Today was the first day of field testing at the 2025 NFL Combine, and while some big names cemented themselves as high draft picks, others added some questions to their stock. Here is the Talk of Troy’s scouting team’s recap of day one of the Combine.
MVP: Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
6-foot-5, 267 lbs.
While Stewart was already touted as one of the better defensive prospects in this draft, and it’s difficult to project where he’ll go in this extremely deep edge class before free agency gives us a better picture at team needs, Stewart certainly proved that he has first round value. He ran a blazing 4.59 at 6-foot-5 and 267 lbs. In every other measurable, he did fabulous, placing top twelve of any category, and boasting the longest broad jump, and second highest vertical. In a rich class with the likes of Mike Green, James Pearce Jr and Nic Scourton, his combine performance proved that he is just as much at their level, if not beyond it.
Honorable Mentions
James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
Physicals: 6-foot-5, 245 lbs.
Despite concerns with his weight, at the Combine Pearce Jr. showed that his speed more than makes up for it. He ran a 4.47 40-yard dash and showed in field drills that his technique and finesse are good enough to alleviate any worries about his size. Performing well at the combine was necessary for keeping him in first-round draft pick discussions, and any team who was thinking of taking him in the first, has seen more than enough to make that decision.
Landon Jackson, EDGE, Arkansas
Physicals: 6-foot-6, 264 lbs.
Jackson built on an outstanding Senior Bowl week, showing off his athleticism and technique during field tests today. He led the edge class with his 40.5” vertical and ran a respectable 40-yard dash for his size at 4.68 seconds. He has absolutely raised his position on NFL draft boards among strong competition in the edge group.
Most Improved: C.J. West, DT, Indiana
Physicals: 6-foot-1, 316 lbs.
Following a standout senior bowl performance, many people were still unaware of West’s presence in this year’s draft due simply to an abundance of defensive talent. But the Indiana product had a phenomenal day in front of his own local fanbase, and the league has officially been put on notice. He finished every field test today looking poised, and like bonafide NFL talent, that any team would be inquiring about. On top of the other drills, he ran a great 40 yard dash, tying for the third fastest defensive tackle at the combine. With his already very appealing film, this Combine performance has only made his draft stock soar. We can see him easily being drafted in the third or fourth round, with superstar potential over the next few years.
Most Underwhelming: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
Physicals: 6-foot-4.5, 313 lbs.
While he ran a solid forty for his frame, at 4.95, Harmon’s field drills left a lot to be desired. Though fast, his footwork is not as polished as it should be, and he slipped a few times during his performance today. He lacked a certain confidence in his ability to plant and change directions that showed some work will be necessary to solidify him as a starter at the next level.
This piece was published in collaboration with The Talk of Troy, a student-led, multi-platform sports and culture program based in Los Angeles that prides itself on leading difficult conversations at the intersection of sports and culture. InfanityTV is the exclusive publisher of TOT’s on-site coverage of the 2025 NFL Combine. Find more of TOT’s content @TheTalkOfTroy on Instagram.
