Day 4 NFL Combine Standouts: Speed, Strength & Lions Connections
The 2025 NFL Combine continued with explosive performances from top prospects, including some names that could interest the Detroit Lions.
Defensive Freaks on Display
Nick Emmanwori (S, South Carolina) turned heads with a 43-inch vertical, 11-foot-6 broad jump, and 4.38 40-yard dash—athletic numbers comparable to DK Metcalf. He also had 88 tackles and four picks last season.
Maxwell Hairston (CB, Kentucky) ran a blazing 4.28 40 and reached a top speed of 24.25 mph, ranking among the fastest in recent Combine history.
Jahdae Barron (CB, Texas) drew Brian Branch comparisons, but his 4.39 speed likely makes him a first-round lock.
Lions Connections & Draft Fits
Stanford WR Elic Ayomanor, who met with Detroit, has a physical play style that aligns with the Lions’ offensive identity. He once put up 13 catches, 295 yards, and 3 TDs in a single game.
Georgia guard Tate Ratledge embraces a “dirtbag mentality” on the field—a trait Lions GM Brad Holmes praised in last year’s pick, Christian Mahogany.
Other Notable Moments
QB Quinn Ewers praised Jared Goff, saying he “plays the game the right way.”
Shedeur Sanders oozed confidence, telling teams: “If you ain’t trying to change the franchise or the culture – don’t get me.”
With speed, physicality, and swagger on full display, the Lions’ front office has plenty to consider heading into draft season.
Final Impressions: Key Observations from Day 4 of the NFL Combine
