The 2025 NFL Combine is in the rearview mirror. Some of the top prospects in the draft class decided not to participate in the event. Meanwhile, some prospects significantly improved their draft stock, including Matthew Golden, Tai Felton, Jahdae Barron, Maxwell Hairston, Darien Porter and Nick Emmanwori.
Unfortunately, other prospects saw their draft stock decline over the past week. However, that doesn’t mean fans should give up on them. Let’s look at five prospects no one should give up on despite their poor performance at the NFL Combine.
- 2025 NFL Draft Guide
- 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
- 2025 NFL Mock Drafts
- Dynasty Mock Draft Simulator
Don’t Give Up On These Prospects
Kaleb Johnson (RB – Iowa)
Many had high hopes for Johnson heading into the NFL Combine. Some believed the former Iowa star could have pushed his way into the conversation as the second running back off the board behind Ashton Jeanty with a strong performance. Unfortunately, he ran a 4.57 40-yard dash, the fifth-slowest at the running back position. While his time isn’t awful, given his 224-pound frame, many expected a better run from Johnson. Yet, no one should give up on him. He is a top-five running back in the draft class.
Isaiah Bond (WR – Texas)
The former Longhorns star promised to break Xavier Worthy’s 40-yard dash record (4.21) at the NFL Combine. Unfortunately, Bond fell well short, recording a 4.39 40-yard dash, ranking 18th at the combine and ninth among wide receivers. He ran nearly a 10th of a second slower than Dont’e Thornton Jr. despite weighing 25 pounds lighter. While his 40-yard dash time was a massive disappointment, Bond was solid during the on-the-field drills. Don’t be surprised if he is back in the first-round mix with a solid pro-day performance.
Tez Johnson (WR – Oregon)
Some thought Johnson would run the fastest time at the NFL Combine this year. The former Oregon star was the lightest player in Indianapolis, weighing only 154 pounds. Furthermore, he was the second-lightest wide receiver in NFL Combine history. Therefore, Johnson needed to run a blazing-fast 40-yard dash with his lighter frame. Unfortunately, he ran a 4.51 40-time, the same as Andrew Armstrong, despite weighing 48 pounds less. Yet, Johnson is clearly faster than his 40-time. Despite his poor performance at the combine, he should be a Day 2 pick.
Gunnar Helm (TE – Texas)
Unfortunately, Helm couldn’t take advantage of the opportunity to shine in Indianapolis, with Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland not working out. The former Texas star had a chance to push himself firmly into the No. 3 tight end conversation. However, he twisted his ankle on his first 40-yard dash attempt. Yet, Helm finished his workout instead of sitting out the rest of the day. The former Texas star ran a 4.84 40-yard dash, the third-slowest among the tight ends. Expect him to test significantly better at Texas’ pro day.
Jack Sawyer (EDGE – Ohio State)
Sawyer didn’t partake in any athletic testing at the NFL Combine, opting to wait until Ohio State’s pro day to run a 40-yard dash and do the jumps. He had a solid performance during the on-the-field workout. However, the former Ohio State star showed some hip tightness during the drills. Yet, he has been one of the top defensive players in college football over the past few years. While Sawyer lacks significant athletic upside, I wouldn’t be against him having a decade-long career as a starter in the NFL.
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Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.
