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Day 1 of the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine is in the books, and with several top prospects opting out of testing, new names had a chance to seize the spotlight in Indianapolis. Mason Graham (Michigan) and Abdul Carter (Penn State)—the top two players on our Football Scout 365 NFL Draft Big Board—chose not to participate in workouts, along with other highly regarded defenders like Kenneth Grant (Michigan) and Jalon Walker (Georgia).
With these big names sitting out, James Pearce Jr., Shemar Stewart, Landon Jackson, and CJ West capitalized on the opportunity to make their case as early-round picks. Below, we break down how these standouts performed, how their Combine results align with their scouting profiles, and how their draft stock has shifted based on today’s testing.
Day One 2025 NFL Combine: Defensive Linemen & Linebackers
James Pearce Jr. (EDGE, Tennessee)
40-Yard Dash: 4.47 seconds (Fastest among DL)
10-Yard Split: 1.56 seconds
Vertical Jump: 31”
Broad Jump: 10’3”
Size: 6’5”, 245 lbs
📌 Scouting Report vs. Combine Performance: Pearce entered the Combine with questions about his bend and ability to consistently convert speed to power, but his elite 4.47-second 40-yard dash at 6’5”, 245 lbs reaffirmed his explosive get-off. His 1.56-second 10-yard split was among the best for edge rushers, emphasizing his ability to accelerate quickly off the line. His 31-inch vertical jump, however, was lower than expected, raising minor concerns about his lower-body explosiveness.
📈 Draft Stock Impact: Pearce’s stock had been slipping in recent weeks, with some teams viewing him as an early Round 2 prospect due to concerns about his flexibility and power at the point of attack. After today’s showing, he likely moved himself back into the top 20 conversation, where he had been projected earlier in the process.
Shemar Stewart (EDGE, Texas A&M)
40-Yard Dash: 4.59 seconds
10-Yard Split: 1.58 seconds (2nd-best 265+ lb EDGE since 2010)
Vertical Jump: 40” (Top 10 All-Time for EDGE)
Broad Jump: 10’11” (Best among EDGE)
Size: 6’5”, 267 lbs
📌 Scouting Report vs. Combine Performance: Stewart was already considered one of the most physically imposing prospects in this draft, but his testing numbers exceeded even the highest expectations. His 40-inch vertical and 10’11” broad jump place him among the best testers at his position in Combine history, comparable to Myles Garrett’s legendary workout. His 1.58-second 10-yard split ranks among the fastest ever recorded for an EDGE over 265 lbs, trailing only Nick Bosa (1.55s) in the last 15 years.
📈 Draft Stock Impact: Already viewed as a top-20 lock on our draft board, and we have mocked him as a top-10 pick two separate times, Stewart solidified his standing today. His testing reinforced that he is one of the best athletic prospects in this class, and teams looking for a high-upside pass rusher will strongly consider him in the mid-first round range.
Landon Jackson (EDGE, Arkansas)
40-Yard Dash: 4.68 seconds
10-Yard Split: 1.65 seconds
Vertical Jump: 40.5” (Best among all DL)
Broad Jump: 10’9”
Size: 6’6”, 264 lbs
📌 Scouting Report vs. Combine Performance: Jackson's athletic ability had always been evident on film, but today’s performance put him firmly back on the radar as a first-round prospect. His 40.5-inch vertical jump is among the best ever for a defensive lineman, and his 10’9” broad jump confirms his elite lower-body power. While his 4.68-second 40-yard dash is solid for his size, his 1.65-second 10-yard split was slightly slower than other top edge rushers.
📈 Draft Stock Impact: Once viewed as a fringe first-rounder, Jackson may have worked his way back into late Round 1 discussions. His combination of length, motor, and elite explosion numbers could make him a fit for teams looking for a developmental but high-upside pass rusher at the back end of the first round.
CJ West (DT, Indiana)
40-Yard Dash: 4.95 seconds
10-Yard Split: 1.73 seconds
Vertical Jump: 33”
Size: 6’1”, 316 lbs
📌 Scouting Report vs. Combine Performance: West turned heads with his rare speed for a 316-pound defensive tackle, becoming just the ninth DT since 2003 to run a sub-5.0-second 40-yard dash at 315+ lbs. His 33-inch vertical jump further demonstrated his athleticism, though his shorter arms (31.5”) and lack of length remain concerns for his ability to take on blockers at the next level.
📈 Draft Stock Impact: West was already viewed as a mid-Day 2 pick, and his testing today likely solidified that range. Teams needing a one-gap penetrating DT will see him as an early third-round option, with a chance to sneak into late Round 2 depending on team fit.