The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine concluded, and while it may not have matched the record-breaking heights of 2024, the event still featured some incredible performances from the top athletes in a solid draft class.
Much of the top-end talent in the class chose not to test, a decision that could cause controversy. It allowed gaps to be filled by players who were not viewed as consensus first-rounders until testing began. These three players truly took advantage of their opportunities in Indianapolis and should parlay their stellar performances into imminent draft success.
Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
Stewart addressed two concerns that may have previously held down his draft grade. He dropped his weight to 267 pounds, cementing himself as a defensive end rather than carrying the reputation of past Texas A&M tweeners like DeMarvin Leal. In a stacked defensive tackle class and an edge class with several question marks, Stewart took the correct positional route and will profit because of it.
Stewart also posted incredible testing numbers, running a 4.59-second 40-yard dash and nearly hitting 11 feet in the broad jump. He showed off explosive speed and fierceness on tape and backed it up with his testing.
Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
I underestimated Matthew Golden. In my defense, a 4.29-second 40-yard dash was outside the expectation of most. Many thought his teammate, Isaiah Bond, would break into the 4.2s, but while Bond disappointed, Golden delivered.
While he opted out of all other testing, his 40-yard dash time may be enough to push him into the WR1 conversation, as his competition has questions regarding long speed or production. Golden could have an outside chance at being a top-10 selection. If a team is not interested in the contested-catch archetype, it seems very possible that Golden goes early to fill a slot or outside spot as a designated speedster.
Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Virginia Tech
This running back class is crowded. After Jeanty, there are four or five running backs who wouldn’t be shocking as the second off the board. The newest addition to that list after his combine performance is Bhayshul Tuten.
Tuten showcased impressive agility with a 4.41-second shuttle time, and his drills demonstrated fluidity that should put him in top-50 conversations. He also ran a 4.32-second 40-yard dash with a 10-yard split of 1.49 seconds. That explosiveness could serve a team well if they are looking for an RB1 who could be complemented by an impressive power back.
This has been an impressive year athletically for most positions in the class. The running back and defensive end positions, in particular, seem to be more athletic than usual, while tight ends posted the worst athletic testing numbers of the decade thus far. Now, draft analysts will look forward to pro days to find diamonds in the rough to fill out their teams’ late-round classes.
