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The NFL Scouting Combine has concluded. Outside of a few poor performances, fans were once again blown away by the level of talent and athleticism displayed by the top NFL Draft prospects.
We must analyze these prospect performances to gain a stronger understanding of the fantasy football picture. While we know Scouting Combine results aren't an end-all, be-all — see John Ross, Chris Darkins, and Matt Jones — they can certainly offer a glimpse into a player's career. It's worth keeping stock of individual performances and adjusting our fantasy football draft boards accordingly.
Here are several players who might have seen a boost in their dynasty ADP and could also rise up teams' draft boards in April. This article intends to remain conscious of the current market, identify players we shouldn't reach for, and potentially focus on a few players who are now steals after their stocks didn't adjust enough.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:- 2025 fantasy football rankings (redraft)
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- Quarterback fantasy football rankings
- Running back fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
- Tight end fantasy football rankings
NFL Combine Winners
Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Heading into the 40-yard dash event, all eyes were on Texas wide receiver Isaiah Bond, who guaranteed that he would set the all-time record by breaking Xavier Worthy's time of 4.21 seconds.
Bond ended up running a 4.39-second 40-yard dash, allowing his draft stock to take a major hit. However, his teammate, Golden, fared much better. Golden spanned 40 yards in 4.29 seconds, which not only beat Bond but also ranked first among all prospects at the Scouting Combine.
The most impressive part of Golden's 40-yard dash time is that he was already regarded as a top receiver prospect based on his athleticism, agility, route running, and body control. Now, we can add "game-changing speed" to his list of strengths. Teams are always cautious when it comes to putting stock in a 40-yard dash time, but we think Golden absolutely boosted his stock with this result.
Matthew Golden: WR1?👀 pic.twitter.com/zMZu5A9p0O
— PFF College (@PFF_College) March 4, 2025
Cameron Ward, QB, Miami
If it wasn't clear before the Scouting Combine that Ward was this year's QB1, it should be clear now. The Miami product didn't throw in Indianapolis, allowing his college production to speak for itself. But he still benefitted from other quarterbacks' draft stocks sliding.
Ward seems to have cemented himself over Shedeur Sanders amidst rumors that the Colorado quarterback has attitude problems and is a longshot to be drafted before No. 6, where the Raiders pick. Meanwhile, Ohio State's Will Howard turned in one of the worst passing drills we've seen in a while, damaging his candidacy for QB3 honors.
Ward has to be excited about where he stands after the Scouting Combine concluded. After all, he likely boosted his status without even throwing a pass. Now, he just needs to hope the Titans or Browns are committed to selecting a quarterback.
Cam Ward is a popular player at the combine both the Giants and Titans QB coach seemed to be always around Ward 🤔
pic.twitter.com/rTPKrD7j30— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) March 2, 2025
Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
Speaking of his candidacy for the QB3 title, Dart continues to make an impressive case for himself. The Ole Miss product performed great at the Senior Bowl and continued to look like one of the class's best passers when he took the field at the Scouting Combine.
Dart is viewed as a high-quality decision-maker who throws the ball with accuracy and velocity. Those components of his game, coupled with the direct results we've seen in college, at the Senior Bowl, and at the Scouting Combine, could allow Dart to hear his name called as the third quarterback off the board behind Ward and Sanders.
If you need more proof that Dart's stock is rising, look no further than the latest mock draft from NFL.com's Charles Davis, who has Dart going third overall to the New York Giants.
Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart showed off his arm talent at the NFL Combine 🎯@olemissfb | @jaxsondart pic.twitter.com/dMZjyP8LTb
— NFL (@NFL) March 3, 2025
Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State
Judkins ran surprisingly well for a 22o-pound running back, finishing the 40-yard dash with a time of 4.48 seconds. He also delivered an 11-foot broad jump and 38.5-inch vertical.
The Ohio State running back showed that he can play with explosiveness and pure athleticism, which stands out in a crowded class of running backs. That's especially true when the positional rankings look murky at running back, with no clear order for prospects behind Ashton Jeanty.
With his excellent showing in Indianapolis, Judkins is making a strong case to be the second running back off the board. It might not be enough to push him into the first round of the draft, but his increased stock helps his fantasy value nonetheless.
Quinshon Judkins could end up being a Top-2 RB from this draft and I wouldn’t be surprised:
In 3 Seasons:
🚀 4.227 Total YDs
🚀 50 TDs🌟 Tested VERY Well at the Combine, has the measureables and athletic profile to make him a Top RB prospect.pic.twitter.com/xxnu0AEOTW
— Andy 🏈 (@CUandyy) March 4, 2025
Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
Emmanwori turned heads by posting the best vertical jump and broad jump results at the Scouting Combine. He excelled at the physical testing component of the event, showing scouts that he's ready to take on talented competition at the NFL level.
In fact, with his elite results and 10.0 relative athletic score, it's fair to ask if we just saw the greatest performance in Scouting Combine history.
Regardless of where Emmanwori's results rank all-time, the bottom line is that he has cemented himself as one of the most athletic defenders in this year's draft. There's a real chance he could be selected within the first 15 picks in April.
The best vertical jump (43") and broad jump (11'6") of ANYONE at this year's Combine.
South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori is one to watch 👀@Eman7Nick | @GamecockFB pic.twitter.com/158IrIOzkE
— NFL (@NFL) March 4, 2025
Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
Stewart arrived at the Scouting Combine having lost some weight, and he ended up wowing scouts with a 4.59-second 40-yard dash time, which is relatively rare for edge rushers. This result supported what we have seen on game film from Stewart all along: that he plays with speed and quickness.
Of course, a 40-yard dash time is not everything, especially for an edge rusher. However, Stewart excelled in other physical tests, too. His performance in Indianapolis showed that he is a phenomenal athlete, which should allow for a relatively seamless transition into NFL action.
All in all, Stewart boosted his draft stock at the Scouting Combine and is now in the mix to be a top-15 selection this April.
Shemar Stewart is a physical freak 💪 https://t.co/5DXrPNk7kj pic.twitter.com/za3x5MvXW8
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) February 27, 2025
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