The 2025 NFL Combine is in the rearview mirror. Most of the headlines were about elite prospects who didn’t participate in the event. However, several prospects saw their draft stock rise while others saw theirs decline. Let’s look at six players whose draft stock is on the rise or fall following the NFL Combine.
- 2025 NFL Draft Guide
- 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
- 2025 NFL Mock Drafts
- Dynasty Mock Draft Simulator
NFL Draft Stock Up/Stock Down
NFL Draft Stock Up
While many expected Isaiah Bond to run the fasted 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, Golden had the second-fastest time overall and the best among wide receivers (4.29). The former Texas star was arguably the best wide receiver in Indianapolis, impressing talent evaluators during the on-the-field workouts. Reportedly, many at the NFL Combine believe Golden will be the first wide receiver drafted this year. The former Texas star’s draft stock has been rising since his play during the College Football Playoffs. He is a guaranteed first-round pick in April.
Shemar Stewart (EDGE – Texas A&M)
Some expected Stewart to dominate at the NFL Combine. The former Texas A&M edge rusher had only 4.5 sacks in 37 games in college. However, he has the raw tools and traits. Stewart finished fourth among edge rushers in the 40-yard dash with a time of 4.59 seconds and third in the 10-yard split at 1.58 seconds. He ranked second in the vertical jump (40 inches) and first in the broad jump (10 feet, 11 inches) at his position. Stewart could come off the board in the top 10 picks.
Darien Porter (CB – Iowa State)
Most draft evaluators have Travis Hunter, Will Johnson and Jahdae Barron as the top three cornerbacks in the draft class in some order. While Porter didn’t lock up the title as the fourth-best cornerback in the draft class, the former Iowa State star is now in the conversation. He ran the third-fastest 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, ranking second at cornerback (4.30 seconds). Yet, Porter measured at 6’3”, making him one of the tallest cornerbacks in Indianapolis. More importantly, he has long arms, at just over 33 inches.
NFL Draft Stock Down
Shedeur Sanders (QB – Colorado)
Sanders choose not to participate in any drills or on-the-field work at the NFL Combine. Reportedly, the former Colorado star had mixed results in his interviews with teams. Some reports say Sanders aced his interviews with NFL teams, while others say he was uninterested and immature. More importantly, Jaxson Dart and Quinn Ewers shined at the NFL Combine, while Cam Ward reportedly had outstanding interviews. While much can change over the next several weeks, Sanders seems more likely to be the third quarterback drafted than the first.
No one expected Helm to put on an athletic show in Indianapolis. However, the former Texas star posted some awful numbers. He had the third-slowest 40-yard dash time at the tight end position (4.84 seconds). Furthermore, Helm finished with the worst 10-yard split (1.69 seconds) and vertical jump (30 inches) among tight ends. However, he twisted his ankle on his false start 40-yard dash attempt but finished the workout despite suffering the injury. Unfortunately, Helm will need a strong performance at his pro day to improve his draft stock.
Unfortunately, Starks’ draft stock slipping has more to do with Nick Emmanwori’s performance than his own. The former South Carolina star has made a strong push to be the first safety drafted after ranking second in the 40-yard dash (4.38 seconds), first in the vertical jump (43 inches), and first in the broad jump (11 feet, six inches) at his position. Meanwhile, Starks posted a 4.5 40-yard dash and 33-inch vertical jump. Starks might end up being this year’s Brian Branch, getting drafted way later than he should.
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Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.
