A look at the two Buffs who took part in the 2025 NFL combine drills
This past Saturday, two Colorado Buffaloes had their chance to impress NFL scouts at the 2025 NFL Combine.
After stars Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter opted to skip drills at the combine, the eyes of Colorado fans all turned to how CU’s receivers would grade in Indianapolis. Jimmy Horn Jr. and LaJohntay Wester both participated in several key drills, looking to boost their draft stock and showcase their athleticism in front of league executives. With the wide receiver class being incredibly deep this year, every drill mattered for CU’s two dynamic playmakers as they aimed to separate themselves from the competition.
Both players put their explosiveness on display, proving why they were key contributors to Colorado’s high-powered offense. However, while they showed flashes of elite athletic traits, there were also areas where they likely wished they could have posted slightly better numbers. With the draft approaching, every measurable and drill result will be scrutinized by NFL teams looking to add speed and versatility to their offenses.
So, how did Horn and Wester stack up in the drills? Let’s break down their performances.
40-Yard Dash
Both Horn and Wester ran identical times of 4.46 seconds in the 40-yard dash. While this is still a solid time for receivers, many expected Horn—who is known for his top-end speed—to push into the 4.3s. Wester’s time was about what was expected, but for Horn, scouts may have wanted to see just a little more burst.
10-Yard Split
The first 10 yards of the sprint are crucial for evaluating acceleration, and both Buffs posted strong times. Wester clocked in at 1.53 seconds, while Horn was right behind him at 1.54 seconds. To put that in perspective, both times were only .05 seconds off the fastest mark of the entire combine, posted by Virginia Tech RB Bhayshul Tuten. This confirms that both players have elite short-area quickness, which will be key in route-running at the next level.
Vertical & Broad Jump
Horn showed off his bounce, posting a 38-inch vertical jump, which tied for 10th among all receivers. Wester, on the other hand, recorded a 32-inch vertical, a number that may not stand out but is still respectable. In the broad jump, Horn again showed his explosiveness, leaping 10 feet, 8 inches, while Wester posted a 10-foot, 1-inch jump.
Shuttle Drill
Only Horn participated in the short shuttle drill, where he finished with a time of 4.41 seconds. While not an elite mark, this still helps showcase his agility and lateral movement.
Final Thoughts
Both Horn and Wester had solid showings, with Horn flashing the better overall explosiveness. While neither player ran the blazing 40-yard dash time that some might have hoped for, their acceleration, jumping ability and quickness were all on display. Colorado fans should expect Horn’s draft stock to receive a slight bump from what it was thought to be, while Wester’s draft stock more than likely stayed the same for most teams.
Now, both players will look forward to pro days and private workouts to continue making their case to NFL teams.