Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas – “Barron needed to fly in the 40-yard dash after measuring on the smaller side (5-foot-10 3/4, 29 5/8-inch arms), and he did not disappoint. His 4.39-second 40-yard dash and 1.5-second 10-yard split at 194 pounds proved he has the speed to play outside against NFL receivers, a major boon for his draft stock. All-Pro CB Trent McDuffie had similar size (5-10 3/4, 193) and length (29 3/4 arms) at the 2022 combine, and Barron bested McDuffie’s 40 time (4.44).”
Billy Bowman Jr., S, Oklahoma – “Bowman’s length isn’t exactly ideal for the safety position (5-9 7/8, 28 1/2-inch arms) but the 192-pounder’s 40 time (4.42 seconds, 1.52 10-yard split) was better than I expected. His most impressive work was in drills. He looked like a bulked-up corner moving around cones and in transition drills. Bowman fluidly caught the ball, adjusting to a throw behind him and perfectly executing the gauntlet drill. He gave himself a leg up in the safety competition with his effort.”
Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina – “A safety of Emmanwori’s size (6-3 1/8, 220 pounds) is not supposed to be able to run a sub-4.4 40-yard dash, but that’s exactly what he did on Friday, posting a time of 4.38 seconds. He also had the best vertical (43 inches) and best broad jump (11-6) of any safety at the combine this year. Emmanwori chose not to take part in position drills after putting up those great numbers, but he had already displayed his plus athleticism as he tries to convince teams he’s worthy of a first-round selection.”
Terrance Ferguson, TE, Oregon – “With other tight ends taking a step back on Friday with their performance at the combine, Ferguson might have secured a Day 2 (Rounds 2-3) spot with a position-best 4.63-second 40 (1.55 10-yard split). His 39-inch vertical and 10-2 broad jump met expectations, as well. The former Duck caught everything thrown his way with ease during the workout, reeling in a ball thrown above his head on a deep route and toe-tapping on the sideline in a jump-ball drill. He had suddenness in his routes that many of his fellow tight end prospects lacked, separating himself in a competitive group.”
Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky – “Hairston added four pounds since the Reese’s Senior Bowl (179 to 183) but still posted a head-turning 4.28-second 40, the best time of the combine so far. The 5-11 1/4 corner took a much-deserved victory lap after that run. His 39 1/2-inch vertical, 10-foot-9 broad jump and fluid hips in position drills also stood out. Hairston smoothly caught passes in position drills, backing up his five-interception effort from 2023. We might have seen similar production from him in 2024 if not for the shoulder injury that sidelined him for five games.”
Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State – “Porter was only a one-year starter for the Cyclones, but the former receiver showed plus athleticism on Friday. At 6-2 7/8 and 195 pounds, he ran a 4.30 40 with a 1.49-second 10-yard split and a 10-foot-11 broad jump. Porter looked good in drills, showing off strong hands to high-point most deep throws. He also exceled in the gauntlet drill, running in a straight line and snatching passes with his 33 1/8-inch arms.”
Joshua Simon, TE, South Carolina – “Athleticism was Simon’s calling card during his six college seasons, split between Western Kentucky and South Carolina. We saw more of the same from the 6-4 1/8 pass catcher in Indianapolis, where he ran a 4.65-second 40 at 239 pounds. He impressed in the jumps, too, with 38 inches in the vertical and 10-4 in the broad. His smooth routes and soft hands in drills showed he has the skills to move the chains, potentially pushing him into the top of Day 3.”
