.png){kind=small}
Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine featured defensive backs and tight ends taking the field in Indianapolis. With several of the top defensive backs participating, today’s session provided a clearer picture of the speed, explosiveness, and range this draft class brings.
The cornerback group recorded a historic 4.44-second average in the 40-yard dash, making them the fastest CB group at the Combine since 2003, according to NFL IQ. Meanwhile, safeties like Nick Emmanwori and Malaki Starks showcased elite athleticism in position drills and testing.
Below, I break down the standout NFL Combine performances, analyzing their measurements, how they align with scouting reports, and the impact of today’s testing on their draft stock.
Day Two 2025 NFL Combine: Who Stood Out?
Nick Emmanwori (S, South Carolina)
40-Yard Dash: 4.38 seconds
10-Yard Split: 1.49 seconds
Vertical Jump: 43” (Best among SAF)
Broad Jump: 11’6” (Tied for 2nd longest by a 220+ lb SAF since 2003)
Size: 6’3”, 220 lbs
📌 Scouting Report vs. Combine Performance: Emmanwori entered the Combine as a top 3 safety on our NFL Draft Big Board, and his workout backed up that ranking. His elite blend of size, speed, and explosiveness was on full display. His 4.38-second 40-yard dash at 220 pounds is rare, and his 43-inch vertical and 11’6” broad jump cement his status as one of the best athletes in this class. His top speed of 23.53 mph in the 40-yard dash was tied for the third-fastest among safeties over the last three years.
📈 Draft Stock Impact: Already viewed as a top-30 prospect, Emmanwori’s Combine performance further solidifies his standing as a top 3 safety in this class. His combination of range, ball skills, and physicality makes him an ideal fit for teams needing a versatile defensive back capable of covering tight ends, playing deep, or working in the box.
Maxwell Hairston (CB, Kentucky)
40-Yard Dash: 4.28 seconds (Tied for 5th-fastest CB time since 2003)
10-Yard Split: 1.50 seconds
Vertical Jump: 39.5”
Broad Jump: 10’9”
Size: 5’11”, 183 lbs
📌 Scouting Report vs. Combine Performance: Hairston was already known for his elite ball production, but his Combine performance proved that he has the athleticism to match. His 4.28-second 40-yard dash at 183 pounds shows top-end speed, while his 39.5-inch vertical and 10’9” broad jump confirm his explosiveness. His top speed of 24.25 mph on his second 40-yard dash attempt was the fastest of any cornerback at this year’s Combine and one of the fastest in recent Combine history.
📈 Draft Stock Impact: Hairston was a fringe Round 2 prospect entering the Combine, but his testing numbers might push him into the late first or early second-round conversation. Teams looking for a ball-hawking corner with elite recovery speed will take a close look at him.
Darien Porter (CB, Iowa State)
40-Yard Dash: 4.30 seconds (Tied for 2nd fastest among CBs)
10-Yard Split: 1.49 seconds
Vertical Jump: 36.5”
Broad Jump: 10’11”
Size: 6’3”, 195 lbs
📌 Scouting Report vs. Combine Performance: Porter’s length (6’3”, 33” arms) and elite speed made him an intriguing prospect entering the Combine, and he confirmed those strengths with outstanding testing numbers. His 4.30-second 40-yard dash was the 2nd fastest among CBs, and his broad jump of 10’11” displayed his lower-body explosion. He reached a top speed of 14.94 mph within the first 5 yards, one of the fastest acceleration marks for any CB over the last three years.
📈 Draft Stock Impact: Porter’s stock was hovering around the early to mid-Day 2 range before the Combine; he solidified his stock with his performance.
Robert Longerbeam (CB, Rutgers)
40-Yard Dash: 4.39 seconds
10-Yard Split: 1.50 seconds
Vertical Jump: 36.5”
Broad Jump: 11’2” (Best among CBs)
Size: 5’11”, 175 lbs
📌 Scouting Report vs. Combine Performance: Longerbeam’s elite movement skills and quick burst showed up in testing. His 4.39-second 40-yard dash and 11’2” broad jump confirm his explosiveness and fluidity, making him a strong candidate for slot corner roles at the next level. His footwork and short-area quickness allow him to mirror receivers effectively, but his smaller frame (175 lbs) remains a concern against bigger receivers.
📈 Draft Stock Impact: Longerbeam entered the NFL Combine as a late Day 3 prospect, but his NFL Combine performance could push into the late 3rd or early round 4 discussions. Teams looking for a feisty, athletic nickel corner will have him high on their boards.
Malaki Starks (S, Georgia)
40-Yard Dash: 4.50 seconds
10-Yard Split: 1.51 seconds
Vertical Jump: 33”
Top Speed (Drills): Fastest safety in five different position drills
Size: 6’1”, 197 lbs
📌 Scouting Report vs. Combine Performance: Starks was already known for his versatility and high football IQ, and his Combine performance reinforced those traits. While his 4.50-second 40-yard dash was slightly below expectations, he showed elite movement skills in position drills, recording the fastest times of any safety in five separate drills. His short-area quickness, ability to track the ball, and closing speed were all evident in testing.
📈 Draft Stock Impact: Starks remains a top-30 prospect and one of the best all-around safeties in the class. His performance didn’t drastically change his stock, it more or less solidified it.
Mason Taylor (TE, LSU)
Height/Weight: 6’5”, 251 lbs
Arm Length: 32 1/4”
Hand Size: 10”
Key Drills: Displayed elite hands and fluid movement in gauntlet drill
Catch Rate: 98.2% in 2024 (1.8% drop rate)
📌 Scouting Report vs. Combine Performance: Taylor entered the Combine as a high-upside receiving tight end with natural pass-catching ability and NFL bloodlines. His performance in position drills validated his soft hands, tracking ability, and body control, making him one of the most polished route runners in this TE class. While his 40-yard dash time wasn't the focal point, his fluidity in drills, ability to extend for off-target throws, and crisp footwork stood out.
📈 Draft Stock Impact: Taylor was projected as a Day 2 pick (Round 2-3) entering the Combine. I believe he solidified his stock.