The NFL scouting combine doesn’t feature the same stakes for every prospect.
For the most in-demand players, the testing and on-field drills are essentially optional, as bowing out won’t deter teams at the top of the first round from taking one of the most highly-ranked candidates. But those with more volatile draft stock might enter the four-day session under the microscope, facing a key question or two about a physical shortcoming or problem from the previous season. And while the workouts are largely used to confirm or re-check existing evaluations, a subpar outing can heighten existing concerns.
Here are seven big-name prospects with something to prove at the combine this week:
RB Cam Skattebo, Arizona State
His gritty and determined style not only powered the Sun Devils’ surprising College Football Playoff run but also made the Sacramento State transfer one of the most captivating breakout stars of the college football season. Still, he’s a 5-foot-11, 215-pound downhill runner who relies on strong contact balance and leg drive to keep plays alive. So far, that formula has worked out extremely well for him. But it will be challenged at the NFL level, and teams will want to see how he measures up against a deep class of backs given how much a strong testing profile tends to matter at the position.
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RB Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State
The 2023 Doak Walker Award winner opted to return to Stillwater last season to follow up on a unanimous All-American campaign. Then, everything seemed to go awry, as he logged little more than half as many yards (880) as the year prior (1,732) while his supporting cast came apart at the seams. The 6-foot-1, 233-pounder still might be seen as an effective power back, but he’s been leapfrogged by several more dynamic ball-carriers. Respectable showings in the three-cone drill and 40-yard dash might assuage concerns that he lacks the elusiveness and big-play ability to be more than a short-yardage option. He also will have to answer for a July 2024 arrest, for which he was charged with one count of driving under the influence by a person under 21 and one count of transporting an open container of alcohol.
WR Tory Horton, Colorado State
After posting 167 catches for 2,267 yards in his previous two seasons, Horton had his 2024 campaign wiped out in October by a knee injury. His recovery progress will loom large in his evaluation, as the 6-foot-3, 185-pounder will try to show he hasn’t lost a significant amount of the speed or quickness that helped make him such a formidable threat in college. Teams also will likely have an eye on his weigh-in and bench press, as his strength remains a question mark as he prepares to regularly face more physical cornerbacks.
DT Deone Walker, Kentucky
He’s one of the rare prospects whose measured height at the Senior Bowl (6-7) was actually greater than his listed figure in college (6-6). But bigger isn’t always better, especially when it comes to defensive tackles who have trouble establishing proper leverage. The greater concern for Walker will be his weight and how he carries it, as the 340-pounder seemed to wear down later in games last season.
LB Jay Higgins, Iowa
The two-time All-American was everywhere for the Hawkeyes the last two seasons, posting nearly 200 tackles and five interceptions as the heartbeat of the defense. But a 5-foot-11, 226-pound linebacker with limitations when faced with shedding blocks or sticking with opponents in man coverage is a tough sell to NFL teams. Higgins has shown he can get by on his savvy and recognition, but he might need to demonstrate a little bit more to convince front offices he’s more than a special teams contributor and spot backup.
CB Nohl Williams, Cal
In snagging a Football Bowl Subdivision-leading seven interceptions last season, the consensus All-American established himself as one of college football’s premier ballhawks. Replicating those results at the next level, however, could be a significant stretch. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound Williams struggles to change directions quickly, which could relegate him to a zone scheme or even a move to safety unless he shows sufficient fluidity and recovery speed.
S Sebastian Castro, Iowa
Like former teammate Cooper DeJean, Castro enjoyed a highly active and productive career with the Hawkeyes. As a draft prospect, however, he’s a far cry from the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist. The 5-foot-11, 202-pounder might be stuck in no-man’s land, as his struggles to stay with quicker receivers in man coverage make him ill-suited for a nickel role while he also might lack the range to stick as a traditional safety. His best bet might be showing improved agility to convince a team he’s worth a try in the slot.
