The NFL Scouting Combine: A Week of Insights and Impressions
As the NFL scouting combine concluded on Sunday afternoon, league coaches, executives, and scouts returned home with an abundance of data. Apart from the 40-yard dash times, drill results, physical measurements, and medical evaluations, they also gathered valuable insights from the numerous interviews and hallway conversations at Indianapolis’ convention center and hotels. Yahoo Sports collected some of these opinions to provide a deeper understanding of how top prospects were evaluated and perceived during the week. Here are five key takeaways from those discussions.
Shedeur Sanders vs. Cam Ward: A Split Decision
The Colorado quarterback, Shedeur Sanders, is widely expected to be a top first-round pick. Evaluators generally agree on his talent, accuracy, sharp throwing, and adept processing skills. However, opinions diverge when comparing him to Miami quarterback Cam Ward. One NFC executive was particularly drawn to Ward’s personality and "phenomenal leadership," noting the consistency of his approach across his college stints at Incarnate Word, Washington State, and Miami. While acknowledging that Ward has some minor refinements to make, the executive praised his character and personality, which he believes will help him make those adjustments. On the other hand, an NFC assistant coach from a different team found Ward "very physically intriguing" and considered both top quarterbacks to be "legitimate QB1 options." The assistant coach highlighted Sanders’ toughness and confident demeanor, describing his pocket presence and mechanics as "kind of (Tom) Brady-esque." These contrasting viewpoints showcase the nuanced evaluations that can arise from different perspectives and priorities within the NFL.
Abdul Carter: Medical Setbacks and Draft Prospects
Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter, who was projected as the second overall pick in Yahoo Sports’ most recent mock draft, faced a significant setback during the combine week. Medical tests revealed a stress reaction in his right foot, leading to initial concerns about the need for surgery. However, by Thursday, doctors confirmed that Carter would not require surgery and is on track to participate in Penn State’s March 28 Pro Day. The question now is whether this medical issue will affect his draft stock. An AFC talent evaluator believes it shouldn’t, given the long-term projections teams make when drafting. They noted that top-drafting teams, often in rebuild mode, can afford to start Carter slowly and place him on an injury list initially, as they are unlikely to win many games in the early part of the season. The evaluator’s rationale is clear: teams draft for the future, not just for the first few weeks.
Travis Hunter: The Versatile Enigma
Travis Hunter, a receiver and defensive back from Colorado, has generated significant buzz for his versatility. However, talent evaluators have differing opinions on how he should be utilized at the NFL level. Some believe that to justify his high draft slot, Hunter needs to play at least some role on both sides of the ball, given that his generational status is rooted in his versatility rather than a pure projection at one position. Others, however, see him excelling as a full-time player in either role. An AFC talent evaluator leaned toward using Hunter primarily as a receiver, arguing that if he can contribute on defense as well, he should be a No. 4 wideout with limited snaps. The evaluator noted that while Hunter might not be a No. 1 receiver, he could be a valuable asset with his unique skill set. An NFC executive highlighted the rarity of Hunter’s talent, emphasizing the challenges of integrating him into a roster. The consensus seems to be that Hunter’s potential is undeniable, but his role and development path remain open to interpretation.
The Running Back Market: More Than Meets the Eye
Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty is projected to go 20th overall in Yahoo Sports’ latest mock draft, while North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton is slotted 29th. Despite Jeanty’s high projection, two evaluators spoke to Yahoo Sports weren’t convinced he should be drafted before Hampton. An AFC evaluator praised Jeanty’s explosiveness and rare contact balance but noted that Hampton’s running style and tenacity remind him of Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb. The evaluator described Hampton’s movement as “beautiful,” emphasizing his agility despite his size. Another AFC evaluator found it difficult to choose between Jeanty and Hampton, suggesting that coaching staff vision would play a crucial role in their draft strategy. While some teams might favor Jeanty’s power for short-yardage situations, others might question his size and ball security. The evaluator also had a soft spot for Georgia’s Trevor Etienne, describing him as the most talented running back in the draft despite his smaller frame (5-9, 198 pounds) and production questions. Etienne’s skill set, including his vision, instincts, explosiveness, pass-catching, and pass protection, makes him a well-rounded prospect worth considering.
A Hidden Gem at Quarterback: Jalen Milroe
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe has caught the attention of talent evaluators, who see him as a low-floor, high-ceiling prospect. Milroe is described as a "first-round athlete" with raw, inconsistent passing skills. One high-ranking NFC executive graded Milroe as a late third- to fourth-round prospect solely as a quarterback but noted that his overall athletic gifts might push him higher, realistically ranging from late first round to late second round. The Baltimore Ravens’ drafting of Lamar Jackson at 32 and the Philadelphia Eagles’ selection of Jalen Hurts at 53 serve as historical precedents for these projections. An NFC assistant coach, who found Milroe “so intriguing physically,” was less concerned about his floor, suggesting that at worst, he could be “Taysom Hill on steroids.” Another NFC executive, impressed by Milroe’s athleticism, even considered him more athletically gifted than Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson, drafted fourth overall in 2023. The consensus is that patience and a well-defined passing development plan will be essential to maximizing Milroe’s potential.
The Future of the Game: Balancing Talent and Needs
The NFL scouting combine is a pivotal event where teams gather extensive information to make informed draft decisions. The evaluations of Shedeur Sanders, Cam Ward, Abdul Carter, Travis Hunter, and Jalen Milroe highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of assessing top prospects. While Sanders and Ward’s quarterbacking skills and personalities are subject to varied opinions, Carter’s medical outlook and Hunter’s versatility present unique challenges and opportunities. The running back market, with Jeanty, Hampton, and Etienne, showcases the importance of aligning a player’s skill set with a team’s specific needs and coaching philosophies. Finally, Milroe’s raw talent and potential illustrate the long-term approach teams must take when drafting. The week’s conversations and evaluations will undoubtedly shape the 2025 NFL Draft, as teams weigh these factors to build the best possible rosters for the future.
