Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Ashton Jeanty highlights big names not taking part in drills at combine

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Feb 24, 2025 8:01 PM ET

The NFL scouting combine is an interesting beast.

There are players every year who, without a doubt, help themselves and their NFL Draft stock because of how they perform in shorts and a T-shirt in Indianapolis. On the other hand, some players hurt their draft stock if they run slower than expected or they're a big offensive lineman who can't put up a ton of reps on bench press, for example.

There are some legitimate reasons for the ups and downs in draft stock, but again, let's remember that these are drills and workouts, not the real thing.

That's why some players choose to skip the drills altogether and let the work they put on film the season before speak for itself.

One player choosing to skip workouts is quite a big name, and that's Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, according to Tom Pelissero.

Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty has elected to participate only in medical
evaluations and team interviews at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, per his agent @henryorgann. He will take part in on-field drills during Boise
State’s Pro Day. pic.twitter.com/iDBdAJ8Fkb
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 24, 2025

Jeanty had a Heisman-trophy-worthy year at Boise State after rushing 374 times for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns. Those are the types of numbers that speak for themselves, so now all the talented running back wants to do is make some friends in Indianapolis and prove that he can be the right fit for an NFL franchise.

Jeanty is far from the only big name anticipated to not participate in drills though.

Arguably the top quarterback in the draft — Colorado's Shedeur Sanders — isn't expected to throw at the combine and it sounds like Miami's Cam Ward could be joining him in that decision as well.

Per @TomPelissero on @GMFB, it’s uncertain whether Cam Ward will throw at the Combine. But, Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart, Bama QB Jalen Milroe and Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard will throw. https://t.co/eFamI4KLTr
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 24, 2025

If it seems like many of these high-end players prefer to work out in the comfort of their own pro day, that's because it's true. That doesn't mean the combine isn't important for some of the lesser-known names in the draft, though, and it is still a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these prospects to let NFL teams know who they really are.

The 2025 NFL Draft starts on April 24. The scouting combine starts on Thursday.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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