5 Players to Watch During Thursday’s Combine Drills: Linebackers and Defensive Line

The 2025 NFL Combine is officially here, as Linebackers and Defensive Linemen are set to take the field today at 3 p.m EST, for their slot of on-field workouts. Ravens GM Eric DeCosta and company will get their first look at possibly the deepest position groups in this draft class. There’s plenty to address in this draft, whether EDC is looking for a potential starter or younger depth. Game-changers, edge setters, and run stuffers will all be on display, but who should you watch closely?

Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

Jihaad Campbell might be the most intriguing player taking the field Thursday evening in Indianapolis. A scope on his knee is 2023 cost him the season opener, but never slowed Campbell down. Jihaad carried his success from 2023 into his Junior season, becoming one of the most dominant and versatile Linebackers available in the 2025 Draft Class. Campbell is the definition of a freak athlete, with some of the best tape available out of the hundreds of draft eligible prospects. Campbell brings a tenacity that’s currently missing alongside Roquan Smith, disrupting offensive line schemes seemingly at will. Campbell not only fills holes and disrupts lineman on blitz schemes, but can also drop into coverage with the best of them, finishing 2024 as the 21st rated linebacker in coverage with a 80.4 PFF grade. The Ravens linebackers struggled in coverage throughout 2024, with Chris Board owning the highest PFF coverage grade with a 66.4. Campbell’s stock has been a little mixed depending on where you look, but the versatile linebacker will make whoever drafts him, a very happy franchise.

BEST GAMES: @ LSU, vs Georgia, vs Missour

WORST GAMES: @ Vanderbilt, vs South Carolina

Nic Scourton, Edge, Texas A&M

Finding an edge rusher capable of getting to the quarterback consistently has been the dream for Ravens over the last few seasons. Nic Scourton could be exactly what the Ravens need, if the team decides to address the front 7 with their first round pick in April. Scourton’s experience and success against top competition makes him one of the more intriguing edge rushers in the 2025 draft class. A two-year starter in the BIG10 at Purdue, Scourton finished his college career this past season at Texas A&M, earning First-Team SEC honors with 14 TKFL and 5 sacks. Scourton has shown an ability to win with both power and finesse, and looks like a prospect who could make an immediate impact on day 1. The Texas A&M edge rusher will enter the draft at just 20 years old, making him one of the youngest draft eligible players in the class.

BEST GAMES: vs Arkansas, vs Notre Dame, vs LSU

WORST GAMES: @ Florida, vs Texas

Derrick Harmon, DL, Oregon

It’s no secret the Ravens need some youth on the defensive line. With Michael Pierce and Brent Urban getting up there in age, and Broderick Washington yet to take that next step, getting some young talent next to Nnamdi Madubuike and Travis Jones could be a rewarding possibility. Oregon standout Derrick Harmon could be a real contributor to the Ravens front 7.  Harmon is another prospect who brings success at multiple Power 5 schools. After three years at Michigan St, Harmon transferred to Oregon where his career would seemingly take off. Harmon finished 2024 with career highs in pressures, sacks, and tackles, leading the Oregon defense to an undefeated regular season and BIG10 title. Baltimore’s emphasis of penetrating interior defenders could truly bring Harmon’s skills to life. A nasty bull rush and powerful hands make Harmon an extremely interesting prospect to add to the Ravens pass rush, which ranked 2nd in sacks last season.

BEST GAMES: vs Michigan St, vs Ohio St, vs Ohio St (CFP)

WORST GAMES: @ Purdue, vs Illionis

Princely Umanmielen, Edge, Ole Miss

Princely Umanmielen has all the tools necessary to become one of the premier pass rushers in the draft class. The 5th year senior transferred to Ole Miss this past season, after four years at Florida. A three-year starter in the SEC, Umanmielen took a large jump in his pass rush progression this season, racking up a career high 11 sacks on the Rebels defensive front. Princely’s combination of length and athleticism was on display throughout the 2024 season, leading to 28 QB hurries and a team-high 13.5 TKFL. Umanmielen’s “bag” of pass-rush moves is deep, and getting him paired with Pass Rush Coach Chuck Smith could truly unlock his ultimate potential.

BEST GAMES: vs Georgia, @ Arkansas, vs Oklahoma

WORST GAMES: @ Wake Forest

Rylie Mills, DT, Notre Dame

Rylie Mills is an interesting prospect for teams looking to add to their defensive line. Mills’ mix of size and speed makes him an intriguing player in today’s defensive schemes. Mills was a three-year starter at Notre Dame, improving not only on the field but on the stat sheet as well. Becoming a key piece to the Irish front 7 in 2024, Mills saw a career high in sacks (8) and hurries (21), helping lead the Irish to the 11th ranked defense in college football. Mills’ season was cut short following a knee injury against Indiana in round 1 of the College Football Playoffs. Mills ability to anchor down against the run, while also showing pass-rush upside gives him the true potential to be a rotational player as a rookie. Although Mills’ knee injury will now hold him out of workouts this evening, a possible performance at Notre Dame’s Pro Day could boost the prospect into Rounds 4-6, where the Ravens will have seven draft selections.

BEST GAMES: Florida St, @ Georgia Tech, Louisville

WORST GAMES: @ Navy, N. Illinois

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