Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing. The 2025 NFL Combine kicked off on February 27 in Indianapolis, with defensive linemen showcasing their skills on the first day of on-field workouts. Several prospects stood out, boosting their draft stock with impressive performances. Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart, at 6-foot-5, 267 pounds, ran a 4.60-second 40-yard dash and posted a standout 1.58-second 10-yard split, the best among defensive linemen. His 40-inch vertical and 10’11” broad jump further highlighted his explosiveness, cementing his case as a potential top-10 pick. Oregon’s Derrick Harmon (6-foot-4, 313 pounds) dazzled with effortless movement skills, excelling in drills and showing versatility across the defensive line. Toledo’s Darius Alexander (6-foot-4, 305 pounds) impressed with a 1.72-second 10-yard split and smooth positional drills, displaying agility rare for his size. Indiana’s CJ West (6-foot-1, 316 pounds) flashed power and quickness, dominating pass-rush drills despite his smaller stature. Ohio State’s Tyleik Williams (6-foot-3, 334 pounds) showcased strong hands and solid body control, reinforcing his value as a nose tackle. These standouts demonstrated a mix of speed, power, and technique, making them key names to watch as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches. As of February 28, 2025, the Cincinnati Bengals are actively scouting talent at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, aiming to bolster their roster after a disappointing 9-8 season that missed the playoffs. With the No. 17 overall pick in the upcoming draft, the Bengals have met with several high-profile prospects, focusing heavily on defensive improvements and offensive weapons for quarterback Joe Burrow. Notable defensive prospects include Texas A&M edge rushers Nic Scourton and Shemar Stewart, both top-30 PFF-ranked players with impressive sack and tackle-for-loss stats, and Tennessee’s explosive edge James Pearce Jr., who boasts a standout pressure rate. They’ve also engaged with Ole Miss defensive lineman Walter Nolen and Georgia’s Mykel Williams, signaling a priority to strengthen their defensive front, which struggled with only 36 sacks last season despite Trey Hendrickson’s league-leading performance. On offense, the Bengals met with tight ends Colston Loveland (Michigan), Tyler Warren (Penn State), Mason Taylor (LSU), and Gunnar Helm (Texas), hinting at a desire to add a dynamic receiving threat for Burrow. Safety prospects like Georgia’s Malaki Starks, Clemson’s R.J. Mickens, and USC’s Kevin Winston Jr. also suggest a focus on secondary depth, aligning with Cincinnati’s draft strategy to address key weaknesses.