4 defensive prospects that stood out at the NFL Scouting Combine

The Kansas City Chiefs have a lot of decisions to make this offseason. There is a scenario where the results of free agency lead to defense being the priority in the 2025 NFL Draft.

This past weekend, the Chiefs and the NFL community were locked in at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. From Thursday to Sunday, prospects were drilled and tested to provide a more clear picture of this year’s class.

The Chiefs could be eyeing all positions for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Here are four defensive prospects that stood out from the weekend:

Linebacker Jihaad Campbell, Alabama

Linebacker Jihaad Campbell entered the draft process as one of the most intriguing players at his position. At the Scouting Combine, Campbell measured 6 feet 3 inches tall and 235 pounds. His arm length was measured at 32 1⁄2 inches, and his hand size was 10 1⁄2 inches.

Proving he has the build of a modern linebacker, Campbell added impressive athletic testing: he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.52 seconds, tied for the third-fastest time of any linebacker. His 10-yard split (1.53 seconds) was also the third-fastest mark in his position group.

Campbell committed to Alabama as a five-star edge rusher in the 2022 class, then transitioned to play off-ball linebacker by his sophomore year. In two years as a starter inside, Campbell produced 184 total tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, two interceptions and five passes defended.

He is quick to the ball, aggressive against blocks, and athletic in space. If the Chiefs do not re-sign linebacker Nick Bolton, Campbell could be an elite option to play in the first round.

Edge rusher Landon Jackson, Arkansas

The Chiefs will always have an eye on the long, space-eating edge defenders in a draft class. At the Scouting Combine, edge rusher Landon Jackson measured 6 feet 6 inches tall and 264 pounds. His arm length was measured at 33 1⁄4 inches, and his hand size was 10 inches.

The 4.68-second result on the 40-yard dash was impressive to see with that limbering profile, but his explosive testing stole the show. He topped all defensive linemen and linebackers by hitting 40.5 inches on the vertical leap. He finished second among edge defenders in broad jump (10 feet 9 inches).

Jackson fits well in the Chiefs’ defense at the defensive end position. He would become a more intriguing option if the team elects not to re-sign veteran Charles Omenihu.

Defensive tackle Ty Robinson, Nebraska

The former Nebraska Cornhusker is not among the top names in the class, but defensive tackle Ty Robinson put his name out there in Indianapolis. At the Scouting Combine, Robinson measured in just over 6 feet 5 inches tall, weighing 288 pounds. His arm length came in at 32 1⁄4 inches, and his hand size was 10 inches.

Among defensive tackles, Robinson finished with the fastest 40-yard dash time (4.83 seconds). He also had the third-fastest 10-yard split (1.71 seconds) among his position group. Additionally, Robinson finished fourth in vertical leap (33.5 inches), second in broad jump (9 feet 11 inches), third in the three-cone drill (7.58 seconds), and tied for second in bench-press reps (28).

Over six seasons at Nebraska, Robinson accumulated only 12 sacks. However, he was active in all facets of defense in the 2024 season. Just last year, Robinson earned seven sacks, 13 tackles for loss, four passes defended, and one forced fumble.

Robinson has the profile of a versatile defensive tackle, and the Chiefs need bodies on the interior. This could be a strong match on draft weekend.

Linebacker Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma

The three-year starter from Oklahoma provides another option for the Chiefs’ future at middle linebacker. At the Scouting Combine, linebacker Danny Stutsman measured over 6 feet 3 inches tall and 233 pounds. His arm length was marked at 32 1/8 inches, and his hand size was nine inches.

Stutsman tied Campbell for the third-fastest 40-yard dash time (4.52 seconds), showing off impressive linear speed for such a physically focused player. Over four seasons, Stutsman racked 376 total tackles, 37 tackles for loss, eight sacks and forced four fumbles.

He also intercepted three passes and broke up eight other throws. Stutsman’s all-around ability was backed up by his athletic testing, making him an intriguing prospect for the Chiefs to consider.