The NFL Combine serves as one of the most critical events in the lead-up to the NFL Draft. It's a platform where prospects can showcase their athleticism, skills, and potential to NFL teams. This year, the 2025 NFL Combine didn't disappoint, with several prospects solidifying their top spots, while others made surprising jumps up draft boards. Below is a comprehensive look at the top 3 players at each position post-Combine and where they could fall in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Quarterback:
1. Cam Ward - Miami
Miami's Cam Ward enters the 2025 NFL Draft as the consensus overall number 1 pick, and the fact that he didn't participate in the combine (but will have a pro day) didn't change that standing at all.
As the week progressed in Indianapolis, one thing became clear: the NFL views Ward as the top quarterback in the 2025 draft class, ahead of Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders. Neither quarterback participated in throwing drills or testing, but the fact that Ward appears to have a firm hold on the QB1 spot is significant.
Ward measured 6-foot-2 and 219 pounds, offering good size for his style of play. His arm strength and pocket mobility are standout qualities that have captured the attention of NFL teams, despite not having the typical résumé of a first-overall pick. While Ward may not possess the rushing ability that would make him an immediate fantasy starter as a rookie, he has the potential to develop a strong connection with a veteran receiver, especially in a struggling offense.
From conversations with several sources, it's expected that Ward will be selected first overall.
Draft Prediction: 1st overall pick.
2. Jaxson Dart - Ole Miss
With Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders opting only for interviews and skipping on-field drills, Jaxson Dart emerged as the top quarterback prospect to showcase his skills.
During passing drills, Dart consistently delivered accurate passes on both intermediate and deep routes, including several impressive go-route throws. The former top recruit demonstrated excellent timing, anticipation, and quick release when needed.
Despite not being familiar with the receivers he was working with, Dart made quick adjustments during drills. He has a strong chance of being drafted late in the first round.
With his strong arm and ability to read defenses quickly, Dart showcased his potential to thrive in an NFL offense. His ability to adjust to different receivers also demonstrated his adaptability, an important trait for success at the next level. If Dart continues to impress throughout the pre-draft process, he could rise even higher in the draft rankings, potentially securing a spot with a team in need of a future starter.
Draft Prediction: 2nd-3rd Round
3. Shadeur Sanders - Colorado
Similar to Cam Ward, Colorado QB Shadeur Sanders also elected not to throw at the Combine. While momentum is building for Ward to be viewed as the top quarterback in this class (with many analysts already pegging him as the consensus QB1), Sanders could've missed a chance to narrow that gap by opting only for interviews rather than showcasing his skills in on-field drills.
While Ward is often considered the more physically gifted player, Sanders is known for his toughness under pressure and accuracy in tight-window throws. By skipping the chance to demonstrate those traits to a wider audience, Sanders may have missed an opportunity to further cement his status. Though Sanders will likely remain a top-15 pick, the competition from quarterbacks like Jaxson Dart and Quinn Ewers is now much closer, and his position in the draft order could be less certain than before.
This decision not to participate could impact Sanders' draft stock, particularly as teams continue to evaluate quarterbacks who can perform under the spotlight. His Pro Day will be crucial for closing the gap with his competitors. If Sanders can shine in those sessions, he might still keep his spot as one of the top quarterbacks available, but he now faces greater pressure from others looking to move up.
Draft Prediction: Late 1st to 2nd round.
Running Back:
1. Ashton Jeanty – Boise State
Ashton Jeanty's combination of size, speed, and agility have made him the top running back in this draft class. After a stellar college career, Jeanty decided to skip the combine except for medical evaluations and interviews. At 5'9" and 216 pounds, he has the size to break tackles, yet the speed to outrun defenders. His ability to contribute in both the running and passing game makes him a well-rounded back, which is crucial for NFL offenses.
Jeanty is expected to be the first running back off the board and could go as early as the second overall pick depending on team needs.
Draft Prediction: Top 5 overall pick.
2. Omarion Hampton - North Carolina
While Ashton Jeanty is widely regarded as this year's top running back prospect, the gap between him and other contenders is narrower than many think. At 6-0 and 221 pounds, Omarion Hampton impressed at the NFL Combine, posting a 4.46 in the 40-yard dash. He also showcased his explosiveness with a 10-foot, 11-inch broad jump and a 38-inch vertical leap. In his sophomore year alongside QB Drake Maye, Hampton accumulated 1,726 yards from scrimmage. After Maye entered the NFL draft (Patriots) in 2024, Hampton elevated his performance to 2,033 total yards. With his all-around skillset, Hampton has solidified himself as a top-tier, three-down back who’s expected to go in the first round.
Draft Prediction: 1st round, mid to late.
3. TreVeyon Henderon - Ohio State
TreVeyon Henderson's performance at the NFL Combine further solidified his status as one of the top running back prospects in the 2025 draft class, earning him widespread recognition as a potential RB2.
A former five-star recruit at Ohio State, Henderson made an immediate impact as a freshman, racking up over 1,500 total yards and 19 touchdowns. Despite being limited by injuries to just 18 games during his sophomore and junior years, he returned for his senior season, where he played alongside Quinshon Judkins and stayed healthy for all 16 games, helping lead Ohio State to a National Championship.
In 2024, even with only 144 carries, Henderson managed to rush for over 1,000 yards, averaging an impressive 7.0 yards per carry, showcasing his explosive speed and big-play ability. At the Combine, his athleticism was on full display with a 4.43-second 40-yard dash, a 38.5-inch vertical jump, and a 10-foot-8-inch broad jump—marks that will undoubtedly catch the attention of NFL teams.
Draft Prediction: 2nd round.
Wide Receiver:
1. Tetairoa McMillan - Arizona
Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan is firmly in the conversation as a potential top-15 pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
While quarterbacks Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders drew attention for opting out of the NFL Combine drills, McMillan also chose not to participate, flying somewhat under the radar. As one of the top wide receiver prospects in this draft class, McMillan likely knew his stock was secure and didn't want to risk a subpar performance that could hurt his draft position.
Should McMillan choose to participate in a pro day, expect significant hype and attention. However, for now, his decision to avoid the Combine is seen as a smart move, keeping his draft prospects intact. With his elite talent, McMillan is a likely first-round selection and a top pick in dynasty rookie drafts, where he's expected to land in the upper half of the first round.
Draft Prediction: Top 10 pick.
2. Matthew Golden - Texas
Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden emerged as one of the biggest winners of the 2025 Combine, clocking an impressive 4.29-second 40-yard dash. This time not only led all wide receivers but also ranked second overall, just behind Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston. Golden's 1.49-second 10-yard split also topped his position group, showcasing his explosive start.
Entering the combine as a late first-round to early second-round prospect, Golden's standout performance could propel him into a higher tier of wide receiver prospects. Known for his big-play ability, he impressed during the season with 987 receiving yards and nine touchdowns for Texas, including huge postseason performances with 162 yards against Georgia and 149 against Arizona State. His Combine showing should solidify his status as a top target in the draft. Some analysts are now saying it's not out of the realm of possibility he's the first selected WR overall. If so, he will skyrocket up rookie drafts.
Draft Prediction: Mid 1st Round
3. Luther Burden - Missouri
Luther Burden, a St. Louis native and five-star recruit, has been a key contributor since his freshman year for the Missouri Tigers, posting solid numbers with 45 catches for 375 yards and 6 touchdowns. He followed up with an impressive sophomore season (86-1,212-9) and continued to produce with 61-676-6 this past year before declaring for the draft. Known for his quickness, burst off the line, and ability to make plays after the catch, Burden has also shown reliability with contested catches, improving to 55.9% over the past two years.
While Burden’s route tree is still developing, and his technique needs refinement, particularly in route stems and his ability to create separation on outside routes, his physicality and versatility have helped him make an impact. He offers speed, good hands, and the ability to make adjustments in mid-air. His Combine performance, including a solid 4.41 40-yard dash and excellent measurements, backs up his explosiveness. Burden’s dynamic skill set and ability to create mismatches position him as a likely first-round pick, despite some lingering questions about his outside production.
Draft Prediction: Mid-To-Late 1st Round
Tight End:
1. Tyler Warren - Penn State
Tyler Warren, a standout tight end from Penn State, is a strong contender to be the first tight end selected in the 2025 Draft, with a real shot at landing in the top 10—a rare achievement for a player at his position. Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 261 pounds, Warren had a record-breaking season, becoming the first player in Penn State history to surpass 100 catches in a single season. He also set program records for receiving yards by a tight end (1,233 yards) and broke the Big Ten single-season records for both receptions and receiving yards. His dominant performance made him a hot topic during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine.
During his media session, Warren surprised many by naming former teammates and lesser-known tight ends, such as Theo Johnson, as part of his top five tight ends in the NFL. Warren, who played alongside Johnson at Penn State for four seasons, credited his former teammate with significantly influencing his development. Johnson, selected by the Giants in the 2024 NFL Draft, had a solid rookie season, and Warren praised his athleticism and route-running abilities. Expect Warren to be one of (if not the top) TE taken this year.
Draft Prediction: Top 10 pick.
2. Colston Loveland - Michigan
Colston Loveland, a four-star recruit, emerged as a key player for Michigan, posting impressive stats over his three years. After a solid freshman season, he became the starting tight end, registering 45-649-4 during Michigan’s National Championship run. This past year, he caught 56 passes for 582 yards and five touchdowns despite being limited to 10 games.
Loveland is a versatile, physical tight end with excellent functional strength and the ability to play both in-line and in the slot. His route-running is sharp, with good separation and tough, competitive play after the catch. While he’s not an elite athlete, his body control, coordination, and blocking skills make him a well-rounded prospect. Although he needs to improve his pass protection and add bulk, Loveland's polished game and reliable hands position him as a likely first-round pick. Despite the fact that he did not participate in the Combine or any of the drills, Loveland should still hear his name called during the 1st or 2nd round of the Draft.
Draft Prediction: 1st round, late to early 2nd.
3. Mason Taylor - LSU
Mason Taylor, the son of NFL Hall-of-Famers Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas, became LSU’s most productive tight end in school history. Despite playing behind top receivers like Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr., Taylor had a breakout 2024 season with 55 receptions for 546 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his potential as a top receiving threat. Standing at 6'5" and 250 pounds, he ran a 4.64-second 40-yard dash, making him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams in need of a receiving tight end.
Although Taylor opted not to participate in the 40-yard dash or other athletic testing at the NFL Combine, he impressed during drills with his fluidity and quickness, leading many to believe he could have posted a strong 40 time. While his blocking still needs refinement, Taylor excels as a pass catcher with excellent route running, a large catch radius, and reliable hands. His size and speed make him a deep threat with the ability to gain yards after the catch. Projected as a Day 2 pick, Taylor has the potential to become a starting NFL tight end and a valuable fantasy asset, particularly in pass-heavy offenses.
Draft Prediction: 2nd to 3rd round.
This article breaks down some prospects from the 2025 NFL Combine and provides insight into where each player might land in the NFL Draft. Keep an eye on these players as the draft approaches, as they could make an immediate impact on your fantasy team!
