The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine is fast approaching, with 319 top draft prospects heading to Indianapolis to demonstrate their athleticism, undergo medical evaluations and conduct interviews in front of NFL scouts and executives.
While the event highlights many rising stars who will hear their names called in the upcoming draft, it also leaves out several talented players whose omissions have sparked league-wide debate.
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Here are the biggest complaints about each position:
Strategist
Mark Gronowski, Iowa
Gronowski began generating buzz after winning Offensive MVP honors at the East-West Shrine Bowl, following a stellar career at Iowa, where his 58 career wins made him the winningest quarterback in NCAA history. He totaled 12,049 passing yards and 103 touchdowns, while totaling 515 carries for 2,312 yards and 53 touchdowns.
Run back
Kaelon Black, Indiana
Despite helping the Hoosiers win a national championship, Black was overlooked in favor of other players at his position. Black finished the 2025 season with 1,040 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. His 5.6 yards per carry ranks fourth in the Big Ten. He also excelled on the biggest stages, recording 241 rushing yards and three touchdowns in the College Football Playoff.
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Wide receiver
Tyren Montgomery, John Carroll
Montgomery set school records with 119 receptions and 1,528 yards in 2025. The Division III star turned heads at the Senior Bowl with elite athleticism, refined route running and reliable hands at 5-foot-11, 190 pounds.
Tight end
Dan Villari, Syracuse
Despite a strong pre-draft process, including invitations to the Hula Bowl and Senior Bowl, Villari failed to qualify. A converted quarterback, he was a top target early in 2025 (240 yards in four games), before quarterback Steve Angeli’s season-ending injury, finishing with 412 yards and no receiving touchdowns.
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Offensive line
Riley Mahlman, Wisconsin
After finishing his career at Wisconsin with over 2,800 snaps between the two tackle spots, Mahlman further helped his draft pick to the East-West Shrine Bowl. But despite his efforts, the 6-foot-8 Mahlman will have to wait until his pro day to test in front of NFL teams.
Interior defensive line
Landon Robinson, Navy
After being named an AP first-team All-American and AAC Defensive Player of the Year, Robinson was another player who had a dominant performance in the East-West Shrine Bowl. Featured on the “Freaks List,” Robinson has a squat of 700 pounds, a vertical of 33 inches and a top speed of 20.1 mph. This athleticism is evident on the field as he exudes disruptive traits.
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Edge defender
Mikail Kamara, Indiana
Kamara was another Hoosier who was omitted from the Combine, even after leading the Big Ten in pressures (58) last season. While his exclusion likely came from a shorter 6-foot-1 frame, lack of length and medical red flags, his production and disruptiveness should have warranted a spot.
Linebacker
Shad Banks Jr., UTSA
Banks was a first-team All-AAC honoree during the season with 94 tackles and three interceptions. He then impressed scouts at the East-West Shrine Bowl with his physicality in the running game, his range and his coverage ability. He will now have to wait until he showcases his explosive traits at UTSA’s pro day to increase his stock.
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Cornerback
Devon Marshall, North Carolina State
Marshall led the nation with 16 assists and had a 90.1 PFF defensive rating. Even after shining in the East-West Shrine Bowl, he was inexplicably left off the roster, likely due to his shorter frame and lack of speed.
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Cole Wisniewski, Texas Tech
A former national champion from North Dakota State transferring in for his sixth year, Wisniewski had 78 tackles, six passes defended and two forced fumbles in 2025. However, after leading the FCS with eight interceptions in 2023 at NDSU, he failed to record one last season. Still, between standing out among a loaded Texas Tech defense and the Shrine Bowl, that should have been enough to earn him an invitation.
This article was originally published on Draft Wire: The biggest snub of the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at every position
