At the NFL Scouting Combine, all 32 teams have a front-row seat to evaluating over 300 of college football's most heralded athletes. The week-long, invitation-only spectacle creates an opportunity for NFL scouts, coaching staffs and executives to evaluate the top-eligible college players through various medical and mental tests. Each personnel department works to shape the future and decisions made in Indianapolis foster change. The Combine serves as a way to validate what is seen on tape. Here are some of the prospects who impressed on Thursday with their performances from the defensive line and linebacker groups:
Edge Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M
Shemar Stewart measured in at 6-foot-5 and 267 pounds with long arms. He jumped 40 inches in the vertical (second-best among Combine defensive linemen), making him one of just four defensive linemen over 260 pounds to leap that high since 2003. His official 1.58-second 10-yard split and 4.59-second 40-yard dash were impressive for a man his size. His 10-foot-11 broad jump ranked best among defensive linemen, securing his first-round grade.
Edge Landon Jackson, Arkansas
Landon Jackson measured in at 6-foot-6, 264 pounds and had an outstanding jump with a 40.5-inch vertical and a 10-foot-9 broad jump. He ran a blazing 4.68-second 40-yard time and hit a 1.68-second 10-yard split. Jackson was a notable standout who had onlookers captivated. Not only did he put his speed and explosion on display, but those metrics may cause teams to rethink where he is on their board. His 40.5-inch vertical was not only the best among defensive linemen on Day One, but it was the highest number by any 260-pound player (or heavier) since Myles Garrett (2017).
Edge Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, Georgia
Tyron Ingram-Dawkins stands at 6-foot-5 and 276 pounds and ran a 4.86-second 40-yard dash with a 36-inch vertical and a 10-foot-4 broad jump. He had a 1.69 10-yard split (tied for best in the position group) and his 20.59 miles per hour speed came in at second-best. Ingram-Dawkins had an impressive year for the Bulldogs in 2024 and stunned during drills, rising on mock drafts.
DL Ty Robinson, Nebraska
Ty Robinson measured in at 6-foot-5, 288 pounds and ran a 4.83-second 40-yard dash with a 33.5-inch vertical and a 9-foot-11 broad jump. His 40 time was the fastest among the first group of defensive linemen. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Robinson hit speeds of 20.64 miles per hour.
LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
At 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds, Jihaad Campbell cemented his place as linebacker-one on mocks. He ran a 4.52-second 40-yard dash and jumped 10-foot-7 in the broad jump, showcasing his explosion. Campbell proved his case as the top off-ball linebacker working through drills and moves effortlessly in space. He stayed late to participate in pass-rush drills and displayed his prowess inside Lucas Oil Stadium.
