The NFL Combine remains inarguably the most pivotal event in the pre-draft process, offering the clearest insights into how prospects stack up athletically. These are the 10 trench players to keep a close eye on as they take the field in Indianapolis.
Jared Wilson, OC, Georgia
Jared Wilson is poised to put up the best 3-cone time among center prospects, with Duke Manyweather already publicly highlighting his potential in this drill. I expect Wilson to hit the sub-7.15 range. His 40-yard dash will also be a storyline—while his tape didn’t provide many opportunities to showcase long speed, I anticipate Wilson running in the 4.8s or lower. Coming out of Indianapolis, I see him potentially inserting himself into the day-one conversation, as his testing should be exceptional across the board.
Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Will Campbell doesn’t need to prove anything in Indianapolis for teams to know what kind of player he is. That said, I expect him to measure in the 32s for arm length, a number that falls below the threshold for many NFL teams at tackle. That measurement will be a determining factor for some evaluators. Watching Campbell compete against NFL-caliber edge rushers throughout his career, I believe that reducing his potential at tackle to a matter of inches in arm length is misguided. His film speaks louder than his measurements.
Deone Walker, IDL, Kentucky
Deone Walker already ranks among the best prospects in size, length, and mass, and I fully expect him to be an NFL Combine winner. His agility testing and body composition will be the key questions, but there’s a strong chance he will put together a Jordan Davis-esque or even better performance. If that happens, teams that emphasize elite traits will be paying close attention, and I see his stock potentially rising significantly.
Kenneth Grant, IDL, Michigan
Kenneth Grant has a major opportunity to remind evaluators why he belongs in the top-10 conversation. His strength and twitch at his size make him a rare prospect, and I expect him to validate that with his numbers. I predict Grant will run in the 4.8s or lower in the 40-yard dash, which would be an eye-opener for someone of his mass. When teams see his agility testing, I anticipate a significant stock boost.
Marcus Mbow, OT, Purdue
My favorite lineman in the class, Marcus Mbow is the best all-around athlete in this offensive line group, and I expect his testing to reflect that. His film suggests a 40 time in the 4.9s, and I project he’ll test well below the 4.47 shuttle sweet spot. His explosiveness, twitch, and power should also translate to elite numbers in the broad jump, 3-cone, and vertical as well. When the dust settles, I anticipate Mbow will be the best overall tester in the OL group.
Hollin Pierce, OT, Rutgers
Hollin Pierce presents a unique evaluation. While his tape doesn’t yet showcase a fully developed version of what he can be, the Combine will give a better sense of his athletic ability. I’m particularly interested in how he moves in the shuttle drill. We already know he possesses one of the best frames in the class, but I’m looking to see how fluid he is in movement drills to assess his potential.
Ahmed Hassanein, EDGE, Boise State
Ahmed Hassanein is still relatively new to football, but his high-end athletic traits are undeniable. He had a strong week at the Shrine Bowl and I expect him to test well across the board. His numbers should reflect the twitch, range, and quickness he displays on film. Putting raw testing numbers next to his tape could provide clarity on just how high his potential is.
Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College
Donovan Ezeiruaku is the best pure pass rusher in this class, and seeing him up close at the Senior Bowl only reinforced that stance. His production, measurables, and expected testing profile suggest he could potentially add a day-one projection to his already day-one-worthy film. I expect him to dominate both the vertical and broad jumps and test exceptionally well in the shuttle.
Chase Lundt, OT, Connecticut
We didn’t get to see Chase Lundt at the Senior Bowl, but I’m eager to see his measurements and testing. His blend of size and mobility in a space-heavy offense makes him an intriguing prospect. Questions about his arm length will come up, but if he clears the 33-inch threshold and tests well in movement drills, I believe he could potentially emerge as one of the best multi-positional day-two offensive line prospects.
Charles Grant, OT, William & Mary
The buzz around Charles Grant has cooled since the end of the season due to injury, but I still view him as the best athlete at his position. My summer comp for him was Terron Armstead, and I stand by that—his rare combination of power and mobility is what separates him. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him emerge as one of the best testers in Indianapolis, potentially reigniting the conversation around his potential.
