NFL Combine 2025 Results: Highlights, Reaction and Recap from Thursday

Drills and tests began at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday with defensive linemen and linebackers taking center stage.

This group is loaded in 2025. Per the B/R NFL Scouting Department's latest big board, 14 edge-rushers, linebackers or defensive linemen sit in the top 50.

Penn State edge-rusher Abdul Carter leads that group at second overall, behind only Colorado two-way star (and reigning Heisman Trophy winner) Travis Hunter.

However, a host of top prospects sat Thursday, including Carter (shoulder injury, stress reaction), Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham (left heel bruise), Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen ("some things to clean up"), Marshall edge-rusher Mike Green (hamstring tightness) and Georgia defensive lineman Mykel Williams (ankle injury).

Other took part, though, and starred given the chance. Here's a look at what went down.

In addition, all combine results can be found via the NFL's Next Gen Stats.

Tennessee EDGE James Pearce Jr.'s Blazing 40 Times...in a Hoodie

The No. 25 overall player on B/R's big board ran the fastest 40-yard dash at 4.47 seconds, in a hoodie no less.

That was his second effort after clocking a 4.5-second time on his first go-around.

Naturally, Pearce's times got people talking.

He also fared well in other drills.

Ultimately, Pearce did quite well for himself, even if his 31-inch vertical was a bit low.

It wouldn't be a surprise to see Pearce rise up draft boards quickly after the combine.

Texas A&M EDGE Shemar Stewart Crushes the Combine

If you're looking for the day's biggest overall star, look no further than Texas A&M's edge-rusher Shemar Stewart, whose RAS (relative athletic score) is going to get people talking.

Simply put, Stewart crushed everything he did.

The big question on Stewart is his production (or lack thereof) with just four-and-a-half sacks in three seasons.

But the potential is clearly there, and some analysts were either left impressed and/or bullish on his future.

It'll be interesting to see where Stewart lands in a couple months, but he certainly helped his cause.

Other Notes

Indiana defensive lineman C.J. West ran a sub-five second 40-yard dash at 316 pounds.

Oregon defensive lineman Derrick Harmon, ranked 30th on B/R's big board, impressed on Thursday.

Maryland defensive lineman Jordan Phillips showcased his strength.

South Carolina defensive lineman Tonka Hemingway crushed the run-and-club drill despite losing a shoe.

Lastly, Nolen enjoyed a cool moment with Los Angeles Rams legend Aaron Donald, who offered some advice.

The combine continues Friday with defensive backs and tight ends. NFL Network will carry coverage beginning at 3 p.m. ET.