5 Players to Watch During Saturday’s Combine Drills

NFL Combine Day 3: Quarterbacks, Running backs, and Wide Receivers

It’s been an exciting start to the NFL Combine, as we hit the last two days of on-field drills. Quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers will take the field this afternoon for their shot to impress. The positions aren’t alarming needs for the Ravens, but with multiple pending free agent receivers, and limited trust in the backup quarterback position, today’s drills could be an opportunity to see some potential depth pieces for 2025. 

Jayden Higgins, Wide Receiver, Iowa St

As the draft process has developed, Jayden Higgins draft stock has continued to rise. The Iowa St pass catcher is every team’s dream of a true “X” receiver, with a knack for getting open, standing at 6’4’ 215 pounds according to his combine weigh-ins. Over four years in college, two at Eastern Michigan and two at Iowa St, Higgins hauled in an impressive 227 receptions and 28 TDs, good for 3,309 Yards. With the production, comes consistency. Higgins finished college with an outstanding drop percentage of just 3.0% on 350 targets. Not only will Higgins find a way to dominate in the passing game, but the receiver loves to run block, an aspect pushed heavily by Iowa St receiver coach Noah Pauley. The breakaway speed might be the only thing holding Higgins outside the first round at the moment. If the senior receiver elects to run the 40-yard dash, a fast time at the 2025 NFL Combine might catapult Higgins into the first round of April’s draft.

BEST GAMES: vs Baylor, vs Texas Tech, @  Utah

WORST GAMES: vs UCF 

Pat Bryant, Wide Receiver, Illinois

Bryant offers another option as an “X” receiver, as the Illinois receiver stands at 6’2’ 208 pounds. Similar to Higgins, Pat Bryant takes pride in run blocking, going by the motto “no block, no rock.” Replacing an aging Nelson Agholor with limited cap space to work with will be tricky, but Bryant’s size and ability to manipulate leverage makes him an intriguing prospect to watch. The Illinois pass catcher ended his senior season with career highs in receptions (54), receiving yards (984), and touchdowns (10). Bryant’s giant catch radius and dog mentality were on full display in 2024, securing 69.2% of his contested catches. Again, similar to Higgins, the speed is nothing to write home about with Bryant. However, this Fighting Illini has expressed his determination to show out during today’s drills, stating “I didn’t come here for nothing, I’m here to put on a show.” Bryant’s route running and pass catching ability will be the keys to keep an eye on, as Baltimore looks to find a skilled WR3 for 2025. 

BEST GAMES: vs Central Michigan, vs Michigan St, @ Rutgers

WORST GAMES: @ Oregon, @ Penn State

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

Damien Martinez, Running Back, Miami

Yes, the Ravens have a future Hall of Famer in Derrick Henry, but there’s no denying at 31 years old, the end will come sooner rather than later. Why not grab a potential running back of the future, with the plethora of picks the Ravens have in tow for April’s draft. Miami’s Damien Martinez could be a nice pairing in the Ravens run heavy offense. A north-south runner, Martinez made a career of utilizing his speed, vision, and contact balance leading to back-to-back 1,000 yard rushing seasons. The Miami running back saw an uptick in his yards after contact this season, seeing a jump from 3.82 in 2023 to 4.46 in 2024, showing more than just speed to his game. Protecting the rock seemed to be second nature to Martinez through his 3-year college career. On 516 carries, the ball wound up on the ground just 3 times. Getting a young star like Martinez to work behind a workhorse like Henry sounds like a dream to fans who love to run the rock. At Friday’s NFL Combine media interviews, Martinez stated how he’s looking forward to showing off his speed and athleticism. The 40-yard dash will be must-see tv when Martinez steps up to the line. 

BEST GAMES: vs Florida St, @ Syracuse, vs Iowa St

WORST GAMES: @ Cal, vs Wake Forest

Jordan James, Running Back, Oregon

Jordan James might be one of the more underrated running backs in quite a deep draft class. The Oregon standout put up impressive numbers over three years in Eugene, totaling 2,223 yards, 31 TDs, on 386 carries. Over the 386 career carries, James impressively never fumbled, showing that while having the explosive play ability, ball security matters. James’ struggles come in pass blocking, and his limited route tree out of the backfield. Refining his pass protection and blitz pickup, as well as expanding on his pass catching, could turn James into a future three-down back, given his chunk play ability. History shows his size could limit him as a true workhorse back like Martinez, but being placed into a scheme that utilizes his skills in open space, could project James as a reliable back in the NFL for the next few years to come. 

BEST GAMES: @ Oregon St, vs Ohio St, vs Penn St

WORST GAMES: Pass Blocking @ Wisconsin

5 Players to Watch During Friday’s Combine Drills: DBs and TEs

Quinn Ewers, Quarterback, Texas

With Josh Johnson entering free agency, and questions surrounding Devin Leary’s ability to become a capable backup to Lamar Jackson, the Ravens could set their eyes on some potential late picks when QBs take the field today at the NFL Combine. Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers might be the most intriguing prospect expected to throw today. The former 5-star recruit suffered an oblique injury back in September, before suffering an ankle injury in November against Kentucky. Despite the two nagging injuries, Ewers still led the Longhorns to two College Football Playoff wins, before losing to the soon-to-be National Champion Ohio State Buckeyes. Today’s drills are the first time we’re expected to see a healthy Ewers since early September, putting more eyes on the once highly touted recruit. An elite showing might throw any chances of Ewers coming to Baltimore out the window, but the quarterback remains one of the top players to watch today.

BEST GAMES: @ Michigan, vs Florida, vs Arizona St (CFP)

WORST GAMES: @ Oklahoma, vs Georgia

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