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          2025 NFL combine superlatives: Shedeur Sanders' drip, Maxwell Hairston flies & Jalen Milroe grows

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          Shedeur Sanders gives reason why he should be drafted at No. 1 (1:41)

          An upbeat Shedeur Sanders talks with Laura Rutledge at the NFL combine and says his "work ethic" is why he should be drafted at No. 1. (1:41)

          • ESPN staffMar 2, 2025, 08:00 PM ET

          The NFL combine is nearly complete, having brought no shortage of intriguing draft data points -- and humorous moments.

          From Alabama Crimson Tide tight end Robbie Ouzts' expression of pure, unfiltered effort in the 40-yard dash to Texas Longhorns defensive back Jahdae Barron holding court at the media session with astute commentary, there were highlights galore on and off the field in Indianapolis.

          These are some of the standouts in a number of nonstatistical categories at the 2025 NFL scouting combine:

          Most likely to have a custom chain on draft day

          Shedeur Sanders

          Sanders sent the college football world into a frenzy after flexing his iced-out watch during warmups against Nebraska in the 2023 season. But custom fits aren't anything new for the quarterback. Though he didn't participate in any workouts at the combine, Sanders still addressed reporters with two iced-out diamond necklaces.

          In his college days at Jackson State and Colorado, the star quarterback was known to rock a custom No. 2 chain, matching the swagger of his father, NFL legend Deion Sanders.

          Most likely to break a stopwatch

          Maxwell Hairston

          A highly anticipated question for scouts and fans alike: Who would "break the clock" in the 40-yard dash?

          Firing out with an explosive first step and a smooth drive phase, Hairston delivered the answer, blazing to a 4.28-second finish -- the fastest time of any player at the 2025 NFL Combine.

          That time also ties him for the third-fastest 40-yard dash by a cornerback since the NFL began officially tracking the event in 2006.

          In 20 career starts at Kentucky, Hairston allowed a 72.7 passer rating, recorded six interceptions and eight pass breakups, and earned Second-Team All-SEC honors in both 2023 and 2024.

          Most likely to be overanalyzed

          Will Campbell

          Every year, there's a draft prospect whose stock becomes a hot topic -- not because of their talent, but because of an arbitrary measurement. This year, Campbell is that player.

          At 6-foot-6, 319 pounds, the LSU offensive tackle showcased his athleticism by running a 4.98-second 40-yard dash and posting a 9-foot-5 broad jump, both of which were bests among the first group of offensive linemen. But despite his dominance in the on-field drills, one number sparked debate: his arm length.

          Read more: A reach? LSU OT Campbell's arm length criticized

          Measured at 32 5/8 inches in Indianapolis, Campbell falls short of the often-preferred 34-inch benchmark many NFL teams look for in tackles to combat elite pass rushers. Yet, his resume speaks for itself -- a consensus All-American, two-time First-Team All-SEC selection, Jacobs Blocking Trophy winner adds up too one of the highest-rated players in the draft.

          Best mullet

          Tate Ratledge

          Is this category a little niche? Maybe. But does Georgia's three-year starting guard own it? Absolutely.

          Ratledge's 9.97 relative athletic score ranked fifth out of the 1,583 offensive guards evaluated at the combine since 1987. In short, he checks every box: big, fast, strong, athletic ... and rocking elite hair.

          Ratledge was all business in the front, party in the back and his mullet flowed in full glory as he blazed to a 4.97-second 40-yard dash -- proving that speed, strength and style can all coexist.

          Most intriguing measurements

          Dillon Gabriel and Jalen Milroe

          Evidently there are some discrepancies in how the Senior Bowl and combine measure players. How else can the apparent growth by quarterbacks Gabriel (Oregon) and Milroe (Alabama) over the past few weeks be explained?

          Gabriel's height was recorded as 5 feet, 10½ inches in Mobile at the Senior Bowl. His combine height? 5 feet, 11⅛ inches. Milroe evidently also saw some serious change since he was in Mobile. His hands were measured at 8¾ inches a month prior, but were recorded at 9⅜ inches in Indianapolis.

          Biggest redemption

          Landon Jackson

          Years before making a name for himself in the SEC, the Arkansas Razorbacks' edge rusher went viral for his lackluster performance in the bag drill as a college prospect. Now an NFL draft hopeful, Jackson showcased significant improvement in that same drill, putting together a strong combine performance that earned him a 6.32 grade on NFL.com's eight-point scouting scale.

          Jackson earned second-team All-SEC honors after leading the team with 6.5 sacks and tying for the team lead with 9.5 tackles for loss. He started 12 games, recording 49 tackles, three pass breakups, a forced fumble and a blocked kick.

          Most likely to go viral

          Robbie Ouzts

          Ouzts had an average showing at this year's combine, earning a 5.97 prospect grade on NFL.com from his performance in front of scouts at Lucas Oil Stadium. But what stood out most from the Alabama tight end was his facial expression during the 40-yard dash, which quickly generated laughs from fans on social media.

          Clocking 4.91 seconds in the all-out sprint, Ouzts couldn't keep the point of his tongue in his mouth, similar to when Michael Jordan looked to take off for a high-flying slam.

          Most acrobatic

          Arian Smith

          Flips have become as much of a combine staple in recent years as the different events themselves, with capable players taking the opportunity after drills to show off their amateur gymnastics ability to fans and media alike (as well as perhaps any scouts with an interest in flexibility).

          Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Smith delivered the pick of the bunch for 2025 on Sunday, gathering some serious airtime and sticking the landing as he touched down in the end zone.

          Most quotable

          Jahdae Barron

          In addition to posting a blazing 40-yard dash time, Barron impressed combine attendees at the media session, as well.

          Multiple reporters praised Barron for his quotability and demeanor when facing questions as he held court Thursday. Perhaps his strongest quip came when talking about the mental aspect of playing defensive back:

          "Can I be committed to the process of what I'm doing without being emotionally attached to the result."

          Best action shot

          Jackson Hawes

          Effort is essential in the 40-yard dash -- so essential that sprinters will make faces they don't realize.

          Hawes, a tight end out of Georgia Tech, impressed scouts at the combine who saw he could become an elite blocker. With his 40-yard dash facial expression, effort is second nature for the tight end. Clocking 4.83 seconds in the sprint, it almost seemed that Hawes had his eyes closed for the quick dash. If it works, it works.

          Best use of accessories in a workout

          Jordan Watkins

          The Ole Miss Rebels wide receiver added a little flair to the traditional all-black combine garb, donning a chain around his neck while he partook in assorted drills.

          Watkins impressed in the 40-yard dash -- his 4.38 ranked in the top 10 for wide receivers -- and his jewelry merits similar plaudits. The chain stayed firmly secured even as Watkins put his all into the dash.