When the whistle blew just before 3:15 p.m. Thursday, the top defensive linemen in the 2025 NFL draft walked from the vertical jump station near midfield toward the goal line, preparing to run the 40-yard dash.
Maryland defensive tackle Tommy Akingbesote put one hand in the white turf and his other in the air. And as Akingbesote sprinted down the sideline and completed his 40-yard scamper before the eyes of coaches, scouts and executives, the on-field portion of the 2025 NFL combine officially began.
