The second day of on-field drills at the NFL Scouting Combine kicked off with the defensive backs showing their speed and athleticism. Many players improved their stock with impressive performances, while others may have raised eyebrows and sent scouts back to review game tape.
Let’s dive into some key highlights from the drills, focusing on standout performances from both winners and losers among the defensive backs.
Top Performers
Travis Hunter, a strong candidate for a top-5 pick, chose not to participate in drills. Similarly, Will Johnson, another potential first-rounder, sat out as well.
Georgia safety Malaki Starks had a fantastic showing. Although his vertical jump ranked in the 49th percentile, his agility in the drills captivated scouts. He recorded a blazing 4.50-second time in the 40-yard dash and an impressive 1.51-second 10-yard split.
Another standout was South Carolina’s Nick Emmanwori. At 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, he elevated expectations with a staggering 43-inch vertical and an 11-foot-6 broad jump, both ranking in the 98th percentile for safeties. He also ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash, showcasing remarkable speed.
Jahdae Barron from Texas had a solid performance, running a 4.39-second 40-yard dash and demonstrating explosive power with a 35-inch vertical and a 10-foot-3 broad jump.
Trey Amos had a respectable day as well. His 4.43-second time in the 40-yard dash, along with a solid 10-foot-6 broad jump, showed he has the right tools to make an impact.
On the other hand, Kevin Winston Jr. opted out of the drills. He missed most of last season due to injury, which might have influenced his decision.
Other Impressive Performers
CB Darien Porter from Iowa State turned heads with a combine performance shading towards Seahawks star Tariq Woolen levels. At nearly 6-foot-3, Porter sprinted to a 4.30-second time, matching Woolen’s rapid 10-yard split of 1.49 seconds.
Maxwell Hairston from Kentucky took center stage, clocking the fastest 40-yard dash time among defensive backs at 4.28 seconds. His speed topped out at an incredible 24.63 mph, making him a prospect to watch. He paired this with a 39.5-inch vertical and a 10-foot-9 broad jump.
Jacob Parrish from Kansas State also impressed as an agile slot corner, registering a 4.35-second time and a strong vertical of 39.5 inches.
CB Caleb Ransaw from Tulane was close to entering the elite speed realm, running a 4.33 while reaching a high of 22.93 mph. He excelled in vertical and broad jump tests, showing his versatility.
S Marques Sigle from Kansas State ran the fastest 40 among safeties, managing a time of 4.37 seconds and performing well in all drills.
On the flip side, some players didn’t fare as well at the combine. Zy Alexander from LSU, despite being a consistent performer in college, struggled during the drills and ranked low among his peers.
As we look ahead, the 2025 NFL Draft will take place from April 24-26 in Green Bay. There will be plenty more coverage on draft prospects and their performances leading up to the event.
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