2025 NFL Draft: 10 sleepers to watch following the combine are making waves in the football community. Players like Colorado’s Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders stole the spotlight at the NFL Scouting Combine last week. However, several other athletes, including receiver Matthew Golden and safety Nick Emmanwori, also made significant impacts with their impressive performances on the field.
This article highlights 10 players who have elevated their draft stock in Indianapolis and could turn out to be hidden gems for NFL teams as the draft approaches at the end of April. Keep these names on your radar for next month.
Billy Bowman Jr., S, Oklahoma
Measurables: 5-foot-10, 192 pounds
2024 stats (12 games): 54 combined tackles, 3 PBUs, 2 INTs
Bowman is a dynamic safety known for his playmaking ability, and he showcased this talent at the combine. With a 4.42-second 40-yard dash, a 10’3″ broad jump, and 17 reps at 225 pounds on the bench press, he impressed scouts. His performance aligns with his college production, where he recorded 11 interceptions over four years at Oklahoma, returning three for touchdowns. He possesses the physicality necessary to compete at the professional level.
Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State
Measurables: 6-foot-4, 214 pounds
2024 stats (13 games): 87 receptions, 1,183 receiving yards, 9 TDs
Higgins is a large receiver who turned heads with a 4.47-second 40-yard dash and a 39-inch vertical leap. His career stats at Iowa State, which include 140 receptions for 2,166 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns, indicate that he has the potential to be an impactful player on the NFL perimeter.
Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, DL, Georgia
Measurables: 6-foot-5, 276 pounds
2024 stats (14 games): 3 sacks, 19 tackles (8 for loss), 2 PBUs, FF
Ingram-Dawkins stood out as one of the top defensive tackles at the combine, leading his position in vertical jump (36 inches) and broad jump (10’4″). His 4.86-second 40-yard dash was also impressive, especially given his previous production at Georgia. This performance likely boosted his draft prospects, and he could be a valuable asset on Day 2, thanks to his versatility on the defensive line.
Riley Leonard, QB, Notre Dame
Measurables: 6-foot-4, 216 pounds
2024 stats (16 games): 2,861 passing yards, 21 TDs and 8 INTs
Leonard did not participate in athletic testing but excelled in throwing drills with receivers. In a draft class lacking a clear No. 3 quarterback behind Cam Ward and Sanders, Leonard could emerge as a dual-threat prospect on Day 3. He is preparing for the draft by training with former NFL quarterback Philip Rivers, which may enhance his chances.
Kain Medrano, LB, UCLA
Measurables: 6-foot-3, 222 pounds
2024 stats: 72 combined tackles, 2 INTs, 1.5 sacks
Medrano showcased his speed at the combine, clocking in as the fastest linebacker with a blazing 4.46-second 40-yard dash. His background as a former rodeo star from Colorado adds an interesting layer to his athletic profile. Medrano could be a late-round pick, potentially serving as a third-down linebacker and special teams contributor.
Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State
Measurables: 6-foot-3, 195 pounds
2024 stats (12 games): 18 tackles (2 for loss), 3 INTs, 2 PBUs
Porter transitioned from wide receiver to cornerback in 2022, and while he is still developing, he displayed impressive athleticism at the combine. He ranked first among cornerbacks in the 10-yard split (1.49 seconds), three-cone drill (6.71 seconds), and 20-yard shuttle (4.04 seconds). His second-place finishes in the 40-yard dash (4.30 seconds) and broad jump (10’11”) highlight his potential. With the second-highest overall athletic score among cornerbacks, Porter is projected to be a Day 2 selection.
Jonah Savaiinaea, OL, Arizona
Measurables: 6-foot-4, 324 pounds
2024 stats (11 games): 11 starts between LT and RT
Savaiinaea’s 4.95-second 40-yard dash at the combine was remarkable for an offensive lineman of his size. His versatility is appealing, as he has played significant snaps at three positions during his college career. He has the length to remain at tackle in the NFL, making him a prospect who could be selected in the late first round.
Tyler Shough, QB, Louisville
Measurables: 6-foot-5, 219 pounds
2024 stats (12 games): 62.7% completion rate for 3,195 yards and 23 TDs against 6 INTs
Shough emerged as a standout quarterback in Indianapolis, especially with Ward and Sanders not participating in workouts. His experience, as he turns 26 in September, may work in his favor in a draft class perceived as weak for quarterbacks. He is likely to enter the Day 2 conversation.
Joshua Simon, TE, South Carolina
Measurables: 6-foot-4, 239 pounds
2024 stats (12 games): 40 receptions, 510 receiving yards, 7 TDs
With the top tight ends, Tyler Warren from Penn State and Colston Loveland from Michigan, not participating in the combine, Simon took advantage of the opportunity to shine. He recorded the second-fastest time (4.66 seconds) among tight ends in the 40-yard dash, along with a 38-inch vertical jump. A transfer from Western Kentucky, Simon’s productive final year at South Carolina positions him as a potential move tight end available in the early rounds of Day 3.
Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Virginia Tech
Measurables: 5-foot-9, 206 pounds
2024 stats (11 games): 183 carries for 1,159 yards and 15 touchdowns
Tuten made headlines with his astonishing 4.32-second 40-yard dash, the fastest time among running backs at the combine. He also excelled in the 10-yard split (1.49 seconds) and the vertical jump (40.5 inches), ranking fourth in the broad jump (10’10”). While he is projected as a Day 3 pick, Tuten’s explosiveness makes him an intriguing prospect as he transitions to the professional level.
