A handful of Nittany Lions traveled to Indianapolis for the 2025 NFL Combine, but safety Jaylen Reed was the only one to participate in the on-field workouts.

Some were not physically ready to perform drills, and others simply wanted their film to do the talking.

Let’s take a look at some post-combine headlines surrounding the five Nittany Lions who are currently on their journey to the NFL.

Abdul Carter

Abdul Carter did not participate in any on-field work at the combine. The projected top-five pick has yet to recover from the shoulder injury he played through against Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff semifinal. Additionally, Carter discovered a stress reaction in his right foot during medical testing at the combine. Adam Schefter reported that Carter and his team have opted not to undergo surgery and will allow it to heal on its own before working out at his Pro Day in Happy Valley later this month.

Doctors told Penn St. DE and projected No. 1 pick Abdul Carter that, after further scans on his right foot, surgery is not advisable. Carter will work out at his March 28 pro day at Penn State.

“I couldn’t be more confident that this will be a non-factor where he’s drafted,”… pic.twitter.com/pHTkIzDcWM

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 27, 2025

Tyler Warren

Tyler Warren decided to participate in just the interview process at the combine, opting out of on-field drills. The 2024 Mackey Award Winner will sit firmly on the all-worldly film he displayed for NFL scouts this past season. Catching 104 passes for 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns, Warren is projected to be the first tight end off the board in April and is considered a lock to go in the first round of the draft.

Jaylen Reed

Reed was the only Nittany Lion to hit the field in Lucas Oil Stadium, competing in four different drills for scouts.

The safety recorded a respectable 4.49-second 40-yard dash. Additionally, he cranked out 19 reps on the bench press and submitted a 33.5″ vertical jump.

NFL analyst Lance Zierlein says Reed has NFL size but also sees some concerns on tape.

“He doesn’t run well enough to play over the top or handle certain targets in man coverage. He’s physical enough as a run supporter but needs to improve his approach as an open-field tackler,” Zierlein said.

Jaylen Reed clocking in at 4.49 (official) #WeAre x @JaylenReed03 pic.twitter.com/bNizJCfWIo

— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) March 1, 2025

KJ Winston

After missing most of 2024 with a partially-torn ACL, KJ Winston did not partake in any drills at the combine. Despite it being unknown where he is in his recovery timeline, the defensive back is currently projected to be a day-two pick.

While the lack of experience stemming from his injury absence is worrisome, the Maryland native has the physical tools needed to contribute at the next level.

“I don’t love the instincts, but I do love the size and athletic talent. He needs more work, but he’s a day two pick all day,” an AFC national scout told NFL.com.

Kobe King

Linebacker Kobe King was a partial opt-out for Penn State at the combine, skipping the 40-yard dash but competing in a few drills.

King measured in at 6’1″ and 236 pounds with just over 31-inch arms. With those measurables, analysts view King as a prototypical Mike linebacker.

“King can be exploited on passing downs, but he plays with the toughness and physicality necessary to be a two-down inside linebacker. He has the potential to become a starter,” Zierlein said.