Not receiving an invitation to join the ranks in Indianapolis doesn’t signify the end of the road. Recent years illustrate how “snubs” often channel that disappointment into motivation, paving the way to successful NFL careers.
Each year, a select group of athletes shines during college all-star games or on video, yet still misses out on the coveted invitation to the 300-plus players called to the NFL Scouting Combine. A missed invitation doesn’t imply exclusion. Rather, it typically highlights the differing evaluation processes for seniors versus underclassmen.
So what leads to the oversight of promising talent? It often boils down to logistics. As Rick Spielman, a former podcaster turned Jets front-office executive, noted on the “With the First Pick” podcast in 2023, franchises have limited slots available and frequently prioritize underclassmen they haven’t previously evaluated. Seniors, on the other hand, gain ample exposure during all-star events and through the fall scouting process. Essentially, a lack of an invite often reflects logistical decisions rather than a deficit in NFL interest.
“As general managers, our priority was always the Senior Bowl, the East-West Shrine Bowl, and similar all-star games, allowing seniors to showcase their abilities through interviews and tests, so we can focus on juniors we haven’t assessed at all during the combine,” said Spielman.
A Legacy of Combine Snubs
The list of successful players overlooked by the combine is extensive and noteworthy. As my colleague Garrett Podell pointed out in 2024, names like Chris Harris, Malcolm Butler, Adam Thielen, Julian Edelman, Wes Welker, James Harrison, and Antonio Gates—each overlooked for various reasons—achieved great heights, from Super Bowls to Super Bowl MVPs and even induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Success stories continue to emerge from recent years. Let’s highlight a few, then reflect on the past.
- Phillip Lindsay, RB, signed by the Broncos. Lindsay went undrafted out of Colorado and made history as the first undrafted offensive rookie to make the Pro Bowl, rushing for 1,037 yards and nine touchdowns in 2018.
- Bryce Huff, EDGE, signed by the Jets. Huff went undrafted from Memphis, transforming into one of the league’s most efficient pass rushers (with 10 sacks in 2023) before signing a $51 million contract with the Eagles in 2024.
- Ja’Quan McMillian, CB, signed by the Broncos. After going undrafted from East Carolina, McMillian spent the 2022 season on the practice squad before emerging as one of the league’s top nickelbacks, leading all cornerbacks in tackles for loss in 2023.
- Kobie Turner, DL, drafted by the Rams. A third-round pick out of Wake Forest, Turner rose as one of the league’s premier interior pass rushers, leading all NFL rookies with 9.0 sacks in 2023.
- Elijah Ponder, EDGE, signed by the Patriots. Undrafted from Cal Poly, he became one of three rookie UDFAs to make New England’s initial 53-man roster in 2025, finishing the regular season with four sacks, four tackles for loss, and two fumble recoveries, including a critical recovery in the AFC Championship Game that propelled the Patriots to the Super Bowl.
Here’s a more detailed look at notable combine snubs from 2018-2025.
2018
- Russell Gage, WR, drafted by the Falcons. A sixth-round pick from LSU, Gage evolved into a key target for Matt Ryan, eventually signing a three-year, $30 million deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
- Justin Watson, WR, drafted by the Buccaneers. A fifth-round pick from Penn (Ivy League), Watson transitioned from small-school standout to durable special teams ace, winning three Super Bowl rings with the Bucs and Chiefs.
- Phillip Lindsay (see above).
2020
- Kevin Dotson, OG, drafted by the Steelers. Dotson, from Louisiana, was not a Power 5 player, yet he became a fourth-round pick and an essential player on the Rams’ offensive line.
- Bryce Huff (see above).
2022
- Isaiah Pola-Mao, DB, signed by the Raiders. Pola-Mao, undrafted from USC, created a role on special teams before emerging as a key defender with a career-high 92 tackles, four tackles for loss, and two interceptions in 2025.
- Kader Kohou, CB, signed by the Dolphins. Kohou, undrafted from Division II Texas A&M-Commerce, quickly transitioned from small-school standout to starting cornerback in Miami, leading all undrafted rookies in snaps and passes defended in 2022.
- Ja’Quan McMillian (see above).
2023
- Karl Brooks, DL, drafted by the Packers. Brooks, a sixth-round pick from Bowling Green, notably excelled at the Senior Bowl and recorded 4-plus sacks in a season, matching a rare feat by Clay Matthews. After his second NFL season, he joined J.J. Watt as the only players to record multiple fumble recoveries, a forced fumble, and a blocked kick in consecutive years.
- Kobie Turner (see above).
2024
- Beanie Bishop Jr., DB, signed by the Steelers. Despite leading the nation in pass breakups and earning second-team All-American recognition, Bishop went undrafted but became the first undrafted rookie in Steelers history with four interceptions, including a two-pick game against Aaron Rodgers that earned him NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month.
2025
- Willie Lampkin, OC, signed by the Rams. Lampkin, undrafted from North Carolina, was overlooked largely due to his smaller stature of 5-foot-11 and 280 pounds, yet he proved his worth during a four-pancake preseason game against the Cowboys.
The Rams released him before the season, but he was quickly claimed by the Eagles and placed on injured reserve.
- Shaun Dolac, LB, signed by the Rams. Dolac, undrafted from Buffalo and the nation’s leading tackler in 2024, secured a place on the Rams’ 53-man roster out of training camp. He participated in all 17 games—mostly on special teams—recording seven tackles and a tackle for loss during his defensive debut against the Ravens in Week 6.
- Elijah Ponder (see above).
This serves as a reminder: Indy marks just the beginning of a lengthy journey.
2026 Combine Snubs to Watch as the Pre-Draft Process Unfolds
The history of the combine shows that every year includes some notable misses. Which talents might NFL teams overlook in 2026?
Kaelon Black, RB, Indiana
Black projects as a sturdy, downhill runner who excels with patience and low pads, thriving in power-heavy schemes. His 213-pound frame and ability in blitz pickup make him valuable early on.
Lewis Bond, WR, Boston College
Bond brings instant value as a slot receiver due to his coverage awareness, reliable hands, and running back-like balance post-catch. He shines at converting short passes into significant gains but may struggle against physical press-man coverage on deeper routes.
Tyren Montgomery, WR, John Carroll
Montgomery’s combination of size, physicality, and contested-catch ability captivate scouts. His route-running proficiency and blocking skills enhance his value, showcasing impressive talent during Senior Bowl practices, where he was among the top performers.
Jaydn Ott, RB, Oklahoma
When fit, Ott displays the agility and vision of a skilled zone runner. His potential as a receiver and after-contact playmaker offers substantial rotational prospects, although durability issues affected him in 2025.
Landon Robinson, DL, Navy
Robinson plays with a low center of gravity and impressive leverage, becoming a disruptive force on the interior. His quick lateral movements and burst make him a challenging matchup, although his build may limit some teams’ perceptions.
James Brockermeyer, OC, Miami
A CBS Sports 2025 first-team All-American, Brockermeyer anchored an offensive unit that advanced to the national championship. He demonstrates impressive technique, leveraging his understanding of the game—traits that suggest he could enjoy a successful NFL career.
James Thompson Jr., DL, Illinois
Thompson, a 2025 All-Big Ten standout at 6-foot-4 and 310 pounds, can play multiple defensive line positions. His length and relentless motor enable him to break through defenses and impact the game, making him a likely candidate for an NFL roster next season.
