The NFL Scouting Combine continues to grind on as prospects go through another day of evaluations. Today, the running backs, wide receivers and quarterbacks addressed the media while the tight ends and defensive backs went through workouts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Here are some of the highlights from the day.
-- Before we get to today's action, we need to highlight which linebackers stood out on the first day of drills. In the 40-yard dash, Auburn's Eugene Asante and UCLA's Kain Medrano were the stars, as both players recorded sub-4.5 times. Medrano, who ran a 4.46, had a solid day with a 38-inch vertical and a 10-foot-5 broad jump, both of which were in the top five of prospects who participated in those drills. Medrano is a bit undersized to be an NFL linebacker and might need to switch positions, but his speed could ensure that he has a role on special teams as a rookie.
-- Alabama's Jihaad Campbell was already considered a first-round pick before coming to Indianapolis, but he probably cemented that status after a strong showing during his workout. He started by running a 4.52 in the 40 -- the third-fastest time for his position. He also recorded a 10-foot-7 broad jump, which was the second-best jump among linebackers. In the wave and pass-rush drills, Campbell flaunted his quickness, speed and fluid motions. Linebackers aren't often drafted on Night 1, but Campbell's name could be called in the bottom half of the first round.
-- Moving on to the receivers, Ohio State' Emeka Egbuka is a student of the game and has watched film on several of the Buckeyes' previous first-round picks. That includes Commanders' wideout Terry McLaurin, who Egbuka has had his eye on for the last couple of years.
"Terry's always one of the first examples Coach [Brian] Hartline brings up when it comes to growing on the field," Egbuka said. "Terry was a guy who coming in as a senior in high school didn't catch the ball all that naturally, and he spent hours and hours and hours and thousands of reps on the jugs machine. And now he has one of the lowest drop rates in the entire league, one of the highest contested catch percentages. He just shows us what it looks like and pioneered the way for us to be hard workers."
-- UCF's RJ Harvey practically lived in the end zone during his time with the Golden Knights, as he had 43 total touchdowns during his final two seasons. NFL.com's Lance Zierlein has graded him as an "average backup or special teamer," but Harvey believes he can add more than that to an NFL backfield.
"I feel like I'm versatile. I feel like I can run the ball. I can run any scheme. I can catch the ball out of the backfield. I can pass protect, anything that the coach needs me to do."
-- The Commanders aren't in the quarterback hunt this offseason, much to the delight of the team and fanbase, but we'll throw in a brief note about top prospects Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders. As expected, Sanders was as confident as ever in his ability, asserting his belief that he can change a franchise. He believes in his athleticism but also that his mental preparation sets him apart. "If you have those traits of greatness, and I know where I'm heading, then why wouldn't a franchise pick me?"
Ward also believes in what he can do at the NFL level but just wants an opportunity to prove himself. ""Whether I go first round or second round, at the end of the day, that draft pick doesn't mean nothing," Ward said. "It's all about establishing yourself once you get the opportunity."
-- Oregon running back Jordan James, who had 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2024, is getting attention at the combine for his dynamic ability to change a backfield and has already met with several teams. Jones sounded mature and well-spoken during his media availability, which combined with his rare athletic ability should make him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams looking to upgrade their offense.
-- Iowa State wide receiver Jaylin Noel had a breakout year in 2024 with 80 receptions for 1,194 yards and eight touchdowns, which helped Cyclones finished 10-3 and get a win over Miami in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Noel said he had a meeting with the Commanders earlier this week and was impressed with the coaching staff, adding that catching passes from Jayden Daniels would be "great."
"Obviously, he was [Offensive] Rookie of the Year for a reason, and he'll be great in this league for a long time. So, to be able to pair with him so early in his career, that would be great."