2025 NFL Scouting Combine: Top Draft Takeaways from DB & TE On-Field Workouts

The defensive backs had themselves a day at Lucas Oil Stadium for the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. After a slow start to the league's premier evaluation event, Friday's stars shone brightly, starting with the favorite to leave Indianapolis as Mr. Combine.

South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori is the type of prospect who will have scouts and evaluators drooling based on his athletic profile. He didn't disappoint when he took the field and showed exactly why a tangible buzz began a day before the first-team All-American did anything.

While Emmanwori proved to be the clear winner through the first two days, his fellow defensive backs didn't disappoint, with multiple prospects piecing together outstanding workouts to greatly strengthen this year's DB class.

The tight ends also took the field, though the class' top two options—Penn State's Tyler Warren and Michigan's Colston Loveland—didn't participate.

The Bleacher Report Scouting Department, specifically Matt Holder and Dame Parson, broke down what happened during Friday's festivities by providing names that impressed and disappointing during their workouts. For all stats from the Combine, check out the NFL's Next Gen Stats.

Cornerbacks

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Tulane cornerback Caleb Ransaw

Caleb Ransaw, Tulane

Ransaw wasn’t the biggest name counted among the cornerbacks working out on Friday, but he certainly made a name for himself. The Tulane product ranked third among cornerbacks with a 4.33-second 40-yard dash, finished first in the vertical jump at 40 inches and tied for third in the board jump at 10’9”.

These efforts gave Ransaw the highest athleticism score (94) at the position, per Next Gen Stats. Also, he looked fluid in the untimed position drills to build some momentum heading into the draft.

Darien Porter, Iowa State

The cornerbacks, who tend to earn big money at the NFL level, are the ones with size. As such,, Porter earned some cash at the combine by measuring in over 6’3” with 33⅛-inch arms while running a 4.30-second 40-yard dash—the second fastest among cornerbacks. The former Cyclone posted the second-best broad jump at 10’11” to earn a 92 athleticism score—second-highest among corners.

Porter did show some hip stiffness during the position drills, but his measurables should give his draft stock a boost and are more than enough to bet on his upside.

Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky

Hairston’s workout got off to a hot start by leading all cornerbacks with a 4.28-second 40-yard dash, the only defensive back to be under 4.3. He also made waves with a 39.5-inch vertical jump to earn an impressive 82 athleticism score. The Kentucky product was smooth in the position drills as well, showing why he’s one of the top players at the position.

Nohl Williams, Cal

Williams’ numbers were more average than anything impressive – 4.50-second 40, 33.5-inch vertical and 10’ broad jump. But he looked exceptionally smooth and fluid during his on-field workout, showing off some impressive change-of-direction skills and oily hips. The Cal product’s 14 career interceptions should catch teams’ attention, and an impressive workout can further boost his stock.

Jacob Parrish, Kansas State

A lesser-known prospect, Parrish deserves some recognition for his performance on Friday after posting the third-best athleticism score (85) among corners. He clocked a 4.35-second 40-yard dash, recorded a 37.5-inch vertical and 10’9” broad jump—all of which ranked among the top five at the position.

The Kansas State product is likely going to be pigeon-holed into a nickel role at the professional level due to a lack of size, but Parrish is a willing run-defender to fit into that spot, while doing himself some favors in Indy to open up other possibilities.

Safeties

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Georgia safety Malaki Starks

Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina

No performer gained more than Emmanwori. He measured in at 6'3" and 220 pounds. He blew the testing out of the water with a 4.38 40-yard dash, 43-inch vertical, 11'6" broad jump and registering a speed of 23.53 MPH during the on-field workout, per Next Gen Stats. Emmanwori checked every physical box possible and proved his game-film athleticism is for real. 

Malaki Starks, Georgia

Despite running a 4.50-second 40-yard dash, Starks posted impressive change-of-direction numbers, looked extremely smooth throughout the entire workout and reached top speed (18.39) in the gauntlet drills. His natural fluidity and play-speed showed up during positional workouts, where he displayed strong ball-skills. Starks' testing might have been elite, but his play-speed and overall abilities were as good as it gets. 

Billy Bowman Jr., Oklahoma

Bowman tested well and moved fluid through every drill. His speed and quickness were noticeable, and he changed directions well. Bowman attacked and caught the ball well in drills. 

Kitan Crawford, Nevada

A relatively unknown prospect for the casual draft fan, Crawford opened eyes with his performance in Indianapolis. Crawford displayed his explosive athleticism with his testing numbers. On the field, he moved and turned well.

The Texas transfer put everyone on notice to go back and check out his film. 

Sebastian Castro, Iowa

Castro is an older prospect—he turns 25 during the 2025 NFL season—and he did not test well. He ranked last in the 40-yard dash, 10-yard split, vertical and broad jumps. With his age, lack of dynamic athleticism and limited measurements, his draft stock took a significant hit this week.  

Dante Trader Jr., Maryland

Trader opted out of running the 40-yard dash. He finished with poor numbers in the vertical and broad jumps. Trader Jr is a versatile safety who can wear multiple hats for his defense. With that said, a lack of explosiveness and slightly above-threshold athleticism are not good. He was solid during the field drills, but questions regarding his athleticism held back his overall performance. 

Tight Ends

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LSU tight end Mason Taylor

Mason Taylor, LSU

Taylor was clearly the smoothest operator on the field during Friday's tight end session. He opted out of his forty-yard dash, but every other effort turned out to be outstanding. He ran good routes, displayed his body control during the gauntlet drill and displayed the best hands in the group. He caught every pass with soft hands and confidence. 

Terrence Ferguson, Oregon

Ferguson did a good job overall. He tested and handled the on-field drills well, with sharp route-running, good hands to pluck the ball out of the air and reaching top on-field speed (21.83) during positional drills, per Next Gen Stats. He helped himself with an all-around good performance. 

Bryson Nesbit, North Carolina

Nesbit is supposed to be a flex tight end with the body type of a big wide receiver. He looked visibly thin/slim, which showed up during his sled blocking drill. Nesbit even tested poorly despite a thinner frame.

Gunnar Helm, Texas

Helm came in at 241 pounds but ran a slower time than expected. He didn’t handle the blocking drill well, either. He rebounded a bit during on-field drills. With that said, he was not impressive throughout the evening's festivities.