Post-Super Bowl Buzz: Eagles and the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine
The Philadelphia Eagles may still be celebrating their Super Bowl victory, but the reality of the 2025 NFL offseason looms large. As the annual NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis approaches, the Eagles and every other team must pivot from reveling in past successes to focusing on the future. The combine is a pivotal event where college players showcase their athleticism, and it’s also a hub for NFL teams and agents to discuss potential trades and free agent signings. This year, the futures of players like Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp, and Deebo Samuel are hot topics. The combine promises to be a blend of excitement and anticipation, as both returning stars and new prospects vie for attention.
The Question of the First Pick
The 2025 NFL combine is already generating a flurry of big stories, none more intriguing than who the Tennessee Titans will select with the first overall pick. While many believe the Titans need a quarterback, their president of football operations, Chad Brinker, has hinted that they might not pass on a generational talent, regardless of position. This opens the door for players like Penn State pass rusher Abdul Carter or Colorado cornerback/receiver and reigning Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter to be considered. The debate over the top pick is likely to remain unresolved until the draft, but the combine can provide valuable insights into the Titans’ thought process. We may see clearer indications of their preferences as the week unfolds and more reports surface.
Cam or Shedeur: The Quarterback Showdown
At the moment, Miami quarterback Cam Ward appears to have the edge over Shedeur Sanders, his closest competitor, to be the first quarterback drafted in April. The rivalry between the two has already caught the attention of football fans and media. Sanders, the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, has a high pedigree, but Ward’s consistent performance and leadership have him slightly ahead. The combine could be a turning point. If Sanders impresses in his interviews and excels in the drills he participates in, or if Ward stumbles, the race for QB1 could heat up in the weeks leading to the draft. The friendly competition between the two adds an extra layer of excitement to the event.
The Quarterback Conundrum: To Throw or Not to Throw?
Traditionally, top quarterbacks avoid throwing at the combine, opting instead for the more controlled environment of their pro days. Last year, Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Drake Maye all followed this pattern. According to an NFL Media report, Shedeur Sanders may also wait until Colorado’s pro day to throw, which could spark criticism from anonymous NFL personnel. However, history suggests that this strategy won’t significantly impact their draft stock. While the top quarterbacks may choose to sit out, the next tier of quarterbacks, including Jaxson Dart, Jalen Milroe, Will Howard, and Quinn Ewers, has a lot to gain by performing well in Indianapolis. Their performances could shed light on the draft order and how high they might be selected.
Tetairoa McMillan: The Top Receiver?
Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan enters the combine as the presumed top receiver in the class. His productivity and skills are undeniable, but the one question mark is his top-end speed. If McMillan can run a 40-yard dash in under 4.5 seconds, he will likely solidify his position as the top receiver. However, if his time is less impressive, other talented receivers like Luther Burden III and Emeka Egbuka may challenge him for the top spot. The combine offers a critical opportunity for McMillan to demonstrate his speed and agility, which could further enhance his draft prospects.
The Travis Hunter Enigma
Travis Hunter, the Heisman Trophy winner from Colorado, is one of the most unique and intriguing prospects at the combine this year. He has excelled as both a cornerback and a receiver, making him a rare dual-threat player. Hunter has chosen to attend the combine as a cornerback, a decision that aligns with the projections of draft experts like Nate Tice and Charles McDonald. Teams and media will undoubtedly grill him on his position preferences and his ability to play both roles at the NFL level. General managers and coaches will also weigh in on whether they see Hunter primarily as a cornerback, a receiver, or a hybrid player. His performance and comments this week could significantly influence his draft position and future role in the league.
The Battle for RB2
Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty is the clear favorite for the top running back spot in this draft class. However, the race for the second-best running back is far from settled. North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton is currently leading the pack, but other contenders like Ohio State’s Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson, as well as Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson, could create a stir with impressive combine performances. Cam Skattebo, the Arizona State running back who stole the show in the College Football Playoff, is another player to watch. His unrelenting running style and potential for high athleticism could make him a dark horse candidate to jump up draft boards. The combine will be a crucial platform for these players to showcase their talents and improve their stock.
Medical Checks and Physical Showcases: Josh Simmons and the Defensive Depth
Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons was poised to be a top prospect until a season-ending knee injury in October. His recovery has been positive, but the combine will be a critical test of his health. NFL teams will conduct thorough medical checks to ensure that he is ready for training camp and to assess the long-term implications of his injury. His performance in the medical evaluations could be the deciding factor in whether he remains a top draft pick or slips down the board.
On the defensive side, the 2025 class appears to be deeper and more promising than last year’s. Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter are likely to be top-five picks, and Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham could join them. The combine will also highlight players with great physical attributes but lesser college production, such as Georgia’s Mykel Williams and Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart, who could make a strong case for first-round selections. Off-the-ball linebackers like Jihaad Campbell and Carson Schwesinger, as well as talented cornerbacks and safeties, will also have the chance to shine. Strong performances by these defensive players could make this draft class seem more robust and well-rounded.
The Bottom Line
The 2025 NFL combine promises to be a week of intense scrutiny, thrilling performances, and crucial evaluations. From the potential shift in the quarterback landscape to the emergence of new defensive stars, every aspect of the event will be closely watched. For the Philadelphia Eagles and other teams, the combine is a vital step in shaping their future rosters. As the week progresses, we’ll undoubtedly see some players rise and others fall, making for an exciting and dynamic event for football enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.
