Just because a player isn’t invited to the Indianapolis Scouting Combine doesn’t mean their talent goes unnoticed. History shows that many who are overlooked use that as fuel, propelling them into fruitful NFL careers.
Each year, a select few prospects dazzle at college all-star games or shine on their game tape throughout the fall, yet still miss out on joining the 300-plus invites to the prestigious combine. This absence from the invite list does not imply they’re off any scouting radar. More often than not, it simply indicates a different evaluation process for seniors compared to underclassmen.
So what leads to top talents being passed over? The reason can often be boiled down to the sheer numbers. As former podcaster-turned-Jets executive Rick Spielman noted on the “With the First Pick” podcast back in 2023, NFL teams are limited in how many spots they have at the combine. They frequently prioritize underclassmen whom they haven’t yet assessed in person, while seniors have generally received extensive evaluations through the all-star circuit and their fall scouting seasons. In essence, a missing invite usually comes down to logistics rather than a lack of interest from NFL teams.
“As a general manager, we consistently emphasized the importance of the Senior Bowl, the East-West Shrine Bowl, and similar all-star games. These events allow us to gather information through interviews and performance testing. By the time we reach the combine, our focus can shift to juniors whom we haven’t evaluated face-to-face,” Spielman explained.
The legacy of combine snubs is rich
There are many notable names in the history of combine snubs, as my colleague Garrett Podell highlighted in a 2024 article. Players such as Chris Harris, Malcolm Butler, Adam Thielen, Julian Edelman, Wes Welker, James Harrison, and Antonio Gates were left off the Indianapolis roster for various reasons but went on to achieve success, including Super Bowl appearances, Super Bowl MVPs, and even induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Even recent years reveal an impressive track record of success. Let’s highlight some remarkable players and then delve further into the past.
- Phillip Lindsay, RB, signed by the Broncos. He went undrafted from Colorado and became the first undrafted offensive rookie to make the Pro Bowl, accumulating 1,037 rushing yards and nine touchdowns in 2018.
- Bryce Huff, EDGE, signed by the Jets. Huff also went undrafted out of Memphis, but developed into an efficient pass rusher, achieving 10 sacks in 2023 and later securing a $51 million contract with the Eagles in 2024.
- Ja’Quan McMillian, CB, signed by the Broncos. McMillian, another undrafted player from East Carolina, was regarded as a notable combine snub. Initially on the practice squad in 2022, he became an essential nickelback in 2023, leading all cornerbacks in tackles for loss.
- Kobie Turner, DL, drafted by the Rams. After being selected in the third round from Wake Forest, Turner rose as a top interior pass rusher, leading all NFL rookies with nine sacks in 2023.
- Elijah Ponder, EDGE, signed by the Patriots. Ponder went undrafted from Cal Poly but became one of only three rookie undrafted free agents to secure a spot on the Patriots’ initial roster in 2025. He concluded the season with four sacks and two critical fumble recoveries, contributing significantly in the postseason to help New England reach the Super Bowl.
A longer list of notable combine snubs from 2018-2025 is included below.
2018
- Russell Gage, WR, drafted by the Falcons. A sixth-round selection from LSU, Gage transformed into a primary target for Matt Ryan, eventually signing a three-year, $30 million deal with the Buccaneers.
- Justin Watson, WR, drafted by the Buccaneers. Originally selected in the fifth round from Penn (Ivy League), Watson transitioned into a “super-sub” and special teams expert, winning three Super Bowl rings with both the Bucs and Chiefs.
- Phillip Lindsay (see above)
2020
- Kevin Dotson, OG, drafted by the Steelers. Despite not playing in a Power 5 conference, Dotson was chosen in the fourth round and now plays a pivotal role on the Rams’ offensive line.
- Bryce Huff (see above)
2022
- Isaiah Pola-Mao, DB, signed by the Raiders. After going undrafted from USC, Pola-Mao found his footing on special teams and made an impact as a defender, notching a career-high 92 tackles and four tackles for loss in 2025.
- Kader Kohou, CB, signed by the Dolphins. Following an undrafted stint from Division II Texas A&M-Commerce, Kohou made an impressive debut as a Day 1 starter in Miami, leading all undrafted rookies in snaps and defending passes in 2022.
- Ja’Quan McMillian (see above)
2023
- Karl Brooks, DL, drafted by the Packers. Selected in the sixth round from Bowling Green, Brooks had an impressive Senior Bowl and dominated the MAC, becoming the first Packers rookie since Clay Matthews to record multiple fumble recoveries and forced fumbles in back-to-back years.
- Kobie Turner (see above)
2024
- Beanie Bishop Jr., DB, signed by the Steelers. After going undrafted out of West Virginia, despite leading the nation in pass breakups, Bishop became the first undrafted rookie in Steelers history to record four interceptions in a season and earned NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month accolades.
2025
- Willie Lampkin, OC, signed by the Rams. Undrafted from North Carolina, Lampkin’s size — standing at 5-foot-11 and 280 pounds — raised questions, yet he impressed during the preseason against the Cowboys with four pancake blocks.
The Rams parted ways with him before the season, but the Eagles picked him up and placed him on injured reserve.
- Shaun Dolac, LB, signed by the Rams. After going undrafted from Buffalo, Dolac, a leading tackler in 2024, made the Rams’ 53-man roster and contributed on special teams while also making seven tackles in his defensive debut in Week 6 against the Ravens.
- Elijah Ponder (see above)
The lesson here is clear: the combine is merely the beginning of a long journey.
Upcoming combine snubs to track before the pre-draft process
History has shown that the combine list has its share of omissions every year. So who might NFL teams be overlooking in 2026?
Kaelon Black, RB, Indiana
Black is a downhill powerhouse with patience and a strong mentality for running between the tackles. His sturdy 213-pound frame and ability to contribute in blitz protection make him an appealing option for power-oriented teams.
Lewis Bond, WR, Boston College
Bond offers immediate utility in the slot, showcasing solid route recognition, dependable hands, and a knack for breaking tackles following short catches. He excels at turning short completions into substantial gains but may find challenges in separation against press-man coverage.
Tyren Montgomery, WR, John Carroll
Montgomery’s blend of size, physicality, and ability to make contested catches immediately stands out. With his capacity to shield defenders and excel on in-breaking routes, he made a significant impact during Senior Bowl practices, becoming one of the standout players.
Jaydn Ott, RB, Oklahoma
When healthy, Ott demonstrates traits of a skillful zone scheme runner, exhibiting quickness and vision. His receiving skills combined with an ability to gain yards post-contact position him well as a rotational option. However, concerns about his durability hampered his performance in 2025.
Landon Robinson, DL, Navy
Robinson is known for his low center of gravity and high-energy playstyle. His quick lateral movements and first-step burst create problems for opposing lines. Even though his smaller height of 6 feet may deter some teams, his production and motor are undeniable.
James Brockermeyer, OC, Miami
An CBS Sports 2025 first-team All-American, Brockermeyer anchored an offensive line reaching the national championship game, proving to be a tactician with heavy hands and excellent leverage. Being one of the smartest linemen in this draft class, he’s expected to have an extensive career in the NFL.
James Thompson Jr., DL, Illinois
A 2025 All-Big Ten standout, Thompson’s versatility allows him to play across the defensive line. At 6-foot-4 and 310 pounds, he displays strength and a relentless mindset, successfully winning one-on-one battles and chasing down quarterbacks.
