The Indianapolis humidity usually stays outside Lucas Oil Stadium, but inside? The heat was real this year. We just wrapped up the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, and honestly, the league’s collective jaw is still on the floor after some of these defensive back and edge rusher numbers. If you think your team’s draft board looks the same as it did in January, you’re kidding yourself.
Draft season is basically a lying contest, but the stopwatch doesn’t lie.
Everyone wants to talk about the quarterbacks. That’s fine. But this NFL post combine mock draft landscape is actually being dictated by a group of "freak" athletes on the defensive side and a massive shakeup in the offensive line hierarchy. We saw guys like South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori put up numbers that seem physically impossible for a human being that size. 6'3", 220 pounds, and he runs a 4.38? Plus a 43-inch vertical? That isn't just a good workout; it’s a first-round ticket.
The Quarterback Tier Gap is Widening
There's been a lot of chatter about Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders. Coming out of Indy, the vibe among scouts is that a gap has formed. Ward is increasingly viewed as the clear QB1. He didn't even have to throw to "win" the combine—his measurements and the interviews did the heavy lifting. Teams are falling in love with his frame and that natural, flick-of-the-wrist arm talent.
The New York Giants are the team everyone is watching. They are reportedly "done" with the status quo. In many circles, the word is they might even jump the Cleveland Browns to ensure they get Ward. It’s a bold move.
👉 See also: Why What Number is Tyreek Hill Matters More Than You Think
- Tennessee Titans: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
- Cleveland Browns: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
- New York Giants: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
- New England Patriots: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
Wait, Armand Membou at four? Yeah. Get used to that name.
He was the absolute star of the offensive line group. Running a 4.91-second 40-yard dash at 332 pounds is rare. Like, Tristan Wirfs-level rare. The Patriots desperately need to protect Drake Maye, and Membou’s stock is currently in orbit. While Will Campbell from LSU was the "chalk" pick for months, Membou’s sheer explosive power has him nipping at that OT1 spot.
Why the Top 10 Feels Like a Defensive Masterclass
Usually, the top of the draft is a flurry of wide receivers and tackles. This year feels different. The defensive line talent is just too "loud" to ignore.
Take Shemar Stewart from Texas A&M. He entered the week as a fringe first-rounder with "meh" college production. Then he showed up at 6'5", 267 pounds and blazed a 4.58. You can’t teach that. NFL defensive coordinators see those numbers and think they can coach the production into him. The Carolina Panthers, sitting at pick eight, are starving for a pass rush. Stewart fits that "Dan Morgan" mold of high-motor, high-ceiling athletes.
Then you have the Travis Hunter factor. Is he a corner? Is he a receiver? Most teams at the combine seemed to agree on one thing: he’s a football player. Period. The Giants taking him at three—if they don't trade up for a QB—gives them a blue-chip talent that changes the math on both sides of the ball. He weighed in at nearly 190 pounds, which quieted some of those "he's too thin" whispers.
Mid-First Round Risers and Values
The real meat of this NFL post combine mock draft is in the teens. This is where the "Combine Warriors" usually settle.
💡 You might also like: Rutgers vs Iowa Football: Why the Scarlet Knights Can't Shake the Hawkeye Hex
- Jacksonville Jaguars (Pick 5): They have a massive hole in the secondary. Will Johnson from Michigan didn't test as well as some hoped, but the tape is undeniable. He's still the best pure cover corner in the class, even if Maxwell Hairston (4.28 40-yard dash!) is the new speed king.
- Las Vegas Raiders (Pick 6): Ashton Jeanty. If the Raiders don't take him, they’re overthinking it. He’s the most complete back we’ve seen in years. He didn't need a 4.2 to prove he’s a bell-cow.
- Chicago Bears (Pick 10): They need to help Caleb Williams. Taking a mauler like Will Campbell to slide inside to guard or play tackle is a safe, smart move.
The biggest "loser" of the week might actually be the tight end group, at least at the top.
Colston Loveland and Tyler Warren are still great, but they didn't have that "Kyle Pitts" moment where they blew the doors off the building. They’re still locks for the first round, but the dream of them going in the top seven is probably dead. The Broncos taking Loveland at 20 to be Sean Payton's new "Joker" makes way too much sense.
What This Means for Your Team
Basically, the combine told us that the 2025 class is top-heavy with elite defensive athletes and "project" offensive linemen. If your team needs a wide receiver, you might be waiting until the second round unless you’re eyeing Tetairoa McMillan or Matthew Golden. Golden, by the way, ran a 4.29. He’s not lasting past the 20s anymore.
Don't get caught up in the "unconfirmed" rumors. Focus on the verified speed and the medical red flags. Will Johnson's knee is a talking point. Abdul Carter's shoulder is a talking point. These are the things that actually shift the boards when the cameras are off.
If you’re tracking your team’s needs, look at the "10-yard split" times for the pass rushers. That first step is everything. Guys like Jalon Walker (Georgia) showed they have the twitch to play on the edge at the next level, even if they're a bit undersized.
✨ Don't miss: How Old Tony Romo Is—And Why It Matters for the CBS Booth Right Now
To really get ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the Pro Day schedules for the guys who didn't run in Indy. That's when we'll see if the "consensus" holds up or if we're in for another massive shift before April.
Keep an eye on the local beat writers for the Titans and Browns over the next week. The "Ward vs. Defensive Blue Chip" debate is going to reach a fever pitch now that the testing numbers are official. Check the updated RAS (Relative Athletic Score) cards for the offensive line class to see how Membou stacks up against historical All-Pros.