NFL draft season has officially arrived once again with the start of the scouting combine this week in Indianapolis.
With the draft itself now exactly two months away, teams have already put in plenty of legwork into evaluating the upcoming class of prospects. But the testing, on-field work, interviews and medical evaluations will put a process that largely goes on behind closed doors into the spotlight, as four days of drills will all be broadcast on national television.
Not all top attendees will participate in every part of the event, with Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders among those already set to bow out of on-field work. But while the effects of players’ performances is seldom readily evident — especially given that the medical checks and interviews aren’t divulged to the public — there are always a few standouts who build a substantial buzz for themselves.
With that in mind, here are 10 players who could be the biggest stars of this year’s combine:
QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama
From an athletic standpoint, Milroe is likely in a class of his own in this year’s quarterback group. The 6-foot-1, 220-pounder can rip throws into tight windows and push the ball downfield with ease, displaying a rapid release. He also is a major threat on both designed runs and scrambles, forcing defenses to account for his game-breaking speed. The finer points of the position often escape him, as he still struggles to throw with anticipation and doesn’t often operate with rhythm in the pocket. But the combine should serve as a showcase for his upside, and there’s little question that he should test very well.
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RB Bhayshul Tuten, Virginia Tech
Even in a deep class for running backs, Tuten stands out as a big-play threat. The 5-11, 209-pounder averaged 6.3 yards per carry last season, and he can get to the second level by utilizing his contact balance and toughness before unleashing his long speed. The 40-yard dash and vertical leap should reinforce just how explosive the former track standout is, while he can also demonstrate his fluidity as a runner during drills.
WR Savion Williams, TCU
At 6-5 and 225 pounds with explosive burst, Williams offers an imposing package of traits, as he has been likened to a supersized Cordarrelle Patterson. But that comparison also highlights that the all-purpose threat has yet to put everything together as a receiver, as he has struggled with drops and refining his route-running. In testing, however, Williams should have no trouble showing off his upside, as his rare blend of strength and build-up speed should be evident to any onlookers. The gauntlet drill, however, will be an important part of his on-field work.
WR Isaiah Bond, Texas
In transferring from Alabama, Bond sparked plenty of comparisons to Xavier Worthy as the next undersized speedster for the Longhorns. But Texas’ attack afforded him limited opportunities to showcase his downfield abilities, as the 5-11, 180-pounder notched just 34 catches for 580 yards in 2024. Still, expect the former Georgia high school track champion — who once ran a 10.48 100-meter dash — to place among the fastest 40-yard times, even though threatening Worthy’s record of 4.21 seconds seems like a long shot.
WR Arian Smith, Georgia
The search for the fastest 40 time at this year’s combine might start and end with Smith. The 6-0, 185-pound target qualified for the 2021 NCAA Track and Field Championships with a blistering 10.10 run in the 100 meters before he decided to focus on football full-time. After he averaged 17 yards per catch in his long-awaited breakout campaign last season, teams will certainly be drawn to the prospect of incorporating him as their next big-play threat.
G Donovan Jackson, Ohio State
Offensive line performances at the combine can often be overlooked, but Jackson might be an exception. The former five-star recruit shifted over to left tackle out of necessity during the Buckeyes’ national title run, and he’s been on the upswing ever since. The 6-4, 320-pounder is a smooth mover who should show off his impressive strength as well as fluidity, which should further aid his push into the first round.
DE Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M
The 6-5, 281-pounder already is enjoying a pre-draft ascension after displaying his singular blend of physical tools during Senior Bowl practices. His rise should continue — and even perhaps accelerate — at the combine, where he might post one of the best weight-adjusted 40-yard dashes of all attendees. With rare explosiveness, Stewart could also post top marks in the vertical leap and broad jump.
DT Kenneth Grant, Michigan
Nose tackles typically don’t command the spotlight in Indianapolis, but Grant is certainly an outlier at his position. The 6-3, 342-pounder could be this year’s Jordan Davis as the massively built defensive lineman who builds substantial buzz thanks to his surprisingly fast movements, with the speed to chase down ball carriers in the open field. Like Davis, he’s inconsistent and hasn’t reached his potential as pass rusher, but the event should allow him to show off what he’s capable of.
CB/WR Travis Hunter, Colorado
Any list identifying likely top performers at the combine has to include the reigning Heisman Trophy winner. Hunter’s skill set can’t be fully captured in this forum, as his otherworldly ball skills — whether at cornerback or receiver, though he’s listed at the former for the workout — don’t truly shine through outside of a game setting. But the 6-1, 185-pounder still should be able put on a show with his superlative speed and leaping ability.
S Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina
His physical traits are nearly ideal for the position, as a 6-3, 227-pound safety with outstanding range and recovery speed can handle any number of coverage assignments. He’s a work in progress against the run and is still learning to become a more instinctive defender, but he’s a strong candidate to post one of the top overall testing profiles during the week. This could be his ticket into solidifying a spot somewhere in the first round.
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