By CIAN McKEOWN

Every year at the end of February, a horde of caffeine-addled scouts and NFL Media members still hungover from the Super Bowl descend on Indianapolis for a stat-head and stopwatch operator’s version of heaven. This year’s NFL Combine, as has been the case in recent years, was notable because the perceived top two quarterback prospects, Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shadeur Sanders, did not throw. The pattern of top players sitting out Combine workouts is only set to worsen with the new twelve-team College Football Playoff limiting training windows for players. 

Lesser-known prospects can shoot up draft boards based on a stellar combine performance, as we saw with Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy last year who set a Combine record for the 40-yard dash, completing the drill in 4.21 seconds. After some of the NCAA’s finest athletes showed their luster, let’s take a look at the weekend’s top five most impressive performances.    

5. Maxwell Hairston- Cornerback- Kentucky 

The smattering of fans present last Friday at the scouting combine cheered loudly enough to fill Lucas Oil Stadium as Maxwell Hairston clocked the first sub-4.30 second 40-yard dash time of the event. It’s hard to believe that Hairston’s scouting report refers to him as “not a burner,” according to Bleacher Report. Hairston also placed second at the Combine with a 39.50” vertical jump, an elite trait for a cornerback. 

Despite having less than impressive stats in college, Hairston demonstrates exceptional press coverage and blitzing skills. With long arms and great speed, he has the potential to become an elite ball-hawk. If he improves his footwork, he could be an immediate impact player on an NFL roster next season.    

4. Nick Emmanwori- Safety- South Carolina 

Stealing the show early on with his jaw-dropping 43” vertical jump, and jumping off the screen due to his 6’ 3” 220-pound frame, Emmanwori is a throwback to the big, hard-hitting safeties of the seventies and eighties like Kenny Easley and Steve Atwater. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah compares him to star safety Derwin James. Emmanwori also capped off his stellar Friday with a blistering 4.38-second 40-yard dash. Snatching four interceptions in 2024 with the Gamecocks, Emmanwori’s physical talents alone should push him to the first round of the draft.  

3.  Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins- Defensive Tackle- Georgia 

Dawkins demonstrates superior athleticism compared to his peers in this class at defensive tackle, with the best 20-yard shuttle, three-cone drill, broad and vertical jump, and the third fastest 40-yard dash time. However, he lacks the collegiate tape to be a highly sought-after prospect, recording only thirty-nine total tackles, four quarterback sacks, and two forced fumbles over four seasons with the Bulldogs. On the tape he does have, he showcases his exceptional ability as an interior run-stopper. A massive and intimidating presence to quarterbacks, Ingram-Dawkins utilizes every bit of his 6’ 5” 280-pound frame as a pass-rusher. Though he’s not someone at the top of every team’s draft board quite yet, expect him to rise considerably after this performance. 

2. Bhayshul Tuten- Running Back- Virginia Tech 

After recording a 4.38-second 40-yard dash time on his first attempt, Tuten shocked everyone by improving his time by 0.6 seconds on his second attempt, the best time out of all running backs. He even dusted NFL stars Jamyr Gibbs and Saquon Barkley on NFL Network’s Simulcam. Tuten also bested his next-closest peer by a whole inch in the vertical jump and finished first in the 10-yard split drill. A running back with elite speed can put an already dominant offense over the top in today’s league. And if Tuten lands in the right scheme, he could be a dangerous open-field weapon. 

1. Seth Henigan- Quarterback- Memphis 

Who? An overlooked prospect with fifty collegiate starts under his belt, Henigan had a quietly impressive day on Saturday. Running a serviceable 4.76-second 40-yard dash and connecting on most of his deep throws with robotic arm talent, Henigan tossed tight spirals and accurate passes all afternoon. The Memphis stalwart was Mr. consistent in college, passing for over 3,500 yards and 20+ touchdown passes in all four of his college seasons. Hennigan won’t be grabbing any headlines anytime soon, but his college experience and already polished abilities could make him a late-round steal. 

Featured image: Sporting News