The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine: A New Era Begins
The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine is finally here, officially marking the beginning of the 2025 NFL Draft season. Bringing together 329 of the most promising college football players, the event in Indianapolis is a crucial step for teams to assess the talent pool before making their picks. This year’s combine is particularly special for the Tennessee Titans, who hold the No. 1 draft pick. The last time the Titans, then known as the Houston Oilers, held this position was in 1978 when they selected Heisman Trophy-winning running back Earl Campbell, who later became a Pro Football Hall of Famer. The Titans will have the opportunity to choose from a pool that includes this year’s Heisman winner, Travis Hunter, a two-way superstar listed as a cornerback but with the potential to work out with the defensive backs and wide receivers.
The Hand Size Mystery: Jalen Milroe’s Half-Inch Growth
One of the most intriguing stories from the combine is the significant increase in Jalen Milroe’s hand size. Quarterback prospects are often scrutinized for their physical attributes, and one of the key measurements is hand size, which is considered crucial for grip and ball control. At the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, just 28 days prior, Milroe’s hands were measured at 8 3/4 inches. However, at the combine, his hands were measured at 9 3/8 inches, a growth of more than half an inch. This is undoubtedly good news for Milroe and any NFL teams interested in him, as the acceptable threshold for a quarterback’s hands is generally considered to be nine inches. Whether this will help him rise higher than his current QB4 status remains to be seen, but it certainly adds a unique twist to his draft narrative.
Isaiah Bond’s 40-Yard Dash: Promises and Reality
Isaiah Bond, a Texas wide receiver, certainly made waves before the combine by promising to break Xavier Worthy’s 40-yard dash record of 4.21 seconds, set just last year. Bond’s bold claim added a layer of anticipation to the proceedings. However, when he hit the track on the first day of the combine, his times of 4.41 and 4.40 seconds fell well short of his ambitious goal. Despite not breaking the record, Bond’s performance was still impressive and should be noted. His colleague, Matthew Golden, also put on a show, recording a blazing 4.30-second 40-yard dash, which positions him as a potential first-round pick. These performances highlight the intense competition and high expectations at the combine.
Omarion Hampton’s Stellar Workout: RB2 Contender
Omarion Hampton, a standout running back from North Carolina, had an incredible day at the combine, cementing his status as one of the top contenders for the RB2 position behind Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty. Hampton’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, with a Real Athletic Score of 9.93, a 4.46-second 40-yard dash, a 38-inch vertical jump, and a 10-foot, 10-inch broad jump. Measuring at 6 feet and 221 pounds, Hampton showcased a rare combination of speed, power, and agility. His impressive workout is sure to raise his draft stock and make him a highly sought-after prospect.
Nick Emmanwori’s Combine of a Lifetime
South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori, projected as a 30th overall pick by Yahoo, had the combine of a lifetime. Standing at 6-3 1/8 and weighing 220 pounds, Emmanwori demonstrated exceptional athleticism with a vertical jump of 43 inches and a broad jump of 11 feet, 6 inches. His unofficial 40-yard dash time of 4.38 seconds further cemented his status as a top-tier prospect. Emmanwori’s performance not only places him in a strong position for the draft but also showcases the depth and talent available this year, especially in the secondary.
Quarterback-Needy Teams: Strategies and Speculations
Now that Matthew Stafford is back with the Los Angeles Rams, several NFL teams, including the Raiders, Giants, Jets, and Browns, are left with a significant quarterback void. Jori Epstein analyzes the possible moves these teams could make to secure their next QB1 ahead of the 2025 season. The quarterbacks at the combine, such as Jalen Milroe and Will Howard from Ohio State, will be under intense scrutiny. Howard, in particular, demonstrated a powerful arm with a remarkable throw in the gauntlet drill, potentially raising his stock. The combine performances and subsequent evaluations will be crucial for these teams as they navigate the draft to find the right fit for their future.
