The UNLV Rebels are hoping to end a long drought at the NFL Draft in April, and this year represents the best chance they have had in a long time to accomplish that.
Throughout the last few days, some of the best prospects in the draft have participated at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. UNLV had some representation at the event, as wide receiver Ricky White III and linebacker Jackson Woodard were selected to participate. A strong performance could boost the stocks of both, so they came in with something to prove to NFL scouts.
With that in mind, here is how the two former Rebels did in Indianapolis.
Mixed bag for White
While the production for White was amazing throughout the past two seasons, he struggled for some reason at the Combine.
Many were surprised with Ricky White’s underwhelming testing, but personally I think there may have been an injury either during the first run or before, still looking into it. One to watch with splits, though.https://t.co/1Wuk09A2AF pic.twitter.com/6Dea5y5yvH
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 2, 2025
According to Kent Lee Platte’s Relative Athletic Scores, White graded out average in several categories. What was most concerning, however, was White’s surprisingly slow 40-yard dash time of 4.61 seconds. However, Platte does suggest an injury took place that hampered his speed, and White’s 10-yard split of 1.55 seconds is a good mark, so his time at the UNLV Pro Day should hopefully show marked improvement.
White looked much smoother during the on-field testing, showing great hands and the ability to get deep down the field. Few reps looked as impressive than when White paired up with Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, who uncorked a deep ball that landed near-perfectly in White’s arms.
Milroe ➡️ White
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— UNLV Football (@unlvfootball) March 2, 2025
White remains one of the more popular sleepers in a deep receiver class in 2025, and putting together a strong Pro Day should be more than enough to lock in a Day Three selection.
Woodard draws interest, despite lack of participation
Surprisingly, Woodard did not do much at the Combine despite his status as a fringe draft selection.
His measurements and 21 reps in the bench press were both decent, but he did participate in the 40-yard dash or any of the jumps. It is likely he will save those for UNLV’s Pro Day, but only getting one opportunity in those events is somewhat of a risky strategy.
That has not stopped teams from checking in on Woodard, including the Las Vegas Raiders.
Woodard revealed that the Raiders were among the teams who met with him for a formal interview during the Combine. The Raiders know plenty about Woodard already due to developing in their own backyard, and they do have a need at the linebacker position. An impressive Pro Day, as well as showcasing traits that would make him a fit in an NFL defense, would make Woodard an interesting Day Three dart throw.
Both prospects, as well as the rest of the former Rebels entering the 2025 NFL Draft, now have one more opportunity to showcase their skills at UNLV’s Pro Day. The date of the event is yet to be determined.
