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We got one step closer to the 2025 NFL Draft this week, as we just got done with the combine. In less than two months, we'll watch as the next generation of NFL stars hear their names get called at the historic Lambeau Field.
The combine gave us a glimpse into the future. Some of these talented players performed brilliantly to raise their draft stocks, while others disappointed scouts and might see their draft position plummet due to their performance at the event.
Without further ado, let's look at three risers and three fallers from the 2025 NFL Combine. This article will mainly cover later-round prospects.
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2025 NFL Scouting Combine Risers
Tai Felton, WR, Maryland
As a true freshman, Tai Felton struggled to make an impact behind future NFL players Rakim Jarrett and Jeshaun Jones. But he got better as time went on and took over as the team's WR1 in 2024, with neither Jarrett nor Jones on the team.
Can someone help me better understand why Tai Felton isn’t a 1st / 2nd rounder?
He’s shown everything on tape, tested great, can run every route, dependable pass catcher, and Maryland has a great history at the position? But I hear no buzz! What am I missing? @CoachLocks…
— Jake Butt (@Jbooty88) March 3, 2025
Felton racked up 1,124 receiving yards while also using his 6-foot-1 height to his advantage, scoring nine touchdowns. The entire 2024 Maryland Terrapins team caught 21 total TDs, meaning Felton was responsible for almost 43 percent of the team's scores through the air.
Despite this, there wasn't much hype around him before the combine. But when he arrived at Lucas Oil Stadium, Felton went to work. He ran a 4.37-second 40-yard dash with a 10-yard split of 1.51, ranking him sixth among all WRs in both categories.
He also elevated 39.5 inches in the vertical leap, fourth among WRs. The only WR who managed to rank above Felton in all three categories was Virginia Tech's Jaylin Lane, who is three inches shorter than Felton.
Felton's mix of speed, height, and collegiate production is very intriguing, and he could be a name to watch in the later rounds.
CJ Dippre, TE, Alabama
After two years at Maryland, CJ Dippre performed his role as a blocking TE at Alabama for the remainder of his college career.
He caught 32 total passes for 443 yards and no scores in two years with the Crimson Tide, but his showing at the combine shows he has the potential to be an adequate pass-catcher.
He ran a 4.69-second 40-yard dash with a 1.56 10-yard split, third among TEs in both categories. But his strength was even more impressive, as he recorded 32 reps in the bench press, second among all players at the combine.
He can run faster than most TEs and bench press more than most linemen. His raw athletic ability is off the charts, which makes him a very intriguing long-term prospect.
Tory Horton, WR, Colorado State
Tory Horton caught fire as soon as he transferred to Colorado State from Nevada, putting up 1,130+ yards and eight touchdowns in each of his next two seasons.
Tory Horton | WR | CSU
Smooth moving WR w/ experience in the slot, out wide, and being a target monster. Great route tempo during stem & quick in/out of breaks. Good feel for zone coverage finding gaps in depth & width. Fantastic hands to pluck&move or through contact. pic.twitter.com/LFL1FmpLLv
— Matt Lane (@Matty_KCSN) March 3, 2025
He was viewed as an NFL-level prospect but suffered a devastating season-ending knee injury in his sixth game of the 2024 season. His draft stock plummeted following the injury, but he bounced back in a big way at the combine.
He posted similar numbers to Tai Felton (4.41 40-yard dash, 1.53 10-yard split), but is an inch and a half taller and 13 pounds heavier. His frame will allow him to become a solid goal-line threat with big-play potential at the next level.
2025 NFL Scouting Combine Fallers
Devin Neal, RB, Kansas
The Kansas Jayhawks endured some tough times from the start of the 2010s until the arrival of coach Lance Leipold and star RB Devin Neal.
Devin Neal might be the most underrated Running Back in the entire 2025 Class..
➖244 Touches
➖1,528 Yards
➖17 TD’sThis year he finished with:
➖MORE 1st Downs than Kaleb Johnson
➖MORE Receptions than Ashton Jeanty
➖MORE Rush TD’s than Omarion HamptonAbsolute DAWG pic.twitter.com/zeA6KOFMyE
— Austin Abbott (@AustinAbbottFF) February 24, 2025
These two were the masterminds of the team's turnaround, as it finished 23rd in the final AP poll of the 2023 season, its first time in the top 25 of the final AP poll since 2007.
The Jayhawks certainly couldn't have done it without Neal's 1,497 total yards and 17 touchdowns that year. Although the team regressed in 2024, Neal continued his production, racking up more yards from scrimmage (1,520) despite playing in one fewer game.
He also managed to score 17 TDs for the second year in a row, but great stats in college aren't enough to make you an early round pick. Neal underperformed at the combine, running the fourth-slowest 40-yard dash among RBs (4.58).
He's now projected to be a fourth-round pick, but with his feel for the game, he could succeed at the next level if he lands in the right situation.
Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Bowling Green
Harold Fannin Jr. showed some glimpses of potential in his first two years at Bowling Green, but very few paid attention to him before this past season. Fannin shocked the world and had one of the best seasons ever for a TE in CFB history.
He caught 177 passes for 1,555 yards (both records for an FBS TE) and 10 touchdowns, while also adding a score on the ground for good measure. All he needed was a strong showing at the combine to ensure his selection in the first two rounds.
Unfortunately, he didn't perform as expected, as his 40-yard dash time of 4.71 seconds was very average compared to other TE prospects. His bench press was also average, as he hit 22 reps.
Scouts are starting to question his speed and big-play ability, but his reliable hands and great agility should see him get selected on the second day of the draft.
Jordan James, RB, Oregon
Bucky Irving set the NFL world on fire as a rookie, so it's only natural to be excited about his successor on the Oregon Ducks, Jordan James. After Irving's departure last year, James took over and ran for 1,267 yards on 233 carries (5.4 yards per attempt) and scored 15 TDs.
Asked Oregon RB Jordan James about his burst through the hole.
“I think I was just blessed with that ability. I’m trying to get north and south as fast as possible.”
Also mentioned that he talks to Bucky Irving “all the time.” pic.twitter.com/TitZhGl4lF
— Bradley Locker (@Bradley_Locker) February 28, 2025
Despite the solid numbers, analysts questioned his speed and strength before the combine, and James didn't do much to silence the doubters. His 40-yard dash time of 4.55 seconds raised a few red flags, considering his lack of strength and 5-foot-9 build.
He also finished in the bottom three in the 10-yard split (1.62 seconds), which is a huge cause for concern, as it shows that he lacks that next-level acceleration.
James is now in danger of being drafted very late, but on the bright side, Irving also had a 4.55 40-yard dash. So, it's not just about how fast you can run, and James does have some intangibles to succeed, but he'll have to work on his receiving ability.
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