the initial day of on-field exercises at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis featured defensive linemen, edge rushers, and linebackers showcasing their skills within Lucas Oil Stadium. Several prospects boosted their draft stock with impressive displays while others prompted scouts to revisit game footage.
Below are some of the notable winners and losers from Thursday’s on-field activities, beginning with a look at the measurements of the prospects in CBS sports’ top 50 consensus rankings.
| 40-yard dash | Bench press | Vertical jump | Broad jump | 10-yard split | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abdul Carter (Penn State) – No workout | — | — | — | –</td | — |
|
Jalon Walker (georgia ) – No workout |
– |
– |
- |
– |
– |
A Review of Top EDGE/DL/LB Prospects
EDGE Abdul carter, Penn state: N/A
PSU • EDGE • #11
Peek Profileit has been disclosed that Abdul carterhas experienced a stress reaction in his right foot.. Fortunately, after further examinations, it was resolute that surgery was not necessary for the top edge prospect. nevertheless, he opted out of participating in workouts in Indianapolis.
EDGE Jalon Walker , Georgia:N/A
Walker is considered a potential top-ten selection but chose not to participate in drills on Thursday.
EDGE James Pearce Jr., Tennessee:A
The performance by Pearce was outstanding overall—except for his vertical leap which measured only at thirty-one inches. He possesses an athletic build conducive to speed—demonstrated by his impressive time of four point forty-seven seconds for the forty-yard dash—but he also met expectations standing over six feet five inches tall and weighing two hundred forty-five pounds.His ten-yard split time of one point fifty-six seconds ranks him within the ninety-third percentile among similar positions since nineteen ninety-nine.An explosive showing from this Tennessee standout who appeared exceptionally fluid during drills.
“James Pearce Jr.is an anomaly… mediocre bend… few counter moves… no vertical jump…245lbs…. elite pass rush win rate … Production> everything else.” @NFL_DF February27 ,2025
**More content continues here**
Williams opted out of participating in the combine.
EDGE Mike Green, Marshall: N/A < < < <> >> >> < << << <<
‘green chose to rely on his FBS-leading total of 17.0 sacks in the year 2024 and did not participate in drills at Indianapolis.
LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama: A-
Shemar must have taken a moment to appreciate his performance.He couldn’t have done anything more to go viral, boost his reputation, etc. Clocking in at 4.59 with a 40-inch vertical and a 1.58 second split at nearly 270 pounds is simply remarkable. Don’t be surprised to see Stewart ranked in the top 20 or even top 15 in upcoming mock drafts.
EDGE Shemar Stewart unofficial NFL Combine relative athletic score (via @MathBomb):
This score places him 3rd out of 1,802 DEs. pic.twitter.com/m1NPRIgsmy
— Underdog NFL (@Underdog__NFL) february 27,2025
EDGE Jack Sawyer, Ohio State: N/A
<
< << a href =' http :// www .cbssports .com / college – football / players /(26693445/jack-sawyer/) '' + '' + '' + '' + '' + '' +''+''+''+''+''+' '+'+ '+ '+ '+' '+' '+' '+'+'+'+'+'+' +' +' +' +' +' +' '+' '+' '+'+ '+ '+'+ '‘+’‘+’‘+’‘+’‘ ‘‘+ ‘‘+ ‘‘+ ‘‘+ ‘‘+ ‘‘+
Jack Sawyer ‘ << OHIOST • EDGE • #33 <<< // // // // // // <<< <<< <<< <<< <<< <<< //
View Profile
//
//
//
//
Sawyer will demonstrate his skills at Ohio State’s Pro Day on March 27.
//
//
EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku ,
Boston College
:
A-
<<
<<
<<
<<
<<
<<<
<<<
<<<
<<<
Ezeiruaku was confident he woudl excel in the agility drills, so he performed well there and opted out of the 40-yard dash. His time of 6.94 seconds was the quickest three-cone drill among edge rushers while his short shuttle time of 4.19 seconds was also the fastest recorded. The vertical jump measuring at an impressive height of 35.5 inches was solid as well but his broad jump reaching only nine feet and eleven inches wasn't particularly remarkable either.
Ezeiruaku's game primarily relies on his ability to bend and dip around the edge.
<
Ezeiruaku knew he’d excel in agility drills so he performed exceptionally well there before sitting out for the forty-yard dash.
The six point ninety-four seconds marked the fastest three cone among edge rushers while four point nineteen seconds represented an equally impressive short shuttle time.
The thirty-five point five inch vertical leap stood firm while nine foot eleven inch broad jump fell slightly short of expectations.
Ezeiruaku’s gameplay hinges considerably on how adeptly he can bend or dip around opponents.
eagerly anticipated tape from Boston College EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku showcases remarkable efficiency with no wasted movement indicating he’s practiced this countless times… His attention to detail during discussions about pass-rush techniques reflects deep understanding.
Next Myles Garrett? The prospect for NFL Draft makes history during combine showcasing physical similarities with Browns star player.Cody Benjamin
<img title=Sports src=https:sportshub.cbsistatic.co m/i/
2025/
02/
25/
04c1bc18-
26d8-
4fc9-
9dfe-
782ab85 d3bf3/shem ar-stewart-g.jpg"class=ArticleShortcode-i mage alt=Sports Next Myles Garrett? The prospect for NFL Draft makes history during combine showcasing physical similarities with Browns star player.
Athletics Other victors
AthleteJah Joyner,<category link=http:/ww w.cbsp orts.co m/coll ege-foot ball/play ers/(26545316/jah-joyner/)Minnesota
The six-foot-four-inch tall Joyner weighing two hundred sixty-two pounds clocked an astounding twenty-two point fifty-eight miles per hour during forty-yard dash making it by far one of fastest times recorded amongst all edge rushers surpassing most off-ball linebackers who participated as well.
A four-year contributor serving as captain at Minnesota demonstrated explosive abilities throughout Indianapolis event.
Lineman Teddye Buchanan,<link category=http:/ww w.cbsp orts.co m/coll ege-foot ball/play ers/(3162246/teddye-buchanan/)California
An impressive forty-inch vertical leap combined with ten foot five inch broad jump achieved by over six feet two inches tall weighing two hundred thirty-three pounds certainly stands out within linebacker position today’s league environment
This former UC Cal standout showcased speed on film too being known for solid tackling skills along with proficiency covering passes
Now following this workout session epitomizes what it means when referring “sleeper” prospects!
Athletics Other disappointments
Lineman Chris Paul Jr., Ole Miss
Pau l stood among smallest linebackers present this year measuring just over six feet tall weighing only two hundred twenty-two pounds
He had shorter than thirty-inch hands which are considered quite small
Despite achieving above-average thirty-six inch vertical leap however recording four-point sixty-three second forty wasn’t particularly noteworthy especially given size constraints faced by almost two-hundred-twenty-pound off-ball linebacker
Impressive player seen thru film didn’t meet general expectations regarding key attributes across several areas!
The upcoming draft event will take place from April twenty-fourth through twenty-sixth held within Green Bay area! More coverage available via CBSSPorts including weekly updates surrounding draft news along side mock drafts plus comprehensive look into eligible candidates!
If you wish live reactions throughout festivities check our thursday live blog!
Stout record detailing measurements alongside results obtained from recent combines featuring winners alongside losers across every position!
tyler Sullivan
