NFL Combine 2025: Local Athletes Shine with Impressive Performances

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The 2025 NFL Combine has come to a close, with several local athletes from Utah colleges making a strong impression on scouts and coaches from all 32 teams. BYU's Tyler Batty, Utah's Junior Tafuna, and Utah State's Jalen Royals were among the top performers, showcasing their skills in various drills and tests. Batty, a defensive lineman, completed all seven NFL Combine drills, including the 40-yard dash, bench press, and vertical jump, with notable performances in the 3-cone drill and 20-yard shuttle.

Tafuna, a defensive tackle, participated in four of the seven drills, recording a 5.03-second 40-yard dash time and 24 bench press reps. Royals, a wide receiver, had a standout performance, recording a 4.42-second 40-yard dash time and 13 bench press reps. His 10-yard split time was the second-best among wide receivers, and he also had the seventh-most reps on the bench press. NFL Analyst Lance Zierlein praised Royals, saying he is "skilled and instinctive" with "good size" and "keenly aware of defenders around him."

In other NFL Combine news, Ohio State's running backs, including Trevion Henderson and Quinshawn Judkins, are set to participate in the on-field portion of the combine. Henderson is expected to run the 40-yard dash, broad jump, and vertical jump, while Judkins will participate in the same drills. The two running backs are considered among the top prospects in the draft, with Henderson projected to go in the first round and Judkins projected to go in the second or third round.

The NFL Combine also saw several quarterbacks participate, including Ohio State's Will Howard, Quinn Ewers, and Kyle McCord. Howard, who had a strong playoff run, is considered a potential first-round pick, while Ewers and McCord are projected to go in the second or third round. The quarterbacks' performances will be closely watched, as they look to improve their draft stock and become the next generation of NFL leaders.

Here are the results of the local athletes' performances at the NFL Combine:

• Tyler Batty: 4.78-second 40-yard dash, 1.69-second 10-yard split, 34-inch vertical jump, 10-foot broad jump, 7.21-second 3-cone drill, 4.54-second 20-yard shuttle, and 27 bench press reps
• Junior Tafuna: 5.03-second 40-yard dash, 1.8-second 10-yard split, 28.5-inch vertical jump, and 24 bench press reps
• Jalen Royals: 4.42-second 40-yard dash, 1.49-second 10-yard split, and 13 bench press reps

The NFL Combine is an important event for college football players looking to make the jump to the NFL, and this year's event saw several local athletes make a strong impression on scouts and coaches.

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