Former Five-Stars Set to Dominate at the 2025 NFL Combine
INDIANAPOLIS, IN: The former five-stars at the NFL Combine are creating major buzz as draft season kicks into high gear. This gathering of elite talent represents the culmination of years of development for players once ranked among high school football’s most coveted recruits. With millions in potential earnings on the line, these standouts will be looking to validate their five-star status on the biggest pre-draft stage.
According to ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay, “This might be the most talented group of former five-stars we’ve seen in years, especially on the defensive side.” The performance of these athletes could significantly impact draft boards across the league. Check out ESPN’s full combine preview
Defensive Stars Commanding Attention at the Combine
The NFL Combine defensive prospects include several former five-stars who have maintained their elite trajectory. Georgia Bulldogs star Elijah Griffin enters Indianapolis as perhaps the most imposing presence. Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 300 pounds, Griffin dominated SEC offensive lines with remarkable consistency. Furthermore, his combination of power and agility makes him a game-wrecker in the mold of recent Georgia defensive line stars.
Michigan Wolverines cornerback Will Johnson, meanwhile, has established himself as the premier cornerback in this class. Despite battling injuries during his final season with the Big Ten champions, Johnson’s lockdown coverage skills and instinctive play have scouts projecting him as a potential top-15 selection.
“What separates Griffin is his first-step explosion combined with his technical hand usage,” notes NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah. “He’s got the tools to be an All-Pro defensive lineman from day one.”
Defensive Prospect | School | Position | Measurables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elijah Griffin | Georgia | DL | 6’5″, 300 lbs |
| Will Johnson | Michigan | CB | 6’2″, 195 lbs |
| Walter Nolen | Ole Miss | DL | 6’4″, 290 lbs |
Offensive Talents vs. Defensive Stars: The Battle in Indianapolis
The former five-stars on both sides of the ball will create fascinating matchups during combine drills.
Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe represents the new prototype for NFL quarterbacks with his dual-threat capabilities. With verified elite athleticism and a cannon arm, Milroe draws comparisons to recent high draft picks like Anthony Richardson. His 40-yard dash time and throwing sessions will be must-watch events, particularly for QB-needy teams in the top 10.
Texas Longhorns counters with Quinn Ewers, a former No. 1 overall recruit with one of the most naturally gifted arms in recent combine history. The Longhorns’ star has been working tirelessly on mechanical refinements with former NFL coaches. His performance in throwing drills could potentially vault him into top-5 consideration.
Colorado Buffaloes standout Travis Hunter stands alone as the most unique prospect in Indianapolis. The Heisman Trophy winner’s unprecedented two-way excellence as both receiver and cornerback has evaluators debating his best NFL position. His combine performance could make him the highest-drafted two-way player in modern NFL history.
What Makes These Former Five-Stars Special
It’s easy to see why former five-stars at the NFL Combine are attracting so much attention. Standing 6-foot-5 with fluid movement skills, Arizona Wildcats receiver Tetairoa McMillan represents the ideal modern wide receiver prototype, similar to prospects featured in our Top 2025 Wide Receiver Prospects.
Beyond the obvious physical attributes, scouts rave about the mental makeup of players like Walter Nolen from Ole Miss Rebels. The defensive tackle has shown remarkable growth since transferring from Texas A&M Aggies—exactly the developmental arc that elite programs seek in cornerstone players.
Future Implications for NFL Draft Boards
While the combine testing remains several days away, the former five-stars at the NFL Combine will create significant movement on draft boards. With approximately two months until draft night, expect intense scrutiny of every 40-yard dash time, positional drill, and team interview.
One veteran scout noted, “This is where separation happens. Some of these guys will cement themselves as top-10 picks, others might fall into day two if they don’t test well.”
Whether Georgia‘s Griffin dominates or Milroe wows with his athleticism, these former five-stars will dramatically shape the 2025 NFL Draft landscape. The performances in Indianapolis could be worth millions in draft position value.
For the latest updates on former five-stars at the NFL Combine and other draft coverage, keep following Prospect-Radar.com. Also check out our coverage of Joel Klatt’s Shocking 2025 NFL Mock Draft and our College Football News section for more prospect coverage.
