The NFL combine is nearly complete, having brought no shortage of intriguing draft data points — and humorous moments.Editor’s Picks1 RelatedFrom Alabama Crimson Tide tight end Robbie Ouzts’ expression of pure, unfiltered effort in the 40-yard dash to Texas Longhorns defensive back Jahdae Barron holding court at the media session with astute commentary, there were highlights galore on and off the field in Indianapolis.These are some of the standouts in a number of nonstatistical categories at the 2025 NFL scouting combine:Most likely to have a custom chain on draft day Shedeur SandersSanders sent the college football world into a frenzy after flexing his iced-out watch during warmups against Nebraska in the 2023 season. But custom fits aren’t anything new for the quarterback. Though he didn’t participate in any workouts at the combine, Sanders still addressed reporters with two iced-out diamond necklaces.
In his college days at Jackson State and Colorado, the star quarterback was known to rock a custom No. 2 chain, matching the swagger of his father, NFL legend Deion Sanders.Most likely to break a stopwatchMaxwell Hairston A highly anticipated question for scouts and fans alike: Who would “break the clock” in the 40-yard dash?Firing out with an explosive first step and a smooth drive phase, Hairston delivered the answer, blazing to a 4.28-second finish — the fastest time of any player at the 2025 NFL Combine.That time also ties him for the third-fastest 40-yard dash by a cornerback since the NFL began officially tracking the event in 2006.In 20 career starts at Kentucky, Hairston allowed a 72.7 passer rating, recorded six interceptions and eight pass breakups, and earned Second-Team All-SEC honors in both 2023 and 2024.Maxwell Hairston ran a blazing 4.29u on his second run!📺: #NFLCombine on @NFLNetwork📱: Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/yhkcVOInOs— NFL (@NFL) February 28, 2025 Most intriguing measurementsDillon Gabriel and Jalen MilroeEvidently there are some discrepancies in how the Senior Bowl and combine measure players. How else can the apparent growth by quarterbacks Gabriel (Oregon) and Milroe (Alabama) over the past few weeks be explained?Gabriel’s height was recorded as 5 feet, 10½ inches in Mobile at the Senior Bowl. His combine height? 5 feet, 11â…› inches. Milroe evidently also saw some serious change since he was in Mobile. His hands were measured at 8¾ inches a month prior, but were recorded at 9â…œ inches in Indianapolis.Biggest redemptionLandon Jackson Years before making a name for himself in the SEC, the Arkansas Razorbacks’ edge rusher went viral for his lackluster performance in the bag drill as a college prospect. Now an NFL draft hopeful, Jackson showcased significant improvement in that same drill, putting together a strong combine performance that earned him a 6.32 grade on NFL.com’s eight-point scouting scale.
Jackson earned second-team All-SEC honors after leading the team with 6.5 sacks and tying for the team lead with 9.5 tackles for loss. He started 12 games, recording 49 tackles, three pass breakups, a forced fumble and a blocked kick.Most likely to go viralRobbie OuztsOuzts had an average showing at this year’s combine, earning a 5.97 prospect grade on NFL.com from his performance in front of scouts at Lucas Oil Stadium. But what stood out most from the Alabama tight end was his facial expression during the 40-yard dash, which quickly generated laughs from fans on social media.Clocking 4.91 seconds in the all-out sprint, Ouzts couldn’t keep the point of his tongue in his mouth, similar to when Michael Jordan looked to take off for a high-flying slam.George Walker IV/APMost acrobaticArian Smith Flips have become as much of a combine staple in recent years as the different events themselves, with capable players taking the opportunity after drills to show off their amateur gymnastics ability to fans and media alike (as well as perhaps any scouts with an interest in flexibility).Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Smith delivered the pick of the bunch for 2025 on Sunday, gathering some serious airtime and sticking the landing as he touched down in the end zone.The final end zone run of #NFLCombine Saturday featuring a flip from Arian Smith 😱 pic.twitter.com/GqlBXArz6R— NFL (@NFL) March 2, 2025 Most quotableJahdae Barron In addition to posting a blazing 40-yard dash time, Barron impressed combine attendees at the media session, as well.Multiple reporters praised Barron for his quotability and demeanor when facing questions as he held court Thursday. Perhaps his strongest quip came when talking about the mental aspect of playing defensive back:”Can I be committed to the process of what I’m doing without being emotionally attached to the result.”Best action shotJackson Hawes Effort is essential in the 40-yard dash — so essential that sprinters will make faces they don’t realize.Hawes, a tight end out of Georgia Tech, impressed scouts at the combine who saw he could become an elite blocker. With his 40-yard dash facial expression, effort is second nature for the tight end. Clocking 4.83 seconds in the sprint, it almost seemed that Hawes had his eyes closed for the quick dash. If it works, it works.Stacy Revere/Getty ImagesBest use of accessories in a workoutJordan Watkins The Ole Miss Rebels wide receiver added a little flair to the traditional all-black combine garb, donning a chain around his neck while he partook in assorted drills.Watkins impressed in the 40-yard dash — his 4.38 ranked in the top 10 for wide receivers — and his jewelry merits similar plaudits. The chain stayed firmly secured even as Watkins put his all into the dash.The chain held strong during the 40 😅📺: #NFLCombine on @NFLNetwork📱: Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/3erYtnzFRq— NFL (@NFL) March 1, 2025