The NFL Combine has lost some of its appeal in 2025 with top prospects Shedeur Sanders, Cam Ward, Ashton Jeanty, and Tetairoa McMillan opting not to run or work out.
Despite these absences, teams gathered valuable information both behind the scenes and on the field ahead of the NFL Draft.
Here’s a breakdown of the winners and losers from Indianapolis.
NFL Combine 2025: Winners & Losers
Winner: Cam Ward
Ward is drawing comparisons to Jayden Daniels with his methodical college path to becoming a top draft pick. Teams are now viewing his experiences at Incarnate Ward and Washington State before Miami as assets complementing his arm-accuracy-athleticism combination.
He impressed teams during interviews by demonstrating knowledge of multiple offensive systems.
This performance has solidified his position as the top QB prospect, creating significant separation from other quarterbacks in the class.
Loser: Shedeur Sanders
Sanders’ decision not to compete alongside other non-Ward quarterbacks raises questions about his first-round status. While his confidence in his passing abilities is evident, sitting out in favor of Colorado’s upcoming pro day may have been miscalculated.
By avoiding on-field work, Sanders potentially opened the door for a draft-day slide.
Meanwhile, several quarterbacks, including Jaxson Dart—now widely considered the consensus No. 3 QB prospect—are climbing draft boards.
Winner: Jack Bech
Bech established himself as the standout wide receiver during both Senior Bowl practices and the combine. The TCU product has entered second-round discussions and continued to impress in Indianapolis.
At 6-1, 214 pounds, Bech combines quickness, route-running precision, and reliable hands, making a strong case as a potential long-term NFL starter.
His timing couldn’t be better as several other receivers have faded behind Tetairoa McMillan.
Loser: Emeka Egbuka
Egbuka opted out of workouts while competitors like Bech, Matthew Golden, and Luther Burden III participated. This decision may prove costly for the Ohio State product.
He missed an opportunity to secure the No. 2 receiver position behind McMillan, particularly notable since he could have worked with three former Ohio State QBs—Will Howard, Kyle McCord, and Quinn Ewers—who were present at the combine.
Winner: Matthew Golden
Golden continues to strengthen his draft position as a big-play threat with a complete receiving skill set. He recorded a 4.29-second 40-yard dash, approaching former Texas teammate Xavier Worthy’s record 4.21 from last year.
He’s positioning himself to be drafted immediately behind McMillan and potentially ahead of Egbuka.
Loser: Isaiah Bond
Making a bold prediction that doesn’t materialize—specifically claiming he would beat Worthy’s 40 time—brought additional scrutiny to Bond’s good-but-not-great combine performance.
Winner: Shemar Stewart
Stewart had been rising before the combine and dominated during edge rusher workouts that were otherwise underwhelming as a group. His performance confirmed his first-round status alongside fellow Texas A&M pass rusher Nic Scourton.
Stewart now has momentum to be selected ahead of his teammate and potentially become the second edge rusher taken in the draft.
Loser: Abdul Carter
Carter’s medical evaluation revealed a manageable foot issue, but his decision to postpone surgery raises durability concerns. This development complicates matters for the Titans, who are evaluating whether the Penn State edge rusher merits the No. 1 overall selection.
Winner: Kenneth Grant
Grant, Michigan’s massive and athletically gifted defensive tackle, measured well but suffered a hamstring strain. Medical staff advised against participating in drills despite his eagerness to perform.
He’s expected to be fully recovered for Michigan’s March 21 pro day, where he’ll have another opportunity to showcase his abilities.
Loser: Mason Graham
Graham, a compact, quicker interior pass rusher than his former Michigan teammate Grant, left questions about his power and strength based on his measurements. His non-injury decision to skip workouts prevented him from securing a top-10 overall position.
Winner: James Pearce Jr.
Pearce has been viewed as polarizing when reconciling his potential with his motor, but his exceptional workout results at 6-5, 245 pounds—including a 4.47 40-yard dash—captured significant attention.
That athletic upside as an edge pass rusher could elevate him into the first round alongside Stewart.
Loser: Jack Sawyer
Sawyer has steadily lost draft stock since his impressive performance during Ohio State’s national championship playoff run. He lacked the dynamism necessary to maintain consideration as a high second-round selection.
Winner: Nick Emmanwori
Emmanwori lived up to athletic expectations among SEC East safety prospects. The South Carolina product, who compiled impressive college statistics, excelled in every aspect of on-field testing in Indianapolis.
His performance has put him back in the conversation for borderline first-round consideration.
Loser: Malaki Starks
Starks, from Georgia, is another versatile SEC East safety prospect, but his athleticism, speed, and measurables fell short of expectations. While still projected as a first-rounder, the gap between him and Emmanwori continues to narrow.
Winner: Tennessee Titans
The Titans benefit from Ward’s strong interview performances and the continued intrigue surrounding Carter and Colorado cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter. These developments suggest Tennessee could leverage the No. 1 overall pick in a trade with teams coveting any of these top three prospects, potentially accumulating additional high draft capital.
Winner: Pro days | Loser: Combine
Starting with Ward and Sanders, marquee prospects who skipped combine workouts repeatedly mentioned looking forward to performing at campus Pro Days. The combine is trending toward the relevance level of meaningless bowl games, no longer serving as the ultimate evaluation platform for some prospects.
The event also loses television entertainment value without top star power. The NFL needs to reconsider its approach to maintain the combine’s significance as a premier offseason event.
