Taking a closer look at the cornerbacks who performed well at the 2025 NFL Combine.
Day 2 of on-field drills at the 2025 NFL Combine kicked off with the cornerbacks group and there were plenty of prospects who stood out in a positive way. With the Detroit Lions looking for depth options, we take a look at which prospects helped improve their stock.
Here are the position groups we’ve covered so far:
Also, if you missed it previously, here’s a look back at our article previewing the cornerbacks group ahead of the Combine . And with that, let’s look at the cornerbacks who stood out on Day 2 of on-field drills.
Elite measurables
Whenever discussing the measurables of the cornerbacks at the Combine, I like to refer folks back to the Rams Standard Deviation Index (RSDI). RSDI is a set of athletic measurable benchmarks developed by Lions general manager Brad Holmes while with the Rams—which The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue wrote in more detail about the RSDI in 2021 .
Here’s the basic benchmarks to know:
- Height/Weight = 5-foot-10, 180 pounds
- Speed = 4.4 seconds 40-yard-dash (plus other measurables not available to the public)
- Vertical jump = 40+ inches
- Broad jump – 10+ feet
Despite each measurable being reachable on its own, it’s rare to have a cornerback pass them all, and at this year’s Combine, there is just one prospect who did: Caleb Ransaw.
Caleb Ransaw, NB, Tulane (5-foot-11, 197)
4.33 (40), 40-inch (VJ), 10-foot-9 (BJ)
In addition to being a full RSDI qualifier, Ransaw had a very nice performance in on-field drills as well. He stayed low and compact in his backpedal, showed smooth hips when transitioning, and plus hands when the ball was in play. He was quick to transition, got deep in his routes with ease, and was aggressive when making his cuts. He gave full effort on every rep and easily made the most of his day.
Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky (5-foot-11, 183)
4.28 (40), 39.5-inch (VJ), 10-foot-9 (BJ)
Blazing speed is a big part of Harrison’s game, and showed up when he got deep in his routes quickly and accelerated out of his breaks. His cuts were sharp and precise, he took smart angles, and his transitions looked very easy. Add in strong hands, running through the catch point, and he very much increased his stock.
Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State
(6-foot-3, 195)
4.3 (40), 36.5-inch (VJ), 10-foot-11 (BJ)
Porter’s hip where a bit choppy in transition but that’s not overly surprising considering his height. He was much better when running in a straight line and found a way to get to every ball, even when the throw was a bit off. He was a fast cutter on angle routes and had great transitional speed. His wide receiver background showed up with his hands work as he engulfed the ball during multiple drills. Effort was as high as any player in this group.
Robert Longerbeam, NB, Rutgers
(5-foot-11, 175)
4.39 (40), 36.5-inch (VJ), 11-foot-2 (BJ)
A couple remarkable measurables for a player known more for his leadership and high-character. His knees got a bit high in his transitions and threw off his balance at times, but he was fluid out of his breaks and tracked the ball all over the field. He shuffled his feet well when moving laterally and ran hard on each rep.
Jacob Parrish, NB/CB, Kansas State
(5-foot-10, 191)
4.35 (40), 37.5-inch (VJ), 10-foot-9 (BJ)
Didn’t participate in on-field drills but his measurables were noteworthy.
Quick notes on other standouts
Trey Amos, CB, Mississippi (6-foot-1, 195) had some questions about his long speed and he answered them completely. His change of direction improved as the drills went on and he showed great balance and stability.
Cobee Bryant, CB/NB, Kansas (6-foot-0, 180) stayed consistently low in his backpedal and it helped him transition his hips quickly and efficiently. He showed sharp cuts, speed on deep runs, acceleration out of breaks, and smooth change of direction. Great overall day.
Quincy Riley, CB, Louisville (5-foot-11, 194) had smooth hips in backpedal, was quick out of his cuts, and stayed fast in every drill. He showed terrific ball location and attacked the ball in the air.
Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State (6-foot-1 1⁄2, 197) didn’t run, so it took him a minute to get warmed up in drills. He demonstrated nice balance and control in his transitions, was smooth in his backpedal, gliding throughout his cuts, and showed easy hands when catching the ball.
Nohl Williams, CB, California (6-foot-0, 199) had easy fluid hips but his slower speed (4.5-second 40 yard dash) showed up on deep routes. He tracked the ball very well, and fought to get his acceleration up to speed as quickly as possible.