NFL scouts have been watching the prospects in the 2025 NFL draft for years, analyzing film and studying player backgrounds. This week, in Indianapolis, over 300 of those prospects will gather to work out and interview with teams. For many players, the 2025 NFL Combine will be an opportunity to put teams on notice and improve their draft stock. These four players could be some of the biggest risers after the 2025 NFL Combine.
Predicting the Biggest Risers After the 2025 NFL Combine
Mykel Williams, Georgia EDGE
Three years ago, Travon Walker entered the 2022 NFL Combine as a promising prospect with limited production in college. After a jaw-dropping performance at the combine, the uber-athletic Georgia EDGE shot up draft boards, eventually being selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the first overall pick. Similarly, Georgia EDGE Mykel Williams has seen limited pass-rushing production in his three collegiate seasons. In 2024, Williams finished with just five sacks. He’s tallied less than 40 solo tackles as a Bulldog.
Despite his lack of production, Mykel Williams possesses the tools to become an elite EDGE defender at the next level. At 6’5” and 265 pounds, Williams has the size and strength to push the pocket and hold his own in run defense. His film shows high athleticism and quickness. At the 2025 NFL Combine, scouts will be paying close attention to his arm length and hand size. If the numbers come out in his favor, Williams could see a rise similar to that of Walker.
Elijah Arroyo, Miami TE
This year’s draft class is full of high-quality tight ends. While players like Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland are expected to be taken in the first round, Miami tight end Elijah Arroyo has flown under the radar thus far. Arroyo has an opportunity to announce himself to NFL scouts and coaches at the 2025 NFL Combine. For the first three years of his collegiate career, Arroyo played a very limited role in Miami’s offense. In 2024, he tallied 35 receptions for 590 yards and seven touchdowns. Arroyo has risen up draft boards throughout the season, but he has a chance to accelerate his rise in Indianapolis.
Arroyo has the size, blocking ability, and athleticism to play either at in-line tight end or in the slot. At the Combine, he will be able to show off his above-average speed and quickness for the position. Known for his refined route running ability, Arroyo is expected to impress in the on-field drills next weekend. With an impressive Combine performance, Arroyo could sneak into the end of the first round in April.
Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina S
South Carolina’s Nick Emmanwori is the prototypical modern NFL safety. At 6’3” and 227 pounds, Emmanwori has the size to play either at deep safety or in the box as an outside linebacker. During his time at South Carolina, Emmanwori showed the ability to track the ball consistently and put himself in positions to make game-changing plays. In 2024, he had four interceptions and returned two of them for touchdowns.
While Emmanwori’s versatility and ball skills are impressive, some scouts and experts have expressed concern about his ability to move with NFL wide receivers. His tape does not show the elite fluidity that many NFL teams look for in a safety. Emmanwori can put those concerns to rest if he tests well this week. Teams will keep a close eye on him in the defensive back drills.
Landon Jackson, Arkansas EDGE
In a deep class of defensive line prospects, Arkansas EDGE defender Landon Jackson has been lost in the mix to some extent. In Indianapolis, he’ll have the opportunity to separate himself from the pack. Jackson is a versatile defender capable of rushing the passer or setting the edge against the run. At Arkansas, he has produced 6.5 sacks and at least ten tackles for loss in each of the last two seasons.
Jackson is an impressive athlete with a rare combination of speed and strength. At 6’5” and 273 pounds, Jackson has the athleticism to play in either a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme. At the 2025 NFL Combine, he will get the chance to show off his ability to explode off of the line of scrimmage. Expect Jackson to gain significant buzz in the coming weeks.
Main Photo: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
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