Five prospects who hurt their stock during the NFL combine

Five prospects who underperformed at NFL combine

Kayden McDonald, DT,  Ohio State

McDonald entered the combine as a promising defensive tackle from Ohio State, known for his run-stuffing ability. However, his on-field workout raised red flags. McDonald opted not to run the 40-yard dash, and in drills, he appeared rigid and stiff, failing to demonstrate explosiveness. He's not likely to be a three-down defender.

LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama

Overton was expected to showcase his athletic traits, but his combine numbers told a different story. Clocking a 4.87-second 40-yard dash at 274 pounds with a 1.7-second 10-yard split, Overton's times were underwhelming for his position while skipping the broad jump. He's currently not a threat off the edge due to his lack of burst and explosion. 

Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE,  Miami

The Miami edge rusher had impressive college production, but his combine measurements raised red flags. His arm length measured just 30 7/8 inches — historically short for a first-round EDGE prospect — prompting questions about his ability to convert speed-to-power and set the edge against longer NFL tackles. While he tested well in some areas, the length concern amplified doubts about his upside, potentially pushing him down boards in a strong edge class.

Emmett Johnson, RB,  Nebraska

The Nebraska running back faced high expectations to display dynamic traits, but his combine results were lackluster across the board. He posted the slowest 40-yard dash among running backs at 4.56 seconds, paired with only average jumps — a 35 1/2-inch vertical and 10-foot broad jump. His 7.32-second three-cone drill was particularly disappointing, and in field drills, he lacked the fluidity and explosiveness scouts hoped to see. 

Malachi Fields, WR,  Notre Dame

Fields, standing at 6-foot-4 and 218 pounds, had the physical tools to excite scouts, but his combine outing was a disappointment. His 4.61-second 40-yard dash was slower than anticipated, and he struggled with acceleration and wasted motion throughout his routes.