The 2025 NFL Combine wrapped up with standout performances, especially from Utah-based athletes Tyler Batty (BYU), Junior Tafuna (Utah), and Jalen Royals (Utah State). Batty displayed impressive strength, Tafuna showcased his power, and Royals stood out with his speed. Other prospects like Matthew Golden (Texas) and Jalen Milroe (Alabama) also made headlines. Read the full expert analysis and draft projections.
NFL Combine 2025: Local Athletes’ Performances and Complete Analysis
The NFL Combine represents a crucial moment in the journey of NFL prospects, offering a platform where college athletes can demonstrate their physical and technical abilities in front of league recruiters. The 2025 edition, which just concluded in Indianapolis, highlighted several promising talents, particularly local athletes from Utah who caught the attention of experts.
This annual showcase allows NFL teams to evaluate future talent through a series of standardized tests, interviews, and specific exercises. For participants, it’s often an opportunity to confirm or improve their position before the draft, or even reveal themselves as potential top picks.
Local Athletes in the Spotlight: BYU, Utah, and Utah State
This year, Utah was well represented at the Combine with three remarkable athletes: Tyler Batty from BYU, Junior Tafuna from the University of Utah, and Jalen Royals from Utah State. Each had the opportunity to showcase their skills in hopes of impressing recruiters and improving their chances of being selected in the upcoming NFL draft.
Tyler Batty (BYU) – Performance and Analysis
Tyler Batty, edge rusher from BYU, delivered a solid performance at the Combine. He recorded a time of 4.78 seconds in the 40-yard dash, demonstrating respectable speed for a player in his position. At the bench press, Batty completed 24 repetitions, placing him among the best in his category. His vertical jump of 35.5 inches and broad jump of 10’1″ testify to his explosive power, while his times of 7.15 seconds in the 3-cone drill and 4.31 seconds in the 20-yard shuttle reflect his good agility.
Lance Zierlein, respected NFL analyst, highlighted several strengths in Batty, including his technical discipline, power at the point of attack, and ability to read the game. Among his weaknesses, Zierlein notes a lack of initial explosiveness and certain stiffness in the hips that could limit his flexibility on the field. Nevertheless, he considers him an interesting prospect with early rotation potential.
Batty received an overall grade of 6.2, positioning him as a potential rotation player in his first year. Among edge rushers, he currently sits in the middle of the pack, with projections placing him as a 4th or 5th round pick.
Junior Tafuna (Utah) – Performance and Analysis
Junior Tafuna, defensive tackle from the University of Utah, also made a good impression at the Combine. Although he didn’t participate in all tests, his performances in certain exercises were remarkable. At the bench press, he achieved 29 repetitions, demonstrating his raw strength. His 40-yard dash of 5.00 seconds is competitive for a defensive lineman of his build (308 pounds).
According to Zierlein’s analysis, Tafuna possesses excellent base power, good hand technique, and an ability to push back blockers. His main weaknesses concern his slightly below-average height for his position and a need to improve his technical consistency. Zierlein believes Tafuna could become a solid rotation player in a 4-3 defense.
With an overall grade of 6.3, Tafuna positions himself as an interesting prospect among defensive tackles. He is currently ranked in the second tier at his position, with projections placing him as a 3rd or 4th round pick.
Jalen Royals (Utah State) – Performance and Analysis
Jalen Royals, wide receiver from Utah State, particularly shined at the Combine. His time of 4.42 seconds in the 40-yard dash placed him among the fastest receivers. He also impressed with a vertical jump of 39.5 inches and a broad jump of 10’8″, demonstrating his exceptional athletic abilities. His performances in speed and agility exercises were also above average.
Lance Zierlein emphasizes Royals’ separation speed, reliable hands, and versatility on the field. However, he notes a need for improvement in his route running and physical play against defenders. According to the analyst, Royals has the potential to become an effective complementary receiver with added value as a returner.
Royals obtained an overall grade of 6.0, positioning him as a good developmental prospect. In the wide receiver rankings, he currently sits in the middle of the pack in a particularly competitive class, with projections placing him as a 5th or 6th round pick.
Other Notable Performances and Key Developments of the NFL Combine 2025
Beyond the local athletes, several other participants made strong impressions during this NFL Combine 2025.
Matthew Golden (Texas) – Dominates the 40 Yards
Matthew Golden from the University of Texas created a sensation by posting the best time in the 40-yard dash with an impressive 4.25 seconds. This performance recalls that of John Ross, who still holds the Combine record with 4.22 seconds. Golden also excelled in other explosiveness exercises, consolidating his reputation as an exceptional athlete.
This performance could considerably improve his draft status, potentially propelling him into first-round discussions. Compared to other fast receivers from previous years like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, Golden has demonstrated that he possesses the athletic qualities sought after to succeed at the professional level.
Bhayshul Tuten (Virginia Tech) – A Star Runner
Bhayshul Tuten from Virginia Tech distinguished himself among running backs with a time of 4.38 seconds in the 40-yard dash. Add to that a vertical jump of 41.5 inches and a broad jump of 11’2″, and you have one of the most impressive athletic profiles of the Combine.
These performances place Tuten in an elite category, comparable to running backs like Saquon Barkley and Jonathan Taylor when they left college. Although his college production was less publicized than some of his counterparts, his performances at the Combine could make him one of the surprises of the draft.
Jalen Milroe (Alabama) – A Quarterback to Watch
Jalen Milroe from Alabama was one of the most scrutinized quarterbacks at the Combine. With his combination of size (6’2″, 220 pounds), athleticism, and arm power, he confirmed his status as an intriguing prospect. His time of 4.52 seconds in the 40-yard dash was the best among quarterbacks.
During throwing exercises, Milroe showed impressive arm strength, but also some inconsistencies in his accuracy. His interviews with teams were described as positive, reinforcing the perception that he could be an excellent development project for a team ready to invest in his potential. Some analysts compare him to Lamar Jackson for his explosive playing style.
Behind the Scenes and Perspectives: Injuries, Adaptations, and Potential
Beyond purely athletic performances, the Combine is also an opportunity to learn more about players’ personalities, health status, and adaptability.
Josh Simmons (Ohio State) – Recovery and Preparation
Josh Simmons, offensive tackle from Ohio State, is still recovering from an ankle injury suffered late in the season. Although he didn’t participate in the physical exercises of the Combine, he impressed during interviews and medical examinations. Simmons announced that he would be fully recovered for his university’s pro day, where he hopes to demonstrate his athletic abilities.
Teams seem satisfied with his progress and maintain their interest despite this temporary absence from the field. His size and wingspan, measured during the Combine, meet the high standards sought at his position.
Will Campbell (LSU) – Challenges and Determination
Will Campbell’s official measurements revealed arm length slightly below the ideal for a tackle (33 1/8 inches), fueling speculation about a possible repositioning as a guard. Campbell responded to these concerns with confidence, emphasizing his technique and successful experience against elite pass rushers in the SEC.
His performance in exercises was solid, demonstrating good lateral mobility and impressive base strength. Campbell remains determined to prove he can excel as a tackle in the NFL, despite the doubts of some analysts.
Armand Membou (Missouri) – Versatility and Potential
Armand Membou from Missouri generated a lot of interest due to his versatility. Capable of playing tackle or guard, Membou showed during exercises a rare combination of power and agility. Several teams had in-depth interviews with him, exploring the possibility of using him at different positions on the offensive line.
His impressive wingspan and mobility for a man of his size (6’5″, 315 pounds) make him a versatile prospect who could see his stock rise significantly after his Combine performance.
Kelvin Banks Jr. (Texas) – Discussions on a Position Change
Kelvin Banks Jr., star tackle from Texas, was also the subject of discussions regarding a possible repositioning as a guard in the NFL. Although dominant at the college level as a tackle, some scouts believe his physical characteristics and playing style might be better suited to the interior of the line.
Banks addressed these discussions with maturity during the Combine, affirming his willingness to play where his team would need him. This attitude, combined with his solid performances in strength and mobility exercises, reinforced his reputation as a character player ready to adapt to succeed at the professional level.
