at the event decided to opt-out of position drills and testing, including Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders, Abdul Carter and Ashton Jeanty. However a plethora of other players put up some exceptional numbers that could raise their draft stock.

The event provided for the fasted average time in the 40-yard dash (4.67) in any Combine since 2003. It also showcased the tremendous depth at several positions in this draft, with defensive linemen and running backs testing generally well.

Here's a quick evaluation of the "best of the rest" this year's Combine had to offer, and whose draft stock could be on the rise from their showing.

Jaxson Dart, Quarterback, Ole Miss

A big question coming into the Combine was who would shine at quarterback outside of Cam Ward and Sheduer Sanders, who are both predicted to be top 10 picks. While Alabama's Jalen Milroe and Texas' Quinn Ewers had good showings, Jaxson Dart impressed me the most during his throwing sessions.

While others shined through in several aspects of the drills, Dart looked the most polished all-around. From his footwork, poise and accuracy, he put together a showcase for the scouts in Indianapolis. What really stood out is his ability to make every type of throw across the field, whether it be sideline, intermediate passes in the middle of the field, or his coveted deep ball.

"I just want to take it one day at a time," Dart told the media. "This has been a dream for me since I was a little kid to be in this position that I'm in today, so I'm really just trying to improve. I know that if I can control things that I can control, everything's going to play out the right way."

By putting in another good showing at his Pro Day, Dart could hear his name being called at the NFL Draft early on Day 2 or even be a fringe first-round pick in my estimation.

Bhayshul Tuten, Running back, Virginia Tech

Tuten is a prime example of how deep this year's running back class is.

The Hokies running back is ESPN's 17th ranked running back in the class, however, he tested higher than most of the more notable players at his position group in Indianapolis. For starters, he ran of the fasted 40-yard-dash of any running back at the Scouting Combine with a 4.32.

And he didn't stop there.

He also had the fastest 10-yard-split (1.49) and highest vertical (40.50") of any running back who participated in drills, while also ranking in the top five in broad jump (10'10"). After spending his underclassmen years at North Carolina A&T, he transferred to Virginia Tech in 2023 where he rushed for 2,022 yards and 25 touchdowns in two seasons.

"He's an explosive athlete with average size but a compact frame," Lance Zierlein, NFL Network analyst, wrote. "He has elite straight-line speed and easy hips to make sudden cuts and turns. He's fairly average at reading the front and running with early decisiveness but creates with wiggle, power and speed. ... Tuten could become a starting-caliber back with three-down value."

Shemar Stewart, Defensive lineman, Texas A&M

Stewart got himself into the best shape possible heading into the 2025 NFL Combine, shedding nearly 30 pounds from his 2024 playing weight. It paid dividends with one of the best defensive showings at the event.

While weighing a solid 267 pounds, he looked nimble. He was one of four defensive linemen to run a sub-4.6 time in the 40-yard dash while also ranking at the top in his position group in the broad jump (10'11"). It's also worth noting he tested in the top three among defensive linemen in 10-yard split (1.58) and vertical jump (40.00").

While he didn't partake in any position drills, he likely made a lasting impact on the 32 teams. Plus his game tape will speak for itself, accumulating six tackles for loss his junior season. Stewart, along with Arkansas' Landon Jackson, became the third and fourth defensive linemen at the Combine since 2003 to weigh at least 260 pounds and have a 40+" vertical leap. The first two were former first overall picks: Mario Williams and Myles Garrett.

Nick Emmanwori, Safety, South Carolina

Your casual 6-foot-3, 220 pound safety shouldn't be able to do the things Nick Emmanwori showcased on the field in Indianapolis.

NFL Next Gen Stats gave him an 85 total score for his Combine showing, the best of any safety in attendance. He bested his position group in four field tests – including bench press (20), broad jump (11'6"), vertical jump (43.00") and 10-yard split (1.49). He was also one of 22 players to run a sub-4.4 40-yard dash, and the heaviest to accomplish that feat at 220 pounds.

With this showing, Emmanwori joined DK Metcalf as the only players at the Combine since 2003 to be at least 6-foot-3 or taller to run a sub-4.4 40-yard dash, have a 40+" vertical and have an 11+' broad jump. He's also the only defensive player along with Seattle Seahawks Riq Woolen to be 6-foot-3 or taller and run a sub-4.4 40-yard dash and have a 40+" vertical at the Combine since 2003.

While Emmanwori's Combine showing could help his draft stock in the long run, this was more of an icing on the cake performance for the highly regarded safety. He's currently the No. 1 rated safety in this year's draft by ESPN after totaling 57 solo tackles and four interceptions in 2024, with two of those interceptions returned for touchdowns as well.

"He's a physical specimen with rare size and outstanding speed, but he doesn't always play with a "first to the action" mentality in run support," Zierlein wrote. "When he gets it cranked up, he becomes a much more effective tackler and overall run stopper from sideline to sideline. He's capable of playing over the top, inside the box or even matching up with pass-catching tight ends.

View photos of draft prospects at the 2025 NFL Combine whom top analysts are predicting the Raiders may pick at No. 6.

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