Risers

Edge Rushers:

James Pearce Jr. (Before: Round 1 | After: Top 10)

James Pearce Jr. was my top overall prospect ahead of the 2024 season, and he proved at the combine that he is still that elite prospect. His combination of size, speed, and explosiveness was on full display, running an impressive 4.47-second 40-yard dash. Pearce has a strong case to be the top edge rusher in the class over Abdul Carter, and his performance cemented his status as a top-10 selection.

Shemar Stewart (Before: Top 50 | After: Round 1)

Shemar Stewart lacked production at Texas A&M and had a low pass rush win rate, but his elite athleticism was undeniable at the combine. Running a 4.59-second 40-yard dash at his size is rare, and his raw talent is sure to earn him a first-round selection. Stewart’s testing numbers will make teams bet on his upside, as he possesses all the physical tools necessary to develop into a high-level pass rusher.

Donovan Ezeiruaku (Before: Round 2 | After: Round 1)

Donovan Ezeiruaku has been one of the biggest risers this offseason, impressing at the Senior Bowl and now the combine. His explosiveness, bend, and refined pass-rush skills stood out in drills, helping him solidify his case as a first-rounder. Ezeiruaku’s strong pre-draft process has placed him firmly in the early-round conversation, and he looks poised to be a Day 1 pick.

Landon Jackson (Before: Round 2-3 | After: Round 2)

Landon Jackson has been consistently proving himself as one of the best edge rushers in the class. His frame and length make him an enticing prospect, and he continued to show his athletic ability at the combine. His testing numbers and movement skills have likely secured him a spot in the second round, making him a valuable selection for teams needing edge help.

Jordan Burch (Before: Round 4-5 | After: Round 3)

Jordan Burch had an outstanding combine, significantly improving his draft stock. His size and agility stood out in drills, and he showcased the upside teams look for in developmental edge rushers. His performance likely pushes him into the third round, making him a solid mid-round investment for teams looking for pass-rush potential.

Ahmed Hassanein (Before: Round 6 to Undrafted | After: Day 3 Pick)

Ahmed Hassanein is a rare case of a player rising due to character, story, and leadership. He stood out as a trailblazer at the combine, and teams are taking a deeper dive into his film. His work ethic and determination have put him on the radar, and he could be a steal for a franchise willing to develop his raw talent.

Interior Defensive Linemen:

Derrick Harmon (Before: Fringe Round 1 | After: 10th to 25th Overall)

Derrick Harmon had a fantastic combine, showcasing his blend of power and athleticism. His performance has likely cemented him as the DT2 behind Mason Graham, with a real shot at being selected in the first round. His ability to disrupt the line of scrimmage makes him a highly sought-after interior presence.

Darius Alexander (Before: Round 3 | After: Round 2)

Darius Alexander impressed with his athleticism, showing that he has the explosiveness to be an impact player at the next level. His ability to move laterally and generate pressure will make him a coveted prospect in the second round. His stock continues to rise as teams recognize his potential.

CJ West (Before: Round 5-7 | After: Round 3-4)

CJ West had one of the biggest jumps of any defensive tackle, proving he is a legitimate force inside. His combination of quickness and strength stood out in drills, making him a likely mid-round pick. His stock is on the rise, and he could hear his name called earlier than expected.

Ty Robinson (Before: Round 4-5 | After: Round 3-4)

Ty Robinson’s size and agility helped him boost his stock at the combine. He displayed great movement skills for his frame, and teams looking for a versatile interior lineman will have him high on their boards. His performance likely pushes him into the third or fourth round.

Aeneas Peebles (Before: Round 4-6 | After: Round 3-4)

Aeneas Peebles had an impressive showing at the combine, demonstrating great footwork and strength. His ability to control the line of scrimmage will make him a valuable mid-round selection. Peebles continues to rise up draft boards as teams appreciate his skill set.

Linebackers:

Jihaad Campbell (Before: Fringe Round 1 | After: 13th to 26th Overall)

Jihaad Campbell may have solidified himself as the top linebacker in the class. His 4.52-second 40-yard dash and fluid movement in drills showed off his elite range and coverage ability. With his athleticism on display, Campbell has made a strong case for a first-round selection.

Danny Stutsman (Before: Round 4-5 | After: Late 2nd or 3rd Round)

Danny Stutsman was one of the biggest risers at linebacker, running a 4.52-second 40 and showcasing great agility in drills. His ability to play sideline-to-sideline makes him an attractive prospect, and his stock has now risen into the second or third round.

Demetrius Knight (Before: Round 4-5 | After: Round 3-4)

Demetrius Knight is an older prospect, but he proved his athleticism is still elite. His impressive testing numbers and immediate impact ability make him a strong selection in the third or fourth round. Knight continues to rise as teams recognize his value.

Eugene Asante (Before: Round 6 to Undrafted | After: Day 3 Pick)

Eugene Asante significantly boosted his draft stock with a 4.48-second 40-yard dash. His speed and coverage ability make him an intriguing Day 3 selection. Asante has positioned himself as a late-round pick with the potential to develop into a contributor.

Kain Medrano (Before: Undrafted | After: Day 3 Pick)

Kain Medrano went from being an afterthought to a legitimate draftable prospect. His speed and range stood out at the combine, and teams will take a chance on him in the later rounds. Medrano’s performance has put him on the map as a Day 3 pick.

Fallers

At edge, Nic Scourton, Mike Green, Josaiah Stewart, and Jack Sawyer suffered slightly from the combine. All of them either didn’t participate much or at all, and as other edge rushers moved up, they naturally fell. The biggest faller at edge rusher is Mykel Williams. Williams is a prospect built entirely on athletic upside, but James Pearce Jr., Shemar Stewart, and Donovan Ezeiruaku proved to be just as good, if not better, athletes while also having more refined fundamentals and production. Sitting out of the combine could be a costly mistake for the Georgia edge rusher.

At defensive tackle, there weren’t any major fallers, but Kenneth Grant, Walter Nolen, Deone Walker, and TJ Sanders may slide slightly as other players move up. At linebacker, Jalon Walker suffered the most from not participating due to injury. This was a huge missed opportunity for him to display his athleticism, and he may have lost his spot as the top linebacker to Jihaad Campbell. Barrett Carter and Chris Paul Jr. also took hits to their stock, with Carter not participating and Paul having an overall poor showing.

Photo Credits: 247 Sports, AZ Central, Sports Illustrated, WCIA, Sooners Wire, USA Today