Thursday combine watch: Could Alabama LB test better than some WRs?

The NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis is underway, with teams interviewing prospects, gathering medical information and more.

On-field workouts start Thursday (3 p.m. ET), when defensive linemen and linebackers run through drills, including the 40-yard dash. Defensive backs and tight ends will work out Friday (3 p.m. ET), followed by quarterbacks, wide receivers and running backs Saturday (1 p.m. ET). O-lineman test Sunday (1 p.m. ET) and bench press Monday.  

With that in mind, here are five players to watch Thursday:  

Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell 

In a story published Tuesday, CBS Sports' Chris Trapasso predicted Campbell (6-foot-3, 244 pounds) would test better than some wide receivers in the vertical jump and 40-yard dash. 

"Jihaad Campbell looks like a chiseled receiver-tight end hybrid and on film erupts to the football every single play," wrote Trapasso. "He was actually the No. 1 edge recruit in the country back in 2022, according to 247 Sports, and he slimmed down at Alabama to man one of its off-ball linebacker positions." 

Campbell flashed elite athleticism throughout the 2024 season, leading the Crimson Tide in tackles (119 in 13 games) and sacks (five).

A solid showing at the combine could solidify his status as a first-round pick. In his latest mock draft, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. has the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selecting Campbell with pick No. 19.  

Texas A&M edge-rusher Shemar Stewart 

Stewart (6-foot-5, 281 pounds) could be one of the combine's biggest risers.

In three seasons with the Aggies, he failed to produce impressive numbers, recording just 4.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss. Teams may be willing to ignore those stats if he showcases his speed in the 40-yard dash. 

"He will run a low-4.5 (in the 40) at 280 and 6-5-plus," Aggies D-line coach Sean Spencer recently told The Athletic's Bruce Feldman. "He can fly. At worst, I think he'll go 4.62, 4.63. I'll be surprised if he doesn't break 4.60."

In Tankathon's latest mock draft,  the Cincinnati Bengals take Stewart with pick No. 17. 

Tennessee edge-rusher James Pearce Jr. 

In Pro Football Focus' way-too-early 2025 mock draft, Max Chadwick and Dalton Wasserman had Pearce as the No. 1 pick, but his stock has dipped since. 

On his updated big board, NFL Media's Daniel Jeremiah listed Pearce as his No. 21 prospect. 

In 13 games in 2024, Pearce had 7.5 sacks and 13 TFLs. At the combine, however, the 6-foot-5, 243-pounder must prove his lean frame won't be a concern in the NFL. 

"Pearce knows how to play around blocks and has the speed to close and tackle, but his base is naturally narrow and lacks bend," wrote NFL.com's Lance Zierlein in a recent scouting report. "He'll need to improve his strength and technique as an NFL run defender." 

Michigan DT Kenneth Grant 

Michigan teammate Mason Graham (6-foot-3, 320 pounds) is considered the best D-lineman in the class. Still, scouts shouldn't overlook Grant, who posted a stellar 87.5 PFF run-defense grade in 12 games. 

"You're hoping and dreaming of this [New York Giants DT] Dexter Lawrence-type ascension for [Grant] once he gets to the NFL," Jeremiah told On3's Clayton Sayfie. "Hasn't put it together yet, but it's all in there." 

In his latest mock draft, Wasserman has the Arizona Cardinals trading pick No. 16 to the Los Angeles Chargers and taking Grant with pick No. 22. He should climb draft boards if he aces the combine. 

The Draft Network's Mason Johnstone predicted Grant (6-foot-3, 342 pounds) "will run in the 4.8s or lower" in the 40-yard dash.

Oregon edge-rusher Jordan Burch

Burch (6-foot-6, 295 pounds) could be a sleeper heading into the combine. The South Carolina transfer had a mostly inconsistent college career but broke out in 2024. In 10 games, he logged career highs in TFLs (11) and sacks (8.5). 

Tankathon has the Washington Commanders taking Burch with pick No. 61 in the second round. If he tests well at the combine, he may go higher. 

Feldman reported Burch has clocked a top speed of 20.75 mph and has a 35-inch vertical jump. That would tie Los Angeles Rams edge-rusher Jared Verse's vertical at the 2024 Combine. Verse, of course, won 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year.