With the NFL Combine officially in the books, there were a number of players who took full advantage of the week-long showcase to pump up their draft stock. Did some of these prospects do enough to be considered by the Carolina Panthers with the 8th overall pick, or possibly by one of the seven other teams picking ahead of the Panthers?
Which players stole headlines across the NFL media landscape with their performances and may have punched their ticket to Charlotte come draft day in April?
While many anticipated Stewart to have a great performance at the Combine, he put up arguably the best combine performance for a defensive end in NFL history. Posting a 10 Relative Athletic Score, Stewart's performance is going to test the NFL's decision makers on what truly matters more: traits or production.
Currently listed as the 9th overall prospect on Daniel Jeremiah's pre-combine Top 50 list, Barron's performance in Indianapolis did nothing but boost his draft stock even higher. Jeremiah's critique on Barron was that he "lacked elite top speed", but Barron's 4.39 40 yard dash and 1.5 10 yard split might assuage those concerns. Barron has gotten much publicity for the Panthers with the 8th overall pick, but that could change soon for the versatile, Jim Thorpe award winning defensive back.
Golden came into the combine already viewed as one of the most polished receivers in the draft. What wasn't expected by most was that he would run a 4.29 40 yard dash that lead all receivers in the event. Could a tantalizing combination of speed and polish push him to be the first receiver taken in the draft? Former General Manager Mike Tannenbaum seems to think so.
Membou made a name for himself as an elite right tackle for the Missouri Tigers in 2024. There were some concerns that he was too short to continue to play at tackle in the NFL - until he measured in at 6'4 at the NFL Combine with 33.5 inch arms and a 9.82 Relative Athletic Score. The Panthers current right tackle, Taylor Moton, is entering the final season under contract. Call me crazy if you want, but investing in the offensive line is never a bad idea.
Pearce's combine performance on the field was impressive, however there might be some off-field concerns percolating that may impact his draft stock come April. Without details behind those concerns, it's hard to say that Pearce's 4.47 40 yard dash coupled with looking extremely fluid in the drills doesn't look tantalizing for a team desperate for some juice for their pass rush.