2025 NFL combine: Top draft prospects, best workouts, risers
DAY 3: QUARTERBACKS, RUNNING BACKS, WIDE RECEIVERS
Notables who did not work out: Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders, Ashton Jeanty, Tetairoa McMillan, Emeka Egbuka
What are the biggest takeaways from Saturday's workouts?
Miller: The biggest talking point entering the combine was the search for the QB3 in this class behind Ward and Sanders. The hope was that someone would emerge, and we could plant a flag on their stock. It didn't happen. Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss) and Quinn Ewers (Texas) were as expected, having solid throwing sessions. Tyler Shough (Louisville) had a good all-around day but didn't do anything to emerge as a clear-cut option. Other contenders such as Jalen Milroe (Alabama) and Will Howard (Ohio State) were uneven in the throwing session, with Milroe in particular struggling with consistent ball placement.
How did other top prospects look on Day 3?
Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Golden only participated in the 40-yard dash but made it count, running it one time in 4.29 seconds before ending his day. Several scouts texted me after his run surprised by his time, as he was expected to be in the 4.4 range. It was another step in a steady rise for the 5-foot-11, 191-pounder, who quickly turned into the Longhorns' top receiver after transferring from Houston. There are evaluators that have him as the top pure receiver in the 2025 class, ahead of Burden and Tetairoa McMillan (Arizona). Golden is a well-rounded receiver with strong hands and a wide catch radius who can play from the outside or in the slot. Don't be surprised if he's a top-20 pick. -- Reid
DAY 2: DEFENSIVE BACKS, TIGHT ENDS
Notables who did not work out: Travis Hunter, Will Johnson, Tyler Warren, Colston Loveland, Elijah Arroyo
What are the biggest takeaways from Friday's workouts?
Miller: The top cornerbacks in the class -- Hunter and Johnson -- chose to not work out at the combine, but the group of players earmarked as slot corners put on a show. Maxwell Hairston (Kentucky) ran the fastest 40 of the combine at 4.28 seconds before showing excellent hip flexibility and explosion during position drills. The same can be said for fellow slot candidates Jahdae Barron (Texas), Jacob Parrish (Kansas State) and Quincy Riley (Louisville), who each were strong during on-field work and testing. This isn't a strong cornerback class at the top of Round 1, but this slot corner group could thrive early in their NFL careers.
Reid: While defensive line and running back have been praised as the strength of the 2025 class (and rightfully so), the talent in the safety group is underrated. Malaki Starks (Georgia) and Nick Emmanwori (South Carolina) are the headliners, but there's a lot of depth on Day 2 and Day 3. That depth really shined Friday. Players such as Andrew Mukuba (Texas), Billy Bowman Jr. (Oklahoma) and Jonas Sanker (Virginia) could easily be selected inside the first four rounds. There aren't a lot of surefire safeties at the top of the draft, but I believe that there are future starters who can be found outside of Round 2.
How did other top prospects look on Day 2?
Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
The No. 10 player in my rankings, Barron absolutely wowed with his 4.39-second 40-yard dash. He doesn't have elite length, with 29⅝-inch arms, but Barron has NFL size for an outside cornerback at 5-foot-11 and 194 pounds. He opted to not participate in positional drills after the 40. Barron is higher on my board than what I'm hearing from NFL teams but displaying that level of speed shows he can hang with top-tier NFL receivers. He should be a top-20 pick. -- Miller
DAY 1: DEFENSIVE LINEMEN, LINEBACKERS
Notables who did not work out: Abdul Carter, Mason Graham, Jalon Walker, Mykel Williams, Mike Green, Walter Nolen, Kenneth Grant
Who are the biggest risers from Day 1?
Alfred Collins, DT, Texas
Collins has a well-put-together frame, measuring 6-foot-5, 332 pounds. He also has the matching physicality, which he showed during a breakout senior season. Scouts wanted to see how well he could move and if he could execute change-of-direction skills as a pass rusher. Collins answered those questions and more, moving quickly through drills and showing plenty of lower-body mobility.
He is an NFL-ready run defender who is stout at the point of attack, and his wide frame makes it difficult for offenses to displace him out of gaps. Collins will primarily serve as an early-down defender but can also play sparingly on late downs. His ability to play immediately as a rookie makes Round 2 Collins' sweet spot. -- Reid