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

Defensive backs and tight ends got their moment in the spotlight as the scouting combine continued Friday in Indianapolis.

Multiple prospects ranked in the top 50 on Bleacher Report's 2025 NFL Draft Big Board could see their draft stock climb after strong performances this afternoon at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Here's a look at the biggest moments and fan reactions of the day. Expanded combine results can be found at NFL's Next Gen Stats.

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Nick Emmanwori Breaks Combine Vertical Record

South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori measured in at 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds before showing off his athleticism during Friday's workouts.

Emmanwori's 43-inch vertical was the best measurement recorded by any combine prospect weighing more than 200 pounds, per Next Gen Stats and Warren Sharp.

Emmanwori went on to record a 11'6" broad jump and a 4.38 unofficial time in the 40-yard dash.

Emmanwori posted a top speed of 23.53 miles per hour, per NFL's Next Gen Stats.

That's tied for the third highest speed recorded by any safety at the last three combines, per Next Gen Stats.

Some fans were left convinced Emmanwori's performance had secured him a spot in the first round of the upcoming draft:

Emmanwori used his athleticism to haul in four interceptions during his 2024 season with the Gamecocks, two of which he returned for touchdowns. He is ranked No. 26 on the 2025 NFL Draft Big Board.

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Maxwell Hairston Sets 2025 Combine Standard in 40-Yard Dash

Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston is the runner to beat this weekend.

Hairston posted the fastest 40-yard dash time of the combine so far when he clocked an unofficial time of 4.29 seconds.

NFL's Next Gen Stats reported Hairston reached a 24.25 mph top speed during the run.

That's one of the top five speeds recorded at any of the last three combines, per NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah.

Those numbers left some fans convinced Hairston has successfully sped his way up the draft board:

Hairston was limited to seven games of the 2024 season with a shoulder injury, but shone during his 2023 campaign with 66 total tackles and five interceptions. He is ranked No. 42 on the 2025 NFL Draft Big Board.

This year's 40-yard dash standard will be tested within 24 hours. Texas wide receiver Isaiah Bond wants to break Xavier Worthy's combine record of 4.21 seconds when he runs Saturday.

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Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders Talk to Reporters

The top quarterbacks in the upcoming draft may not be working out at the combine, but both Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward spoke with reporters Friday morning.

Ward spoke about meeting with both the New York Giants and New York Jets during the combine.

The Miami quarterback said his meeting with the Giants went "real well," and that their offense had "similar concepts" to the Hurricanes' structure.

About the Jets, Ward said: "I think the Jets are not too far off, maybe a couple pieces. I'm just hoping I can be one of them."

Sanders meanwhile told teams: "If you ain't trying to change the franchise or the culture, don't get me."

Sanders continued: "You think I'm worried about what critics say, or what people got to say? You know who my dad is? They hated on him, too. So it's like, it's almost normal. Without people hating, it's not normal for us."

Sanders went on to highlight his adaptability, which he says he has discussed in conversations with coaches and general managers:

One of the biggest days of the combine takes place Saturday as focus turns to quarterbacks, wide receivers and running backs beginning at 1 p.m. ET.