The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine served as a major showcase for the top athletes in this draft class to impress evaluators and coaches. 

While the performances from the fall season paved the way for these athletes to participate in the Combine's athletic testing, it's important to note that the game tape doesn't overshadow everything that unfolds in the offseason. Historically, elite NFL players also tend to be exceptional athletes compared to their peers.

Some standout college players didn't meet expectations at the Combine, while others never got the chance to showcase their skills there. Spring brings pro day season, where local teams host events that allow players to undergo the same athletic tests and positional drills as at the Combine. 

Although there can sometimes be favorable timing for the tests, advancements in technology in recent years have made the results more trustworthy.

We’ve pinpointed five under-the-radar prospects who made the most of their pro day opportunities. With the 2025 NFL Draft just three weeks away, these five players are likely to be selected earlier than anticipated a few months ago.

Day 3 Prospects 2025 NFL Draft Pro Day Winners

Nate Carter, RB, Michigan State

Due to the remarkable depth and elite talent available, it will take a tremendous effort to be selected as a running back in the 2025 draft class. Nevertheless, Nate Carter made a compelling case to scouts, positioning himself as a potential hidden gem who could make an impact.

At just 5-foot-9 and 195 pounds, with a total of 2,280 yards, 12 touchdowns, and an average of 4.6 yards per carry over four seasons at Connecticut and Michigan State, Carter's stats may not seem impressive. His smaller frame and lack of standout performance on two struggling offenses could raise concerns. However, his pro day indicates that he was perhaps hindered by circumstances beyond his control.

Despite never surpassing 800 rushing yards in a single season, Carter shone during his time in East Lansing. His 4.37 40-yard dash, 40-inch vertical leap, and 10-foot-8-inch broad jump would have ranked among the top three for running backs at the Combine. Additionally, he completed 23 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press.

These explosive numbers suggest that he is worth taking a chance on in the later rounds. His potential to excel in special teams and as a third-down receiving option could lead to dynamic plays for any offense.

 Jackson Meeks, WR, Syracuse

Jackson Meeks, a former Georgia Bulldog, finally showcased the potential that was expected from him as a recruit during his time at Syracuse in 2024. At 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, Meeks has impressive speed, a broader catch radius, and reliable hands that surpass what one might anticipate from a player who took four years to break out.

In the 2024 season, he made 77 receptions on 115 targets, accumulating 1,020 yards and seven touchdowns. Nearly 90% of his routes were run outside, with his most significant contributions occurring at the catch point rather than after the catch. Despite his standout production and solid recruiting background, Meeks was not invited to the Combine.

Instead, he posted impressive numbers at Syracuse's pro day, including a 3-cone drill time of 6.79 seconds and a commendable 34.5-inch vertical leap.

Meeks is particularly skilled at making contested catches and showcases remarkable hands. At the 2025 Shrine Game, he excelled when asked to execute a full route tree, moving beyond the basic concepts he had learned at Syracuse.

His footwork is quick and precise on short routes, and he surprisingly creates effective separation on vertical routes. Meeks has the physical characteristics of a No. 2 NFL receiver and is more talented than he often gets credit for.

Shaun Dolac, LB, Buffalo

Linebackers often don’t receive high value in the draft, and those with shorter stature and uncertain coverage abilities tend to be even less valued. However, players like Ivan Pace Jr. and other middle linebackers have managed to carve out long and successful careers in the NFL. Shaun Dolac from Buffalo aims to be another late-round gem.

Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 225 pounds, Dolac led the FBS in 2024 with an impressive 168 tackles and 69 run stops. He also made five interceptions and recorded a conference-best 19 tackles for loss, culminating in a remarkable senior year. This wasn’t a sudden rise; Dolac had already achieved 147 tackles in 2022.

While we've seen some less athletic NFL players post impressive stats in the past, having instincts alone isn’t enough to thrive in the league. Fortunately, Dolac showcased his abilities at his pro day, clocking in a 4.55-second 40-yard dash, a 4.21-second short shuttle, and a 6.94-second 3-cone drill, proving he's more aligned with the profile of a prototypical WILL linebacker rather than someone unlikely to make a training camp roster.

Fentrell Cypress II, CB, Florida State

Teams prioritize height, speed, playmaking ability, and competitiveness in cornerbacks. Fentrell Cypress exemplifies three of those qualities, and his extensive experience as a key player for over three seasons at both Virginia and Florida State serves him well. Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 182 pounds, he rebounded from a challenging 2023 season with an impressive performance in 2024, carrying that momentum into his pro day.

Cypress truly excelled at his pro day, showcasing skills that, had he emerged from his 2022 season at Virginia, might have positioned him for contention in the first round. He clocked a 4.43 in the 40-yard dash and delivered outstanding results, including a 38-inch vertical jump, a 10-foot-3 broad jump, and a 6.84 in the 3-cone drill. 

His 2022 season featured a remarkable NFL passer rating against of just 58.2, with a completion rate allowed of 45%, although he has struggled to maintain that level of performance since.

Nonetheless, there’s plenty to appreciate about Cypress’ abilities. While he may be lighter, his speed, tackling skills, and ability to prevent significant gains are commendable. He recorded only one interception over 1,082 coverage snaps, indicating that he’s not likely to generate many turnovers, but he is expected to carve out a role due to his competitive nature and athletic gifts.

Ricky White, WR, UNLV

Ricky White's performance at the Combine was arguably one of the most disappointing of the event. After an impressive college career, amassing 2,524 yards, 19 touchdowns, and three punt blocks over two seasons, he was viewed as a promising mid-round prospect from the Group of 5. His smooth route-running, agility, and reliable hands made him a fan favorite.

However, the Combine did not showcase the strengths that many anticipated. White weighed in at 184 pounds but clocked a 4.61 in the 40-yard dash and a 4.52 in the short shuttle—both disappointing times for a quick and agile player known for his deep-threat potential.

While he did post solid vertical and broad jump numbers, his overall production on the field began to be overlooked until his pro day, when he significantly improved his 40-yard time to an impressive 4.41, which aligned much better with his game tape.

Concerns about his lean physique and his decision not to participate in the 3-cone drill at either event linger, but he has at least re-entered the conversation for Day 3 of the draft as a depth option and a key special teams player.