The NFL Scouting Combine is one of the most crucial events in the lead-up to the NFL Draft, as it offers teams an invaluable opportunity to evaluate draft prospects. In 2025, the Combine will feature numerous intriguing players, but a few stand out due to their unique talents, athleticism, and potential to make a significant impact in the NFL. Among these players are Jaxson Dart, Jalen Milroe, and Travis Hunter, who will all be closely watched by scouts, coaches, and general managers. Let’s dive deeper into why these players will be at the forefront of attention during the Combine.
Jaxson Dart (Quarterback, Ole Miss)
Jaxson Dart enters the NFL Scouting Combine as one of the top quarterback prospects for the 2025 draft. Dart’s journey has been an interesting one. After transferring from USC to Ole Miss, he faced high expectations and quickly established himself as one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the SEC. Dart is a dual-threat quarterback with impressive arm strength, mobility, and a quick release, making him a dangerous weapon both in the pocket and on the move.
At the Combine, scouts will be particularly focused on Dart’s passing mechanics and his ability to throw accurately on short and intermediate routes. Dart’s deep ball is a key strength, but he will need to demonstrate his consistency and control, especially on shorter throws and in the timing-based passing game that is prevalent in the NFL. His mobility will also be under the microscope, as NFL teams increasingly value quarterbacks who can extend plays with their legs or pick up yardage on designed runs.
Beyond physical traits, Dart will be evaluated for his leadership qualities and football IQ. In college, he often showed the ability to make quick decisions under pressure, which is essential for success at the professional level. He’ll need to demonstrate that he can read defenses and make the right decisions in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.
Jalen Milroe (Quarterback, Alabama)
Jalen Milroe, the former Alabama quarterback, enters the Combine with a unique skill set that is generating buzz around the league. Milroe was thrust into action as a starter in 2024, following Bryce Young’s departure to the NFL. Though his time as a full-time starter was limited, Milroe showed immense potential. His athleticism, arm strength, and ability to make plays with his legs are what set him apart from other quarterbacks in the draft class.
Milroe’s physical attributes will certainly make him a standout during the Combine, as he possesses a cannon for an arm and the speed to run a sub-4.5 40-yard dash. His deep ball accuracy, while a work in progress, will be evaluated closely, as scouts will want to see if he can develop more touch and precision on throws at the next level. Milroe’s mechanics need refinement, and that’s something he will work to prove at the Combine. His ability to throw from different arm angles, under pressure, and while on the move will be critical points of assessment.
Milroe’s most significant strength, however, is his ability to make plays with his legs. While he still needs to develop as a traditional pocket passer, Milroe’s mobility is an asset that gives him the ability to thrive in the modern NFL, where mobility is increasingly important for quarterbacks. His performance in the agility drills and throwing sessions will help determine whether he has the tools to be molded into a starting quarterback at the next level or if his best role could be as a dynamic backup or situational player.
Travis Hunter (Cornerback, Jackson State)
Travis Hunter is one of the most hyped defensive prospects entering the 2025 NFL Draft. Hunter, who gained widespread attention as a two-way player at Jackson State, is widely regarded as one of the most talented cornerbacks in college football. His rare combination of size, athleticism, and ball skills make him a potential lockdown corner at the professional level. Hunter has proven himself against top-tier competition and earned praise for his ability to shut down wide receivers and make impactful plays in the passing game.
What makes Hunter particularly exciting is his versatility. While his primary role will likely be as a cornerback, he has also shown the ability to contribute on offense, which adds another dimension to his game. In fact, Hunter’s high school reputation as a top receiver before transitioning to defense has led to discussions about his potential as a two-way player in the NFL, though his future is most likely as a cornerback. At the Combine, teams will be eager to see how well he can match up with top receivers in one-on-one drills and evaluate his physical traits, such as his speed, agility, and reaction time.
Hunter’s ability to change directions quickly and his strong football IQ will be tested extensively during the Combine’s agility and coverage drills. Scouts will look to see how well he tracks the ball, how quickly he reads the quarterback’s intentions, and how adept he is at creating turnovers. His competitive nature and ability to rise to the occasion against top competition will make him one of the most intriguing players to watch.
Why These Players Are Key to the 2025 NFL Draft
All three of these players — Jaxson Dart, Jalen Milroe, and Travis Hunter — are among the most intriguing prospects in their respective positions. Dart and Milroe represent a new wave of dual-threat quarterbacks who can make plays with both their arms and legs, while Hunter stands out as a potentially game-changing cornerback. The NFL is evolving, and teams are increasingly prioritizing versatility, athleticism, and the ability to make explosive plays. Each of these players has demonstrated those traits at the college level, and the Combine will be an opportunity to confirm that they can transition successfully to the professional ranks.
Scouts and analysts will closely monitor how well Dart and Milroe perform in their respective drills. Both quarterbacks have shown flashes of brilliance, but consistency will be key to their draft stock. As for Hunter, his rare blend of size, speed, and ball skills makes him one of the most coveted defensive prospects in this class, and the Combine will be an opportunity to see if he has what it takes to become an elite NFL cornerback.
Ultimately, these three players could be key pieces of their respective NFL teams in the future, and the NFL Scouting Combine will go a long way in shaping their draft outlooks. Expect all three to be under the microscope, with teams eager to see if their potential can be realized at the next level. The Combine is the first step toward determining whether Dart, Milroe, and Hunter can become stars in the NFL.