John Canady

Shedeur Sanders Prioritizes NFL Combine Interviews Over Workouts

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<a class="in-cell-link" href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/ncaaf/article/ranking-the-top-5-college-football-safeties-for-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ranking the Top College Football Safeties for 2025</a>
This year, the safety class is loaded with names such as Georgia's <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/malaki-starks/22688">Malaki Starks</a> and South Carolina's <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/nick-emmanwori/33452">Nick Emmanwori</a> headlining the position group. However, one name that's not being talked about enough is Notre Dame's<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/xavier-watts/46144"> Xavier Watts</a>. The versatile defender has spent four seasons with the Fighting Irish, continuously improving each year. As one of the more experienced playmakers in the draft, a strong combine performance could open the eyes of many, especially coming off a strong season serving as a key piece to Marcus Freeman's secondary.

1) S Xavier Watts, Notre Dame

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<a class="in-cell-link" href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/ncaaf/article/top-25-college-football-quarterbacks-for-the-2025-season" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ranking the Top College Football Quarterbacks for 2025</a>
<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/jaxson-dart/48278">Jaxson Dart</a> has been a hot topic heading into the NFL Combine. With<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/shedeur-sanders/39517"> Shedeur Sanders</a> and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/cam-ward/22788">Cam Ward</a> seemingly in line to be the first two quarterbacks off the board, many scouts believe that Dart could be the sleeper of the draft, at least for the QB position. The Ole Miss standout has put together an exceptional college career, including a career-best season in 2024 with 29 passing touchdowns and only six interceptions. If Dart has a strong showing at the combine, he could head into his pro day with plenty of momentum building towards a team taking a shot in the dark on the underrated prospect.

2) QB Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss

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<a class="in-cell-link" href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/ncaaf/article/20-breakout-cfb-stars-to-know-for-the-2025-season" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Breakout College Football Stars to Know for the 2025 Season</a>
<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/harold-fannin/24086">Harold Fannin Jr.</a> arguably had one of the best seasons for any tight end in recent history, reeling in 117 receptions for 1,555 yards and 10 touchdowns for Bowling Green this past year. However, the six-foot-four pass catcher is considered more a receiving threat rather than a well-rounded tight end who could stay on the field nearly every down like Penn State's <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/tyler-warren/49403">Tyler Warren</a> or Michigan's <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/colston-loveland/45242">Colston Loveland</a>. Despite that, Fannin Jr. has the opportunity to prove he's more than just a glorified route runner at the combine, with the chance to increase his draft stock.

3) TE Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green

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<a class="in-cell-link" href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/ncaaf/article/top-10-running-backs-for-the-2025-college-football-season-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ranking the Top College Football Running Backs for 2025</a>
<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/shemar-stewart/45599">Shemar Stewart</a> may be the biggest "boom or bust" prospect in this upcoming draft class. The defensive lineman has all the tools to be a dominant force at the next level. Still, in his three seasons at Texas A&amp;M, he never really showcased his ability to dominate, at least not on the consistent level he was capable of. Nonetheless, teams typically tend to focus on a player's combine showing and traits rather than solely placing their stock on college production. That said, if Stewart can carry over his impressive senior bowl showing to the combine, he has a chance to see his name called on day one of the NFL Draft.

4) DL Shemart Stewart, Texas A&M

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<a class="in-cell-link" href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/ncaaf/article/top-10-offensive-linemen-in-college-football-for-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ranking the Top College Football Offensive Linemen for 2025</a>
<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/kyle-mccord/31886">Kyle McCord</a> is in a similar position as Dart when it comes to the NFL Combine. The former five-star prospect began his career at Ohio State but transferred to Syracuse after a disappointing end to his lone campaign as the starting quarterback for the Buckeyes. McCord bounced back in a big way with a monster season with his new squad, leading them to a 10-3 record while tossing 34 touchdowns and only 12 interceptions. Although he's not considered a top quarterback in the draft class, he has the skill set to prove his doubters wrong and make a name for himself, similar to <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/dak-prescott/2463">Dak Prescott</a>.

5) QB Kyle McCord, Syracuse

2025 NFL Combine: 5 Players Who Should Improve Their Draft Stock

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As the NFL Draft looms, players gear up for a chance to showcase their talent at the combine. Here's a look at five players who could increase their stock.

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