Indianapolis – The first night of workouts at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine showcased some impressive talent as defensive linemen and linebackers took to the field on Thursday. Many athletes made headlines with their performance at Lucas Oil Stadium, demonstrating remarkable speed in the 40-yard dash, impressing scouts with agility in various drills, and showcasing their explosiveness in the broad and vertical jumps.
Several players elevated their draft status, while others may have hindered their chances of being selected on Day 1 or Day 2 of the draft, happening in Green Bay, Wisconsin from April 24-26. Here’s a summary of some notable performances:
Linebacker Campbell stole the show with a speedy 4.52-second 40-yard dash at 235 pounds. He also achieved a spectacular 10-foot-7 broad jump, showcasing both speed and explosiveness. His agility during drills, combined with his decision to stay late for extra pass-rush drills, solidified his top spot among linebackers.
Meanwhile, Harmon, an offensive tackle from Oregon, stood out during weigh-ins at 6-foot-4 1/2 and 313 pounds. He recorded a quick 4.95-second 40-yard dash, impressing scouts with his on-field movement.
Pearce also left a mark with a swift 4.47-second time while weighing in at 245 pounds. He displayed impressive footwork and change-of-direction skills, drawing comparisons to Giants edge rusher Brian Burns after beating Burns’ previous combine record.
Defensive lineman Stewart made a significant impact, scoring a stunning 40-inch vertical jump and a 4.59-second 40-yard dash, although a tweaked hamstring kept him from continuing with position drills.
Another standout was Tafuna, who clocked an unofficial 5.03-second 40-yard dash. His agility during drills caught the attention of scouts as he navigated obstacles with precision.
On the flip side, several players did not perform at their best and will need to make a strong showing at their school’s pro days. Kennard managed a time of 4.73 seconds at 254 pounds, which disappointed scouts, especially compared to heavier players who excelled in the same drills.
With the combine still in progress, more players are expected to compete this weekend. Coverage continues with live broadcasts on NFL Network and NFL+ starting at 3 p.m. ET on Friday and 1 p.m. ET on Saturday and Sunday. Fans and scouts alike are eagerly awaiting performances that could shake up draft predictions.