The NFL Combine isn’t just a showcase — it’s a proving ground. 

It’s where draft stocks rise, fall, and sometimes crash entirely. For some prospects, it’s a chance to validate months of hype. For others, it’s an opportunity to shake off doubts and force their way into first-round conversations.

Top Players to Watch

Sometimes, all eyes are glued to the marquee names — especially when they’re as intriguing as this year’s group.

Shedeur Sanders (QB, Colorado)

If you’ve been following the buzz around Deion Sanders’ son, you’ll know Shedeur is one of the most talked-about quarterback prospects, but he’s not planning to throw at the Combine. 

This isn’t a huge shock; plenty of top-tier QBs prefer to showcase their stuff at pro days in a more controlled environment. That said, teams will still line up to chat with him, and his interviews could make or break how scouts view his mental game.

Cam Ward (QB, Miami)

Whether he decides to work out or not is anyone’s guess. If Ward does strap on the cleats for some drills, he could shoot up draft boards by impressing with his athleticism. But if he holds back, that might leave some lingering questions — especially with so many other QB prospects jockeying for position.

Travis Hunter (CB/WR, Colorado)

There’s a reason fans are talking about Hunter as possibly the best cornerback and wide receiver in this draft class. He’s an all-around athlete who seems just as comfortable blanketing top receivers as he is catching passes in traffic. 

He’s attending as a corner this week, but there’s still a question mark about whether he’ll actually go through the workouts here or wait until Colorado’s pro day. Either way, keep an eye out — if he tests even close to as well as people expect, he’ll skyrocket up rankings.

Abdul Carter (LB, Penn State)

Every year, Penn State sends physically gifted defenders to the NFL, and Carter might just be the latest. At 6-foot-3 and 252 pounds, he’s drawn natural comparisons to Micah Parsons. 

That’s lofty company. If he flies around the field in Indy like scouts suspect, Carter could join the conversation for first-round linebackers, making him a name no team can overlook.

Potential Sleepers

Few things are more exciting than discovering a potential diamond in the rough. These guys might not be on every casual fan’s radar, but a strong Combine could change that overnight.

Antwaun Powell-Ryland (Edge, Virginia Tech)

He’s sitting just outside the top 100 in most rankings, but the tape shows 34 tackles for loss and 25.5 sacks across two seasons — numbers that don’t lie. If he runs in the mid-4.6s, which is entirely possible given his explosiveness, Powell-Ryland could easily break into the top 100.

Danny Stutsman (LB, Oklahoma)

A “throwback” linebacker in every sense of the term. At 6-foot-4 and 245 pounds, he’s posted 338 tackles over three seasons, with 35 of them going for a loss. All he needs is a solid showing—run well, look fluid in drills—and watch that top-100 status become a reality.

Brashard Smith (RB, SMU)

We all love a running back who can hit the jets and make people miss. Smith tallied 1,332 yards and 14 TDs, and scouts expect a 40 time under 4.50. If he moves well in agility drills, watch for teams to start talking about him as a mid-round sleeper with upside.

Dont’e Thornton Jr. (WR, Tennessee)

Leading the SEC in yards per reception at 25.4 is no small feat. Even if you’re not a numbers person, that stat should get your attention. He’s ranked around 298 in consensus boards, but if he shows crisp route-running and solid speed, he’ll start popping up in more Day 3 conversations.

Shaun Dolac (LB, Buffalo)

Dolac absolutely stuffed the stat sheet in the MAC — 82 tackles, 19 tackles for a loss, 5 interceptions, a touchdown, and 177 return yards. That’s what you call filling the box score. The question is whether his athleticism will translate. A strong Combine could prove he’s the real deal.

Players with the Most to Gain

Sometimes, a stellar performance in Indy is enough to propel someone from “interesting” to “borderline first-rounder.” That might be the case for these prospects.

Cam Skattebo (RB, Arizona State): People question his breakaway speed. A solid 40 time could squash those doubts.

Tez Johnson (WR, Oregon): If he shows up a few pounds heavier than at the Senior Bowl, teams might ease concerns about his size.

Josh Simmons (OT, Ohio State): Scouts are hungry for a clean bill of health here. Past knee issues can scare teams, so the medical checks matter big-time.

Darius Alexander (DT, Toledo): Explosive metrics — like the 10-yard split and jumps — are everything for interior defenders looking to prove they can disrupt pro-level blockers.

Shavon Revel (CB, East Carolina): He’s coming off an ACL tear. If medical evaluations confirm he’s on track, expect a stock rise.

Xavier Watts (S, Notre Dame): Good run times can show he has the range to handle NFL speed at safety.

Benjamin Morrison (CB, Notre Dame): Also about health — his hip has to check out if he wants to maintain first-round consideration.

Luther Burden III (WR, Missouri): He’s been talked about as WR2 in some circles. A big Combine performance will keep him there.

Shemar Stewart (EDGE, Texas A&M): With limited college production, Stewart needs jaw-dropping numbers to keep teams intrigued.

Omarion Hampton (RB, North Carolina): Could he be the second running back off the board? If he nails the on-field drills, that’s not far-fetched.

Bold Predictions

Every year, the Combine delivers a few surprises. Here’s what could happen if things go a little sideways — or exactly as expected:

• Running Backs Force Their Way Into First-Round Discussion: Ashton Jeanty, TreVeyon Henderson, and Omarion Hampton could go from “interesting Day 2 picks” to “all but guaranteed Day 1 players” if they run the 40 like lightning.

• Another Texas Receiver Breaks the 40-Yard Dash Record: Keep an eye on Isaiah Bond. He has the top-end speed to make NFL track history.

• Jalen Milroe Doesn't Save His Stock Despite Dominant Showing: Even if the athletic numbers are off the charts, lingering questions from the Senior Bowl might keep teams cautious.

Just One Piece of the Puzzle

Ultimately, the NFL Combine is a piece of the puzzle — an important piece, but not the entire picture. Sure, a blazing 40-yard dash or a monster vertical leap can make a player jump off the page. On the flip side, you can’t forget what the tape says about how they perform in actual games. 

When the Combine and film match up, that’s when GMs and coaches feel most comfortable spending their draft capital on a prospect.

It's always important to remember that we won’t truly know which prospects pan out for a few seasons. Sure, there’s plenty of hype in Indy, but the real story unfolds once pads start popping in the fall — until then, enjoy the spectacle that only the Combine can offer.