Defensive linemen and linebackers kicked off the on-field testing portion of this year's NFL Scouting Combine. On Friday, defensive backs (cornerbacks and safeties) were among the first testers. The 2025 NFL Draft is loaded with instant contributors in the defensive backfield, and they did not disappoint under Lucas Oil Stadium's bright lights.
On-field workouts and testing results offer the prospects an opportunity to increase their pre-draft stock. We've identified which defensive backs took the most advantage of their participation at this year’s NFL Combine.
Jacob Parrish, CB, Kansas State
Kansas State cornerback Jacob Parrish flashed outstanding lower-body explosion by securing top-five results in the broad (10-foot-9) and vertical (37.5 inches) jumps. Parrish also showcased lightning-quick speed on his official 40-yard dash attempt, running it in 4.35 seconds. The Kansas State standout is instinctive on tape with five career interceptions and 19 pass breakups.
Nick Emmanwori, SAF, South Carolina
Nick Emmanwori immediately won the weigh-in process by clocking in at a rocked-up 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds with 32.5-inch arms. The on-field testing process was equally as impressive. Emmanwori leaped a position-best 43-inch vertical, which would have topped all players at last year's combine, and is currently in the lead at this year's event. His 11-foot-6 broad also leads all participants through Friday, and his 4.38 40 placed second among safeties. The potential first-round selection marries size with otherworldly athleticism and playmaking skills on tape.
Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
Maxwell Hairston missed five contests due to injury in 2024, but he looked fully healthy during the NFL Combine. Hairston ran a position-best 4.28 40-yard dash, which equaled Nate Wiggins’ position-fast time at last year's event. The Kentucky Wildcat also placed second among corners in the 10-yard split (1.50) and came within half an inch (39.5) of Caleb Ransaw's chart-topping 40-inch vertical. He also finished third in the broad jump (10-foot-9), securing top-three results in the four main testing categories.
Caleb Ransaw, DB, Tulane
Speaking of Ransaw, his position-topping 40-inch vertical. The underrated Tulane cover-man ran a third-best 4.33 40 and also tied for third in the broad jump (10-foot-9). Ransaw was a physical box safety for the Green Wave, displaying versatility and tackling ability. The former Troy transfer proved more athletic than initially meets the eye.
Billy Bowman Jr., SAF, Oklahoma
Billy Bowman Jr. was arguably the smoothest safety during on-field positional work, displaying effortless change of direction and fluidity. The athletic testing results were also impressive. Bowman Jr. ran a 4.42 40, and his jumps were more than adequate, at a 10-foot-3 broad, and 35.5-inch vertical.
Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State
Iowa State cornerback Darien Porter is a converted wide receiver and it was evident via how fluid and smooth he looked during the gauntlet drill. The Bettendorf, Iowa native showcased progress this season by recording three interceptions. Porter is an outstanding athlete too. His 10-foot-11 broad and 4.30 40 placed second among cornerbacks, and his 1.49 10-yard split was a position-topping result. He made money in Indianapolis.
Kitan Crawford, SAF, Nevada
Nevada's Kitan Crawford should no longer be flying under your radar. He dominated on Friday, running a 4.41 40 (third-best). Crawford also placed second in the vertical (41.5 inches) and third in the broad (10-foot-8) jumps. The Texas transfer recorded 76 tackles, six pass breakups, and two interceptions, including a pick-six touchdown, this past season.
