For Toledo safety Maxen Hook, the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis felt a little like coming home.
A local talent from New Palestine High School, just a short drive away, Hook had already experienced the grandeur of Lucas Oil Stadium when leading his high school team to two state titles.
This time, however, he wasn’t competing for a high school championship; he was up against hundreds of hopefuls aiming to land a spot in the NFL.
A Family’s Support Amid the Nerves
Hook’s parents, Amy and Matt, along with some extended family and friends, were present in the stands, offering their unwavering support.
But this time, there were no familiar faces on the field; Maxen was running, jumping, and lifting alongside strangers, with NFL scouts and thousands of fans observing.
As he lined up for his first 40-yard dash, the pressure was palpable. Amy, his mother, stood silent as he sprinted down the track.
Afterward, she wiped a tear from her eye, knowing her son had been hoping for a faster time, but also understanding the gravity of the moment.
Disappointment and Pride: A Mother’s Perspective
Maxen’s first official 40-yard dash time was 4.59 seconds, not quite the 4.4 he had recorded in 2023.
After a second attempt, the time was slightly improved to 4.55 seconds.
While the result wasn’t what Maxen had hoped for, Amy was nothing but proud of her son. “I’m an emotional wreck,” she admitted.
“He’s always been the underdog—he’s not the biggest, the fastest, or the tallest—but he’s incredibly smart and knows how to read the game.”
She understands all too well that the combine is not the best way to measure a player’s true football skills.
After all, if the combine were the ultimate measure, Tom Brady wouldn’t have slipped to the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft.
A Changing Combine Landscape
In speaking with NFL insiders, agents, and scouts, it became clear that the combine is no longer the high-stakes event it once was.
Gone are the days when the 40-yard dash or awkward interview questions could determine a player’s future.
Now, top prospects come to Indianapolis mostly for interviews and medical evaluations, avoiding the grueling workouts to protect their draft stock.
What remains is a mass of hopeful players, measured by metrics that sometimes seem more suited to evaluating livestock than future NFL stars.
The Draft’s Real Shifts: Talent Over Metrics
Despite the emphasis on numbers, the combine’s results often have little impact on the top draft picks.
Take Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter, for example.
Despite missing the combine due to a stress fracture, he is still considered one of the draft’s top prospects.
The same can be said for players like Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders, who are getting attention as quarterbacks, but it’s clear that pass rushers remain a coveted commodity on draft day.
Even with the rising importance of quarterbacks, teams may hesitate to reach for one too early, especially given the rookie salary cap and the risks involved.
The 2024 Quarterback Class: Not as Promising
The 2024 quarterback class is not as impressive as some had hoped.
The buzz surrounding quarterbacks like Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders has been tempered, and scouts are acknowledging that the quarterback pool is not as deep as it was last year, when six quarterbacks went in the first 12 picks.
NFL insiders were more focused on other positions, particularly running backs and tight ends, which are expected to dominate the first round.
Even without the standout quarterbacks, this draft still boasts incredible talent.
NFL Prospects: Shaping Their Futures
For many of these players, the combine isn’t just about showcasing their athleticism—it’s about telling their story.
Players like Jalen Milroe from Alabama and Kurtis Rourke from Indiana are taking the opportunity to explain how their unique experiences, from coaching under Nick Saban to playing through injuries, have prepared them for the NFL.
Similarly, SMU’s Brashard Smith is positioning himself as a versatile athlete who can switch between positions, a move that plays to the growing need for adaptable players in the league.
Behind the Scenes: More Than Just Stats
Amid all the drills and measurements, the interviews provide an important chance for these players to demonstrate their character, work ethic, and the values that make them stand out.
Texas guard Hayden Conner, who is about to marry his high school sweetheart, spoke about his desire to stay close to home.
Georgia running back Trevor Etienne, on the other hand, expressed his hope to play alongside his brother in Jacksonville.
These moments offer scouts a chance to understand the players beyond the numbers—offering a glimpse into the personal lives and aspirations of future NFL stars.
The Real Value of the Combine: It’s All About the Dream
For Maxen Hook, the combine was a chance to show the world what he’s capable of.
While his times may not have wowed the crowds, his family knows what he’s truly made of. “He’s got it up here,” Amy said, pointing to her head.
Then, with a soft smile, she added, “And he’s got it right here,” placing her hand over her heart.
For many, the combine is the culmination of years of hard work, and while it may not determine their future, it’s a crucial step in their journey to the NFL.