It’s day two of the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine’s on-field exercises, and the defensive backs are out there to demonstrate their athleticism and technical skill. Scouts from all 32 NFL teams kept a careful eye on defensive backs as they went through raw athletic testing and positional drills. Without insignia on their helmets, it was up to the athletes to stand out and earn a draft pick. These four defensive backs rose to the occasion and improved their draft stock at the NFL Combine.

In the 2025 NFL Draft, defensive backs like Jahdae Barron from Texas are on the rise due to their success at the NFL Combine. Many scouts and experts were concerned about Jahdae Barron’s speed entering this weekend. He put those fears to rest with an excellent 4.39-second 40-yard sprint. Barron chose not to participate in the position-specific workouts, having demonstrated everything he needed to with his speed. He’s a versatile defensive back who played safety, nickel, and outside cornerback at Texas.

Over the last year, the former Longhorn has continually moved up draft boards. His performance at the NFL Combine might propel him into top-ten consideration. Darien Porter, Iowa State Darien Porter of Iowa State is a raw cornerback prospect with minimal footage, but he demonstrated top athleticism at the NFL Combine. Porter, who stood nearly 6’3″ and weighed 195 pounds, completed a 40-yard dash in 4.3 seconds, ranking second among cornerbacks. He completed his athletic profile with a 36.5-inch vertical leap and a 10’11” broad jump. The former wide receiver demonstrated to NFL organizations that he possesses the natural athletic ability to compete at the next level.

Nick Emmanwori of South Carolina Nick Emmanwori is a versatile safeties from South Carolina. He began the day with an impressive 43-inch vertical jump. Emmanwori followed up with a 4.38-second forty-yard sprint. Emmanwori is one of the most interesting athletes in this year’s draft class, standing 6’3″ and weighing 220 pounds. Prior to the combine, some scouts suggested Emmanwori play linebacker. The defensive back’s performance at the NFL Combine shows that he possesses the athleticism to play safety.

Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky Maxwell Hairston was anticipated to steal the show when the defensive backs took the field in Indianapolis. He did exactly that. With a position-leading 4.28-second forty-yard sprint, Hairston validated the exceptional pace scouts had witnessed on film. He followed up his lightning-fast speed with smooth mobility in drills.

Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky Maxwell Hairston was expected to steal the show as the defensive backs hit the field in Indianapolis. He did just that. Hairston’s position-leading 4.28-second forty-yard sprint corroborated scouts’ observations of his remarkable speed on film. He followed up his lightning-fast speed with fluid movement in drills.