NFL combine participants: Abdul Carter, Travis Hunter lead list of those skipping drills
If the NFL combine handed out participation trophies, many of the NFL draft's top prospects wouldn't receive one in 2025.
With 329 players being invited to the festivities, it was only natural that some would skip the drills and various workouts planned for the week. It's become common in recent years for prospects to let their film tell the story and instead showcase themselves at their respective pro days.
That has remained the case in 2025, where multiple players expected to land in the top-10 on draft night have elected to sit on the sidelines. Colorado's Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders are two of the more notable names, while Penn State's Abdul Carter is among the group of injury-related absences.
Draft fans will have to wait a little longer to see this class' best on the field, but that doesn't mean the workouts will be without talent. Countless players now find themselves with the chance to make a big impression, separating themselves from the rest.
While we wait for breakout stars to emerge, here's a look at the prospects that won't be participating at the combine in 2025.
Prospects skipping NFL combine drills
Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
Considered to be arguably the top prospect in this year's class, the dual-threat Hunter won't participate in combine drills, he told CBS Sports. He will instead go through workouts at Colorado's pro day on a date that's yet to be announced.
There was plenty of intrigue surrounding Hunter's participation at the combine, considering the possibility he would do drills for both receiver and cornerback. Hunter said Thursday he hopes to play both positions at the next level, but that will be a decision made by his future team.
Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
Coming off a shoulder injury suffered against Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl on Dec. 31, Carter made the decision to skip working out at the combine. The defensive end "only recently was cleared to resume training," according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Tests this week later revealed the pass-rusher also has a stress reaction in his right foot, but doctors have advised against surgery, per ESPN. Carter will instead shift his focus to Penn State's pro day, slated for March 28, when he is expected to work out.
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
The top running back in the draft class, Jeanty plans to skip on-field workouts to focus on his pro day at Boise State, his agent, Henry Organ, told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. He will still meet with teams and go through medical evaluations.
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Sanders is planning to go through interviews with teams, but won't throw at the combine. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the quarterback plans to let his four years of film do the talking. Sanders has opted to throw at Colorado's pro day in an effort to help the team's draft-able receivers.
Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Warren has elected to just interview at the combine and pass on the drills, according to Fox Sports. Warren is considered to be the top tight end prospect at the combine this year and figures to come off the board early on draft night.
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Johnson won't participate in the combine drills, according to ESPN's Jordan Reid. The cornerback played in just six games thanks to a foot injury that forced him to miss time last season, but plans to take part in Michigan's pro day. He is expected to be a first round pick.
Mason Graham, DL, Michigan
Ryan Matha, Graham's agent, told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport that his client will only participate in the bench press workout. Graham will work out at Michigan's pro day.
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Loveland underwent shoulder surgery on Jan. 29 for an injury he sustained in September, according to a letter his doctor sent to NFL teams ahead of the combine. The tight end expects to be ready to participate in mini-camp before gaining clearance for full contact by training camp.
Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
Grant completes the quartet of Michigan players sitting out, so far, during drills at the combine, per NFL Network. Medical evaluations revealed he has a strained hamstring, meaning his participation in drills will also have to wait until Michigan's pro day.
Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami
The Miami tight end suffered a knee injury in the Senior Bowl, but will be ready for his pro day at Miami on March 24, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.