ESPN names two Georgia players as NFL draft risers after their standout performances at the NFL Combine.
The NFL Draft is always one of the most anticipated events in the sports calendar, as it not only marks the future of the NFL but also serves as a platform for collegiate players to demonstrate their talents and boost their stock. The NFL Scouting Combine is one of the most critical events in this process, giving prospects a chance to showcase their skills, physical attributes, and readiness for the professional level. Recently, ESPN has highlighted two standout players from the University of Georgia as “draft risers” following their impressive performances at the 2025 NFL Combine.
Georgia’s football program has been a powerhouse in college football, producing some of the best players year after year. The Bulldogs’ program has gained immense respect, thanks in part to their national championship-winning team and consistent success in the SEC. At the NFL Combine, two players from the Georgia Bulldogs have garnered significant attention and praise. With a combination of physical prowess, technical ability, and mental toughness, these two athletes are climbing draft boards, and their performances in Indianapolis have placed them firmly in the spotlight.
The Impact of the NFL Combine
Before diving into the specific players, it’s important to understand why the NFL Scouting Combine is such a significant event. The Combine offers NFL coaches, scouts, and executives the chance to evaluate hundreds of top prospects through a series of drills, physical tests, and interviews. For the players, it is an opportunity to prove themselves in front of decision-makers and to show that they can translate their college success into the professional game. The Combine includes physical tests like the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, three-cone drill, and bench press, all of which help measure athleticism and endurance. In addition to physical tests, the Combine also features individual interviews with teams, psychological testing, and position-specific drills.
In the context of the Georgia Bulldogs, the performances of two players at the Combine stood out. Their results were so impressive that ESPN has labeled them as “draft risers” — prospects whose stock has increased significantly as a result of their performances. These two players had already garnered attention for their performances on the field during the college season, but their Combine results have brought them closer to the top of the draft conversation.
Player 1: Jalen Carter – Defensive Lineman
Jalen Carter, a dominant force on Georgia’s defense, entered the 2025 NFL Combine as one of the most highly anticipated prospects. The 6’3″, 314-pound defensive lineman was already viewed as one of the top talents in the draft, and his Combine performance only solidified his standing.
Combine Performance:
Carter showcased his strength, agility, and overall athleticism during the Combine. One of the most impressive aspects of his performance was his 40-yard dash time. For a player of his size, Carter’s 4.85-second 40-yard dash was exceptional, showing that he has the speed to chase down quarterbacks and ball carriers despite his sizable frame. His ability to accelerate off the line and cover ground quickly is rare for a player of his size and positions him as an elite defensive lineman in this draft class.
In addition to the 40-yard dash, Carter also impressed with his agility in the three-cone drill and shuttle runs, which are critical tests for defensive linemen who need to change directions quickly and react to offensive plays. He posted times in the top percentile for defensive tackles, showing that he has the quickness to navigate around blockers and close in on the quarterback.
Carter’s strength was also on full display during the bench press, where he completed 30 reps of 225 pounds, indicating his power and ability to anchor against the offensive line. His explosion in the vertical jump and broad jump further underscored his overall athleticism, indicating that he has the ability to leap off the line of scrimmage and create disruption in the backfield.
Why His Combine Performance Boosted His Stock:
Carter’s Combine performance confirmed what scouts already knew: he is a freak athlete with exceptional talent. His combination of size, strength, and athleticism is rare for a player at his position. Carter’s explosiveness and lateral quickness allow him to make plays both as an interior pass rusher and a run stuffer, and his Combine performance solidified his place as one of the most coveted defensive players in the draft.
Many scouts are now projecting Carter as a top-5 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. His versatility and disruptive nature on the defensive line make him an ideal fit for NFL teams looking to strengthen their front-seven. His Combine performance demonstrated that he has the tools to dominate at the next level, and his stock has risen significantly as a result.
Player 2: Broderick Jones – Offensive Tackle
Broderick Jones, another key contributor to Georgia’s dominant offensive line, was already one of the top offensive tackle prospects entering the 2025 NFL Draft. At 6’4″ and 310 pounds, Jones possesses ideal size and length to be a starting tackle at the next level. However, his performance at the NFL Combine has elevated him from a potential first-round pick to a legitimate contender for one of the first tackles off the board.
Combine Performance:
Jones was impressive in every aspect of the Combine, starting with his 40-yard dash time. For an offensive tackle of his size, running a 4.78-second 40-yard dash was exceptional. His ability to move quickly in space is a rare trait for a player of his stature, and it gives him a distinct advantage over other offensive linemen in the draft class.
Additionally, Jones’ performances in the agility drills, such as the three-cone drill and 20-yard shuttle, were equally impressive. These drills test a lineman’s ability to change direction quickly and demonstrate body control, both of which are essential for pass protection. Jones’ ability to move with ease and fluidity in these drills reinforced his potential as a highly capable pass blocker in the NFL.
Jones also impressed with his strength and technique in the bench press, where he performed 30 reps of 225 pounds, showing his raw power and ability to handle strong defensive linemen. His strong upper body will help him in maintaining leverage and controlling defenders at the line of scrimmage.
Why His Combine Performance Boosted His Stock:
Broderick Jones was already viewed as one of the top offensive tackle prospects, but his Combine performance pushed him further up the draft board. His ability to move quickly and fluidly for a player of his size shows that he has the potential to be a versatile tackle who can protect both the quarterback’s blind side and the running game. His athleticism and technique make him a prime candidate for teams looking for a tackle who can contribute immediately.
Jones’ draft stock has risen to the point where he is now considered by many as a top-10 pick, and there is even speculation that he could be the first offensive tackle off the board. His Combine performance validated the hype surrounding him, and he now finds himself in a strong position to hear his name called early in the first round.
The Importance of the NFL Combine for Draft Prospects
The NFL Combine is a critical event for draft prospects because it gives teams an opportunity to evaluate physical attributes and mental toughness in a controlled environment. Although game film is the most important factor in evaluating a player, the Combine offers a chance for prospects to answer lingering questions and demonstrate their readiness for the NFL.
For Jalen Carter and Broderick Jones, the NFL Combine was a platform that allowed them to display their talents in front of NFL scouts, coaches, and executives. Both players showcased why they are among the top prospects in their respective positions, and their performances at the Combine have only solidified their status as future NFL stars.
