The NFL Combine is the ultimate reality check. Some guys cement their status as future stars, others make scouts scramble back to the film, and a few probably wish they had just stayed home. 

This event is part athletic showcase, part job interview, and it never fails to deliver storylines. The numbers aren’t everything, but they definitely shape the pre-draft conversation. 

So, who left Indianapolis looking like a future pro, and who walked out with more questions than answers? Let’s dive in and see who helped (or hurt) their cause.

Defensive Backs

Defensive backs always fascinate me at the Combine, because you’re looking at some of the best athletes on the field. In today’s pass-happy NFL, having a versatile, explosive secondary is everything. Safeties need range and cornerbacks need recovery speed — so while a slow 40-yard dash or a low vertical jump doesn’t have to doom you, it will raise eyebrows.

• Winner: Nick Emmanwori (South Carolina) Emmanwori put on an absolute show at 6-foot-3, 220 pounds, posting a 43-inch vertical, an 11-foot-6 broad jump, and a blazing 4.38-second 40-yard dash (including a 1.49-second 10-yard split). That’s the type of unicorn-level athleticism that can make defensive coordinators salivate. He was a mid-round guy on some boards, but that performance could vault him into first-round discussion.

• Winner: Darien Porter (Iowa State) After transitioning to cornerback just last year, Porter measured in at nearly 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds, sporting an 80-inch wingspan. Then he ran a 4.3-second 40, also posting a 1.49-second 10-yard split. His raw traits — length plus speed — are exactly what many NFL teams want in a press corner. He took a big leap toward solidifying himself as more than just a project player.

• Loser: Zy Alexander (LSU) Alexander was eager to separate himself from the crowd in a deep cornerback class, but his numbers didn’t cooperate. A 9-foot-8 broad jump tied for the worst among his group, and his 31.5-inch vertical was also near the bottom. Combine testing isn’t everything, but in a saturated DB pool, slipping here can plant doubts in a scout’s mind.

• Loser: Malaki Starks (Georgia) Starks arrived as a top safety prospect but didn’t wow in Indy. His 4.50-second 40 isn’t terrible, but you’d love to see more burst from a supposed first-round safety. His 33-inch vertical jump also landed near the bottom of his position group. He’ll have to deliver big at Georgia’s pro day or in private workouts to recapture that top-tier label.

Defensive Line / Edge Rushers

The defensive line and edge rushers are the powerhouses of any draft class. Teams crave that one unstoppable beast who can consistently disrupt the quarterback. In a Combine setting, we get to see how these big men move — who’s got the lateral agility to blow past tackles, or the vertical explosion to hint at serious raw power. This year, some players tested like they’d been shot out of a cannon, while others ran into hurdles that might slow their climb up the draft boards.

• Winner: Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M) Stewart dropped from 281 pounds to a lean, mean 267 and then put on a show reminiscent of Myles Garrett’s Combine. He clocked a 4.59-second 40-yard dash, soared for a 40-inch vertical, and managed a 10-foot-11 broad jump. That all-time level explosiveness could secure him a spot among the first players off the board.

• Winner: Landon Jackson (Arkansas) At 6-foot-6 and 264 pounds, Jackson recorded a 40.5-inch vertical and a 10-foot-9 broad jump, both near the top among this year’s defensive front prospects. He also ran the 40 in 4.68 seconds with a 1.65-second 10-yard split, showing good burst off the line. That’s a heck of a combination for a pass rusher who’s still refining his technique.

• Winner: Donovan Ezeiruaku (Boston College) Ezeiruaku showcased the best 3-cone and short shuttle times among edge rushers. Those tests really highlight quick-twitch movement, bend, and agility. This really cements his reputation as the bendiest pass rusher in this class — scouts drool over that flexibility.

• Loser: Abdul Carter (Penn State) Carter didn’t flunk any on-field drills; he didn’t even get that far. The medical evaluations revealed a foot injury, and that’s devastating news for a guy once considered a potential No. 1 overall pick. Durability questions can make even the most promising players drop.

• Loser: Jack Sawyer (Ohio State) He’s seen his stock tumble since the end of Ohio State’s playoff run. His arm length (31 3/4 inches) became a talking point — teams generally prefer longer-armed edge guys for shedding blocks. While that might sound like nitpicking, GMs look for every little edge (or flaw) when investing big draft capital.

• Loser: Mason Graham (Michigan) Graham’s decision to not fully participate in drills might have been strategic, but it left scouts wanting more. Meanwhile, his weigh-in at 296 pounds (well below his listed 320) and 32-inch arms could raise questions about his functional strength and reach. He’ll need a standout pro day to regain momentum.

Offensive Line

Offensive linemen are often overlooked by casual fans unless they're planting defenders on their backs. The Combine can help confirm whether these big guys can move in space, hold up in pass protection, and generate push in the run game. In an era where teams love to pull guards and run zone-read schemes, foot speed and explosiveness matter — perhaps more than ever.

• Winner: Will Campbell (LSU) Campbell didn’t break any records, but he showed the well-rounded athleticism you love to see from a lineman. A 32-inch vertical and a 9-foot-5 broad jump are quite respectable for someone who has to anchor against 300-pound pass rushers. Then he ran the 40 in 4.98 seconds, breaking the vaunted 5.00 barrier.

• Winner: Aireontae Ersery (Minnesota) Ersery measured a towering 6-foot-6, 331 pounds, and still clocked a 5.01-second 40-yard dash. When a lineman that massive can move that quickly, it bodes well for the transition to the pros. He also notched a 9-foot-3 broad jump, hinting at explosive lower-body power.

• Winner: Armand Membou (Missouri) Membou might have posted the biggest “wow” moment among O-linemen. He ran a 4.91-second 40-yard dash at 332 pounds, which is borderline unfair. A 9-foot-7 broad jump led all linemen, showcasing the kind of explosion that translates to pancake blocks on Sundays.

• Winner: Jared Wilson (Georgia) Wilson also grabbed headlines with a 4.84-second 40-yard dash at 310 pounds. Georgia has churned out top-tier NFL offensive line talent for years, and Wilson looks poised to join that tradition. His tape backs up the notion that he’s both athletic and tough in the trenches.

• Winner: Jalen Travis (Iowa State) Standing nearly 6-foot-8 and weighing 339 lbs, Travis pulled off a 35-inch vertical and a 9-foot-4 broad jump. Scouts love raw traits like these, as they translate to a high ceiling with the right coaching.

• Loser: Anthony Belton (NC State) Belton’s 5.26-second 40-yard dash doesn’t look great on paper, especially compared to some of his faster peers. He also couldn’t reach nine feet in the broad or 30 inches in the vertical. While these tests aren’t the end-all metric for offensive line success, they lean towards limitations in lateral agility and raw explosiveness.

Quarterbacks

Quarterbacks are the center of attention at the Combine, no matter what. Even a small rumor can launch a million draft theories. For most QBs, though, it’s about confirming what we’ve seen on tape: can they throw with accuracy, do they have the physical tools to keep up with the NFL’s speed, and do they look comfortable on a big stage? This year’s group had some noteworthy arms who came ready to impress.

• Winner: Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss) Dart showcased a smooth, confident throwing session, hitting deep routes in stride and zipping shorter passes with ease. Questions about his consistency might linger, but if he can string together these kinds of showings, a top-32 pick is within reach.

• Winner: Riley Leonard (Notre Dame) Leonard’s performance was all about touch and anticipation, dropping passes into windows that made scouts take a second look. His ability to vary his velocity — firing bullets on out-routes and dropping passes into a bucket along the sideline — makes him an intriguing prospect in a deep QB class; especially when you factor in his legs.

• Winner: Kyle McCord (Syracuse) McCord took advantage of his opportunity, hooking up repeatedly on deep passes that displayed both a tight spiral and enough arm strength to get it downfield in a hurry. He also showed good quick-game command. With his big-time college experience, he's someone who may be closer to his ceiling than most of the other QBs in this class

• Winner: Quinn Ewers (Texas) Ewers, once one of the most hyped recruits in the nation, looked the part again. He showed he can fire lasers into tight windows but also demonstrated a lighter touch when needed. If you’re a fan of pure arm talent, Ewers delivered the goods.

• Winner: Brady Cook (Missouri) Cook turned heads not just as a passer but as an athlete. A 4.59-second 40, 37-inch vertical, and 10-foot-8 broad jump are near wide-receiver levels of explosion. Combine that with a decent throwing session, and you have a QB who can keep a defense honest with both arm and legs.

• Loser: Dillon Gabriel (Oregon) Gabriel didn’t keep pace in the accuracy department. While some blame can be attributed to unfamiliar receivers, the consistency just wasn’t there.

• Loser: Will Howard (Ohio State) His accuracy was shaky, with several throws sailing off target and missing the mark, but his mechanics looked sharp. Given that he was working with unfamiliar receivers, some inconsistency was expected, but he’ll need to tighten up his ball placement moving forward.

Running Backs

Running backs can be the stars of the show if they post blazing 40 times or show freakish lower-body explosiveness. The challenge, though, is that these guys take a pounding in the NFL — so questions about durability, versatility, and scheme fit can overshadow gaudy numbers. Still, the Combine offers them a chance to prove they deserve a feature role on Sundays.

• Winner: Bhayshul Tuten (Virginia Tech) Tuten was a projected late-round pick, but he may have sprinted into the mid-round conversation after posting the fastest 40-yard dash among running backs at 4.32 seconds. That speed, paired with a 1.49-second 10-yard split, signals home-run potential whenever he touches the ball.

• Winner: Trevor Etienne (Georgia) Etienne, also considered a late-round prospect before the Combine, clocked a solid 4.42-second 40 — sixth-best in the RB group. In a league that prizes explosive playmakers, that performance might get him plucked earlier than originally projected.

• Winner: Quinshon Judkins (Ohio State) Judkins posted a sparkling 9.89 Relative Athletic Score, a metric that tallies up a player’s overall Combine performance compared to historical data. Scouts and coaches love that kind of athleticism because it opens the door for versatility, letting players fit into different roles and schemes.

• Loser: Ulysses Bentley IV (Ole Miss) Bentley needed to pop with his explosiveness, but his 32.5-inch vertical was nearly the lowest among RBs, and his 9-foot-9 broad jump didn’t stand out either. For a smaller back, showcasing top-tier burst can mitigate size concerns, and he just didn’t do it.

Tight Ends

Tight ends have become more than just big bodies who block and occasionally catch a pass. In today’s NFL, a dynamic tight end is often a mismatch nightmare — too fast for linebackers, too big for safeties. Because of that, teams scrutinize this group’s test results hard. Can they explode off the line, sink their hips in route running, and hold their own in blocking drills?

• Winner: Terrance Ferguson (Oregon) Ferguson measured 6-foot-5 3/8 and 247 pounds, then went out and led the tight ends in both the 40-yard dash (4.63 seconds) and the 10-yard split (1.55 seconds). That combination of size, speed, and burst is exactly what modern offenses want in a seam-stretching tight end.

• Winner: Joshua Simmons (South Carolina) Simon made sure scouts took notice by dominating in testing. He posted a 38-inch vertical (second-best), a 10-foot-4 broad jump (also second), and an impressive 4.66-second 40-yard dash. For a guy flying under the radar, this was the kind of breakout performance that can shake up draft boards.

• Loser: Gunnar Helm (Texas) With so many tight ends putting on good performances, Helm needed to at least keep pace. He ended up looking a step behind in positional drills and didn’t post any jaw-dropping numbers to compensate. In a competitive class, a forgettable Combine is the last thing you want.

Wide Receivers

Few things get fans more excited than a wide receiver who runs a blazing 40. Speed kills in the modern NFL, and a guy who can take the top off a defense can transform an offense overnight. But it’s not just about straight-line speed; vertical jumps and 3-cone times matter, too, because those at burst and change-of-direction skills are crucial for route-running.

• Winner: Matthew Golden (Texas) Golden scorched the track with a 4.29-second 40-yard dash (and a 1.49-second 10-yard split). Couple that with his impressive tape, and you’ve got a receiver who can torch corners on deep routes or turn a slant into a footrace.

• Winner: Jaylin Noel (Iowa State) Noel put on a show with a 4.39-second 40, a 41.5-inch vertical, an 11-foot-2 broad jump, and a 6.82-second three-cone. That’s the kind of speed, burst, and agility teams love in a shifty slot receiver or a big-play weapon.

• Winner: Jack Bech (TCU) Bech was arguably the most polished wideout at both the Senior Bowl and the Combine. While his raw numbers didn’t necessarily top the charts, his consistent on-field performance in drills showcased refined route-running, reliable hands, and the ability to separate. Sometimes steady is exactly what scouts want.

• Winner: Maxwell Hairston (Kentucky) Hairston edged out Golden for the fastest 40 time overall at 4.28 seconds. As soon as you get under 4.30, you’re in rare territory. Speed like that commands respect in the pros, where a single step can mean the difference between a reception and an incompletion.

• Loser: Isaiah Bond (Texas) Bond’s official 4.39 in the 40 is still blazing, but it didn’t match his bold claim that he’d break the Combine record. While scouts might not hold a failed prediction against him, it generated some eye-rolls when it didn’t happen. Still, 4.39 is hardly a poor showing.

• Loser: Tez Johnson (Oregon) Johnson weighed in at a mere 154 pounds, making him the lightest receiver at the Combine in 15 years. While smaller receivers can find success in today’s NFL, it’s still a sticking point. Durability is a real concern at that weight, and GMs will be wary.

Separating the Hype from Reality

The NFL Combine is a bit like a high-octane talent show: players get a handful of chances to prove they’re the next big thing — or risk letting doubts creep in. Ultimately, a single day of testing doesn’t overshadow years of game tape. But it’s still a vital puzzle piece for teams making multi-million-dollar decisions.

Still, nobody’s story is fully written yet. Pro days, private workouts, and team interviews can all shift the narrative again. One thing is certain: the Combine never fails to give us plenty to talk about, whether we’re marveling at a 4.3-second 40-yard dash or debating whether a sub-32-inch arm measurement is a death sentence for an edge rusher. 

So strap in — the draft is right around the corner, and after witnessing all this athleticism on display, it’s shaping up to be one heck of a ride.