When the NFL scouting combine opened in Indianapolis, anticipation was high for Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter’s two-position workout and the face-off among top quarterbacks. However, those expectations were not met. Hunter opted out of on-field demonstrations, while quarterbacks Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders chose their college pro days over the combine, aligning with a broader trend among top prospects.
Fans will need to exercise some patience to fully grasp the talent on display, needing to wait days or even weeks. Nonetheless, the combine showcased a variety of captivating storylines that will be extensively analyzed until the draft kicks off in Green Bay on April 24. Here’s a breakdown of some prominent highlights from the event.
**Notable Winners**
**Armand Membou, OT, Missouri:** Prospects had been eyeing him for a potential first offensive lineman pick this year. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 332 pounds, Membou impressed with a 40-yard dash time of 4.91 seconds. He led all offensive linemen in broad jump at 9 feet, 7 inches and a 34-inch vertical, firmly planting himself as a high first-round contender.
**Shemar Stewart, DE, Texas A&M:** Stewart stole the limelight on the defensive side by clocking a 4.59 40-yard time and a 10-yard split of 1.58 seconds. His broad jump reached 10-1 and a stunning 40-inch vertical showcased his athletic prowess, thereby boosting his draft stock.
**Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State:** Determined to leave an impression, the 5-foot-10, 194-pound receiver excelled across the board. Noel recorded a 4.39 40-yard dash with a 10-yard split of 1.51, leading his position in the vertical jump (41 1/2) and broad jump (11-2), and dazzling with 23 reps on the bench press.
**Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama:** With powerhouse Jalon Walker absent, Campbell rose to prominence with a third-place 40 time of 4.52 among linebackers. He also showed finesse with a 10-yard split of 1.53 and a 10-7 broad jump, narrowing the gap with Walker.
**Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky:** Returning from a shoulder injury, Hairston impressed with the fastest 40 time of 4.28 seconds. Only one cornerback beat his 10-yard split, and his vertical (39 1/2) and broad jumps (10-9) placed second and third.
**Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina:** At 220 pounds, Emmanwori was a whisker away from topping all drills, with a leading 10-yard split (1.49), best broad jump (11-6), and a significant vertical (43), just behind the top 40 time of 4.38.
**Questions Still Linger**
**Will Campbell, OT, LSU:** A solid performance raised expectations, but scouts are concerned about his shorter arm length. His upcoming pro day could help dispel these doubts.
**Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa:** Once eyed as a top-five running back, Johnson’s limited 40-yard dash participation with a time of 4.57 necessitates a stronger pro day to affirm his standing.
**Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama:** Entering the season with high hopes, Milroe’s stock has waned, with the combine unsteady throwing display possibly inciting more questions.
**Mike Green, Edge, Marshall:** Off-field concerns overshadow Green’s field talents, with his transfer influenced by a second sexual assault allegation, an area likely attracting intense scrutiny.
**What’s Next?**
**Jack Bech, WR, TCU:** Although he opted out of the 40, Bech’s strength and toughness suggest he’s draft-worthy, driven in part by the loss of his brother, adding an emotional layer to his journey.
**Riley Leonard, QB, Notre Dame:** After a runner-up finish with the Fighting Irish, Leonard’s efforts to refine technique shine, with hopes pinned on further pro day progression.
**Harold Fannin Jr., TE/H-back, Bowling Green:** His record-breaking season precedes an agile 4.71 40 time, positioning him well among tight ends.
**Marcus Yarns, RB, Delaware:** Once a star in the FCS, Yarns delivered an impressive 4.45 40 and stood out in drills, proving readiness for the NFL stage.
