Welcome to the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine
The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine is about to kick off in Indianapolis, and this year’s event promises to be filled with both familiar faces and hidden gems. Hundreds of future NFL stars will converge on the city, each hoping to showcase their talents and impress NFL scouts and coaches. While the combine is known for its highly anticipated participants, it’s also a stage where under-the-radar prospects can turn heads and boost their draft stock. This year should be no different, with several storylines to watch as the week unfolds.
The Hand Size Controversy: Jalen Milroe’s Small Hands
One of the most intriguing storylines heading into the combine revolves around Jalen Milroe, the quarterback from Texas. Even before the combine began, Milroe’s hand size has been a hot topic of discussion. During the Senior Bowl earlier this month in Mobile, Ala., Milroe’s hands measured a mere 8 3/4 inches, one of the smallest hand sizes for a quarterback in recent memory. This measurement is on par with New Orleans Saints player Taysom Hill, who famously has a dual role as a receiver and quarterback. In 2022, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett faced similar scrutiny, with his 8 1/2-inch hand size generating significant buzz at the combine. Despite his small hands, Pickett was drafted 20th overall by the Steelers but has since struggled, leading to speculation about how hand size impacts quarterback performance. Joe Burrow, who had 9-inch hands, also faced questions about his grip strength, even joking about it on social media. Milroe’s performance in drills like the 40-yard dash will be crucial, but his hand size is likely to remain a point of contention.
Rising Stars in the Quarterback Class
While the 2025 quarterback class may not be as star-studded as some previous years, it still offers a compelling group of prospects. Among the biggest names, Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders stand out. Sanders, notably, has already announced he won’t participate in the drills, adding an element of mystery to his evaluation. Ward, however, has been vocal about his confidence. In an interview with the Associated Press, he boldly stated, "Okay, you’re either going to draft me or you’re not. If you don’t draft me, that’s your fault. You’ve got to remember you’re the same team that’s got to play me for the rest of my career, and I’ll remember that." These words set the stage for a confrontational and determined performance from Ward during media interactions. Other notable quarterbacks include Jalen Milroe, Quinn Ewers from Texas, Jaxson Dart from Ole Miss, and Dillon Gabriel from Oregon. Lesser-known but equally promising prospects like Indiana’s Kurtis Rourke, Syracuse’s Kyle McCord, Florida’s Graham Mertz, and Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard could also make waves if they shine in Indy.
Cam Skattebo: The Running Back to Watch
Cam Skattebo, the standout running back from Arizona State, had a remarkable final season, rushing for a career-high 1,711 yards and 21 touchdowns. He also added 45 receptions for 605 yards and three scores, showcasing his versatility. Skattebo’s standout moment came in the Peach Bowl semifinal against Texas, where he rushed for 143 yards and two touchdowns, scored a two-point conversion, and even threw a 42-yard pass on 4th-and-2. This running back class is densely packed with talent, including big names like Ashton Jeanty, Omarion Hampton, Kaleb Johnson, TreVeyon Henderson, and Quinshon Judkins. For Skattebo to elevate his stock, he needs to perform well in drills, particularly the 40-yard dash, and impress teams during interviews. Other running backs to keep an eye on include South Carolina’s Raheim Sanders, Rutgers’ Kyle Monongai, USC’s Woody Marks, Florida’s Montrell Johnson Jr., and Kansas’ Devin Neal.
Sons of NFL Legends
The 2025 combine features several prospects with notable family ties. Shedeur Sanders, whose father Deion Sanders is a Hall of Fame cornerback, is undeniably the biggest name. Though he won’t participate in drills, his presence and background will undoubtedly generate significant attention. Another standout is Mason Taylor, a tight end from LSU and the son of former Dolphins defensive end and Pro Football Hall of Famer Jason Taylor. Syracuse tight end Oronde Gadsden II, whose father played six seasons for the Dolphins as a wide receiver, also adds to the lineage of NFL talent. These players bring a unique level of scrutiny and expectation, but their family connections also provide a rich history and added motivation.
The Linemen: Physical Freaks on Display
While linemen often don’t get the same fanfare as skill-position players, the 2025 combine will highlight several "physical freaks" on the offensive and defensive lines. Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker, standing 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 245 pounds, is projected to run a 40-yard dash around 4.4 seconds, which would be an impressive feat for his size. Ohio State edge rusher JT Tuimoloau, a massive 6-foot-5, 269-pound player, finished last season tied for fifth in sacks with 12.5 and is expected to perform well in drills. Other defensive linemen to watch include Michigan’s Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant, Ole Miss’ Walter Nolan, Kentucky’s Deone Walker, and Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart. On the offensive side, Kelvin Banks from Texas, LSU’s Will Campbell, Ohio State’s Josh Simmons, Mizzou’s Armand Membou, and Oregon’s Josh Conerly Jr. could put up strong numbers and move up draft boards.
Hidden Gems Among the Pass Catchers
While the spotlight will naturally fall on well-known wide receivers like Missouri’s Luther Burden III, Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka, Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan, and Ole Miss’ Tre Harris, several lesser-known pass catchers have the potential to steal the show. TCU’s Jack Bech, the Senior Bowl MVP, had a memorable performance, scoring a walk-off touchdown. Bech’s journey has been marked by tragedy; he lost his brother, Tiger, in a terrorist attack in New Orleans earlier this year. Texas tight end Gunnar Helm, who finished second in receiving for the Longhorns with 60 receptions for 786 yards and seven touchdowns, could also have a breakout week. His teammates, Matthew Golden and Isaiah Bond, are expected to impress with their 40-yard dash times. Other players to watch include Louisville’s Ja’Corey Brooks, Pitt tight end Gavin Bartholemew, who played in a school-record 50 games over four seasons, and San Jose State’s Nick Nash, who led the nation with 16 touchdowns and finished second in receiving yards with 1,382 last season. These players have the talent and potential to make a significant impact, and a strong combine performance could be their ticket to the next level.
