Every year, the NFL Combine serves as a proving ground for college football’s elite athletes, but it’s not just the projected first-rounders who steal the spotlight. Some players arrive in Indianapolis as relative unknowns or mid-to-late-round hopefuls, only to leave as legitimate draft risers. The 2025 NFL Combine was no different, as several prospects delivered performances that had scouts and general managers scrambling to re-evaluate their draft boards.
Here’s a look at some prospects from this year’s Combine who may have seen their draft stock rise:
1. Shemar Stewart (EDGE, Texas A&M) – A Freak Athlete Emerges
Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart was already on NFL radars, but his Combine performance took him to another level. At 6-foot-6 and 267 pounds, Stewart ran a 4.59-second 40-yard dash and recorded an insane 40-inch vertical jump—numbers typically seen in defensive backs, not defensive linemen.
Scouts were blown away by his fluid movement and power in on-field drills, further solidifying his potential as a disruptive edge rusher. With a skill set reminiscent of past first-round picks like Montez Sweat and Rashan Gary, Stewart is now firmly in the mix as a late-first or early-second-round selection.
Shemar Stewart runs a 4.59u at 6’5” | 267 lbs on his second attempt 💨pic.twitter.com/g1UTdjtQtd
— PFF (@PFF) February 27, 2025
2. Jihaad Campbell (LB, Alabama) – The Next Speed Demon Linebacker?
Linebackers who can cover sideline-to-sideline and excel in pass coverage are more valuable than ever in today’s NFL. That’s exactly why Jihaad Campbell’s Combine showing turned so many heads. The Alabama linebacker blazed a 4.52-second 40-yard dash, posted a 127-inch broad jump, and showed excellent footwork in coverage drills.
Before the Combine, Campbell was viewed as a rotational linebacker with upside, but his athleticism suggests he could develop into a three-down starter in the right system. Given the league’s increasing emphasis on speed at linebacker, Campbell’s stock is soaring.
3. Matthew Golden (WR, Texas) – The 40-Yard Dash King
Speed kills in the NFL, and Matthew Golden put everyone on notice when he ran a 4.29-second 40-yard dash, one of the fastest times at the Combine. The Texas wide receiver followed that up with a strong showing in the agility drills, further proving he’s more than just a straight-line burner.
Golden was looked at as a late first or early second round pick, but after his Combine performance, teams will take a much closer look at his tape. Speed alone can get a receiver drafted earlier than expected and Golden just ran his way into potential Day 1 consideration.
4. Omarion Hampton (RB, North Carolina) – A Power Back With Burst
Running backs may not be valued like they used to be, but there’s always a need for powerful, explosive rushers. Omarion Hampton put himself on the radar with a 4.46-second 40-yard dash and an impressive 38-inch vertical jump at 221 pounds. His blend of size, power, and straight-line speed makes him an intriguing option who could now go in the first round.
NFL teams looking for a back who can break tackles and pick up tough yards between the tackles will love Hampton’s potential. His strong Combine showing ensures he won’t be overlooked come draft day.
5. Nick Emmanwori (S, South Carolina) – The Defensive Back Nobody Can Ignore
Nick Emmanwori might have just changed his future at the Combine. The South Carolina safety turned in a dominant performance in both the speed and agility drills, showing he can cover a lot of ground in the secondary. He backed it up with fluid coverage skills in positional workouts, proving he has the range and instincts to contribute at the next level.
Before the Combine, Emmanwori was seen as a fringe first rounder or an early second round pick. Now, he has likely climbed up the draft board and could land with a team in need of safety depth.
The best vertical jump (43") and broad jump (11'6") of ANYONE at this year's Combine.
— NFL (@NFL) March 4, 2025
South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori is one to watch 👀@Eman7Nick | @GamecockFB pic.twitter.com/158IrIOzkE
Final Thoughts: Who Will Be the Biggest Steal?
While the first-round talent always gets the most attention, the real magic of the draft happens in the later rounds, where teams find hidden gems. The 2025 NFL Combine proved that several underdogs are more than ready to make an impact at the next level. Whether it’s Shemar Stewart’s elite athleticism, Jihaad Campbell’s versatility, or Matthew Golden’s top-end speed, these players have dramatically improved their draft stock.
With Pro Days and team visits still to come, the momentum these players gained in Indianapolis could carry them into higher rounds than anyone expected just a few weeks ago. One thing is for sure: the NFL is about to welcome a new wave of underdog standouts.
Who will be the biggest steal of the draft? We’ll find out soon.