2025 NFL Scouting Combine: Top Draft Takeaways from QB, WR and RB On-Field Workouts

With the Oscars taking center stage on Sunday, the NFL's best in show took the field Saturday at the NFL Scouting Combine. Quarterbacks, wide receivers and running backs were on the field in Indianapolis, as they pieced together the best possible picture they could provide for NFL teams to teams to evaluate the skill positions.

Of course, quarterbacks had the spotlight on them, though the class' top two prospects—Miami's Cam Ward and Colorado's Shedeur Sanders—didn't participate in any of the the on-field portions. Still, Ole Miss' Jaxson Dart and Louisville's Tyler Shough continue to impress throughout the predraft process.

The wide receiver group is deep, as always. But the top of the class is suspect, particularly when compared to last year's crop. However, Texas' Matthew Golden strengthened the class' case for multiple first-round options.

Finally, the running back confirmed the strength if the positional class, which can make an argument as the draft's best, even without Boise State's Ashton Jeanty providing a workout.

The Bleacher Report Scouting Department's Dame Parson broke down each of Saturday's groups to highlight those who may have impressed or disappointed among the skill positions. For all stats from the Combine, check out the NFL's Next Gen Stats.

Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss

Dart provided the cleanest throwing session of all the quarterbacks. He displayed good overall accuracy on short and deep throws. Dart was efficient throughout his workout. Building off the hype from Senior Bowl week, the first-team All-SEC performer did not disappoint.

Riley Leonard, Notre Dame

Leonard performed well, as he displayed the passing ability he was unable to while in college. He threw with good pacing, accuracy and ball placement. Leonard's passes were delivered with touch, he toggled between velocity and layering passes properly. The Fighting Irish quarterback provided a good and efficient showing after being asked to run too often during the College Football Playoff.

Tyler Shough, Louisville

The 6'5", 219-pound Shough displayed his full skill set and competitive drive. He ran a 4.63-second 40-yard dash, reaching a speed of 21.26 MPH, per Next Gen Stats, thus showcasing his athleticism as a dual-threat quarterback.

Shough threw the ball well overall. He layered throws, threw with pacing and drove throws to the wide receivers. Although he got a little cute at times with his footwork and hitches, Shough was impressive.

The 25-year-old prospect uncorked the best deep ball of the day. Teams willing to overlook his age and medical history saw a quarterback who can make every throw.

Dillon Gabriel, Oregon

Gabriel was inconsistent throughout the first group of quarterbacks during on-field workouts. He appeared fixated on proving his arm had enough velocity and zip. This effort led to off-target throws against air. He threw passes in the dirt, at the feet of his receivers and over their heads. His deep ball lost steam, too

Gabriel did not have the outing that he needed to gain ground and climb the QB rankings. 

Jalen Milroe, Alabama

Milroe's throwing workout turned into a mixed bag of results. He seemed to be learning in real time. He sprayed the football high, forcing receivers to jump out of the gym to even make an attempt on some passes. Milroe did have some positive moments, but the majority of his workout proved that he is truly a project.

The athletic signal-caller didn't even run to display his biggest selling point at this point in his development.

Bhayshul Tuten, Virginia Tech

Tuten started the day with explosive testing by posting a 40.5-inch vertical and 10'10" broad jump. He set the table for his top-end speed among the position group. Tuten nailed a 4.32 40-yard dash, reaching a top speed of 22.86, according to Next Gen Stats.

After impressive athletic testing, Tuten showcased good movement skills during field drills. He may not have much wiggle when changing directions and running routes. But, overall, Tuten saw the spotlight and shined brightly. 

Damien Martinez, Miami

Anytime a bigger running back who measures 6'0" and weighs 217 pounds can run a 4.51-second 40-yard dash, everyone notices.

Martinez had a nice day. His overall athletic testing was good for his body type. The two-time first-team All-PAC-12 performer at Oregon State looked fluid and smooth throughout the field drills. He showcased his soft hands to catch the ball with confidence and reliability. Martinez proved why he should be a valued Day 2 pick in a loaded running back class. 

Kyle Monangai, Rutgers

Monangai experienced a day to forget. He checked in at 5'8" and 211 pounds, then tested poorly. To be an undersized running then rank nearly at the bottom of most athletic tests is a major concern.

During on-field drills, Monangai made matters worse with multiple drops and looked stiffer than expected. The combine is not a make-or-break event in a total evaluation, but Monangai didn't impress.

Ulysses Bentley IV, Ole Miss

Bentley is generally viewed as a change-of-pace running back, with potential pass-catching value.  Unfortunately, Bentley was far from explosive or dynamic during testing or on-field drills. He finished with a 4.62-second 40-yard dash, 32.5-inch vertical and 9'9" broad jump.

This year's running back class is too talented with immense depth. The combine was too good of an opportunity to stand out among the group, and Bentley did not do so in a positive fashion.

Ollie Gordon III, Oklahoma St. 

After showing up lighter in Indianapolis from the Senior Bowl a few weeks ago, Gordon did not improve his explosiveness or dynamism. He remained stiff and slow.

The nation's 2023 rushing leader did not display quick footwork during bag drills. Despite a solid frame, he has not stood out through any of this process, especially with multiple big-framed backs in this class for comparison.

Matthew Golden, Texas

Typically, just running the 40-yard dash is not enough to be a winner. Do not tell Golden, who blazed a 4.30-second effort, with a 1.49 10-yard split. He reached a maximum speed of 24.17 MPH, per Next Gen Stats.

After emerging as Texas's top wide receiver in 2024, he stamped himself as one of the fastest and most dynamic pass catchers in the draft, with the designation of WR2 in the class.

Jayden Higgins, Iowa St.

Certain human beings should not be able to do specific things. Case in point, a 6'4" Higgins running a 4.47-second 40-yard dash, with a 39-inch vertical and 10'8" broad jump is staggering. His gauntlet drill top speed 19.14 MPH.

Higgins is known as a route-running possession receiver, but his obvious long speed and explosiveness carved out a definitive standing as a Day 2 draft prospect.

Jimmy Horn Jr., Colorado

Horn provided a strong performance during the on-field portion of wide receiver workouts. He confirmed his play-speed with a 4.46-second 40-yard dash and opened eyes with an explosive 38-inch vertical and 10'8" broad jump.

Furthermore, Horn caught nearly every pass during the gauntlet drill, and ran sharp routes. The former Buffalo had an all-around great day.

Pat Bryant, Illinois

Bryant came in built like a traditional outside receiver, but his speed underwhelmed. He ran a 4.61-second 40-yard dash and did not look fluid during on-field drills.

The second-team All-Big Ten performer needed to display more speed and suddenness to stand out in another deep wide receiver class and failed to do so.

Joshua Kelly, Texas Tech

Kelly's poor athleticism did him no favors among a fast wide receiver group. He clocked a 4.70-second 40-yard dash, with a pedestrian 33-inch vertical. Kelly weight 186 pounds. A slight frame combined with testing similar to some of the tight ends, who weigh roughly 40 more pounds, is a terrible combination.