Future Broncos: 2025 NFL Combine Day 1 Roundup

The 2025 NFL Combine kicked off yesterday with defensive lineman and linebackers working out. Here’s several big things we learned from the first official workouts.

Yesterday the 2025 NFL Combine officially kicked off with the defensive line and linebacker prospects working out in front of coaches, general managers, scouts, and executive personnel from across the league.

The biggest Broncos’ news came in the way of formal meeting reports. As we’ve outlined on Mile High Report, a good share of those seems to be at offensive positions in particular running back and tight end. That doesn’t come as a surprise at all considering the team’s pursuit of a joker being a primary focus this offseason. At this point in time, it’s not a matter of if—only who the Broncos will come away with at both positions once the draft happens in April.

With that being said, I thought I’d take the opportunity to highlight some of the biggest news from yesterday’s workouts.

Shemar Stewart’s draft stock catapults with incredible Day 1 workout

Texas A&M product Shemar Stewart was widely regarded as first-round talent prior to the combine. Analysts bring up Stewart’s production as a critique of his play, but the Aggies scheme had more to do with that lacking as opposed to his personal ability.

Throughout the season, Stewart’s supreme athleticism popped off on tape. It was reinforced with his stellar workout yesterday—one which likely catapulted him into Top 10 consideration come April—well ahead of where Denver is scheduled to pick. Teams in need of a versatile defensive prospect who is disruptive against the run and has top-tier potential as a pass rusher will certainly be in on him.

According to Kent Lee Platte’s Relative Athletic Score (RAS) methodology, Stewart put together one of the best workouts in the history of a combine. He dropped to 267 pounds, down from 281 at the Senior Bowl, which likely had an impact on the scores. Nevertheless, he was able to register a blazing 4.59 40-yard dash, 40” vertical and an eye-popping 10’11” broad jump. Those are incredible numbers and eerily similar to what All-Pro Myles Garrett was able to do all those years ago.

Could Stewart wind up being as good as Garrett? It’ll be fun to watch as his NFL career transpires.

Jihaad Campbell makes a strong case to be the first off-ball linebacker drafted

Linebacker is a need for the Broncos, but this year’s draft class hasn’t received much hype at the position outside of a few players. While it’s unlikely that Denver uses their first-round selection to address their need there, it’s worth covering all the bases and highlighting players who would provide value when the Broncos are selecting.

One prospect who likely pushed his way into firm first round consideration is Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell. A former five-star recruit, Campbell went from a reserve player his freshman season with the Crimson Tide to a 13-game starter in ‘24 where he amassed an astounding 117 tackles [11.5 for loss] and 5 sacks. His top-notch athleticism was on display in Indianapolis, with him posting the 35th best RAS of any linebacker in the history of the combine.

Campbell’s instincts at off-ball linebacker might lack in comparison to some of the peers in his class, but his athleticism and blitzing ability are top notch. Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph and Head Coach Sean Payton have often talked about the need for their off-ball linebackers to also be pressure players and Campbell certainly fits the bill there.

If the Broncos are able to find a starter in free agency at linebacker, I’d push the chances of Campbell being their selection early on to slim. But if they don’t, Campbell could very well be in the mix pending on how the board falls.

Other miscellaneous observations and tidbits

Two other linebackers caught my eye from the workout sessions. The first was Oklahoma Sooner linebacker Danny Stutsman. I highlighted him early on in the college football season in a Future Broncos segment. The intangibles and leadership aren’t a question with Stutsman who earned All-American honors for his effort in ‘24 posting his third consecutive season with 100 tackles or more.

Stutsman posted one of the best 40-yard dash times of any linebacker in attendance with a 4.52. That’s an incredibly good time for him. However, when the on-the-field drills happened, the stiffness and lack of fluidity concerns [relative to ability in coverage] showed up. Even so, he is still a player I like for the Broncos. He might not be the Top 64 guy I thought of entering the season but taking him late on Day 2 or early Day 3 would be a wise decision for Denver.

South Carolina Gamecocks linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. was the other who caught my attention. After spending his first four years with Georgia Tech and one season at UNC-Charlotte, Knight transferred to South Carolina for his sixth and final year of eligibility. He weighed in at 6’1 and 235 pounds which is NFL ready size for the position and posted some quality numbers.

His 40-yard dash (4.58 seconds) and 10 and 20-yard splits were among the highest of any performer and matches up with what I saw on tape. Though his vertical (31.5”) and broad jump (9’10”) were among the lowest and a bit surprising. But given his athleticism and speed scores and workout, he is a prospect I’d expect Denver to consider in the same area as Stutsman despite him being older than usual for a rookie player.

Sound off in the comments if you have any thoughts on yesterday’s workouts. Was there a defensive lineman or linebacker that caught your eye who you think the Broncos should be drafting? Let me know!