Biggest snub from the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at each position

The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine is right around the corner, with 319 top draft prospects heading to Indianapolis to showcase their athleticism, undergo medical evaluations, and conduct interviews in front of NFL scouts and executives.

While the event spotlights many rising stars that will hear their names called in the upcoming draft, it also leaves out several talented players whose omissions have sparked debate across the league.

Here are the biggest snubs at each position:

Quarterback

Mark Gronowski, Iowa

Gronowski began to gain buzz after winning Offensive MVP honors at the East-West Shrine Bowl, following a polished career at Iowa, where his 58 career wins made him the winningest quarterback in NCAA history. He tallied 12,049 passing yards and 103 touchdowns, while totaling 515 carries for 2,312 yards and 53 touchdowns.

Running back

Kaelon Black, Indiana

Despite helping the Hoosiers to 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 ranked fourth in the Big Ten. He also excelled on the biggest stages, recording 241 rushing yards and three touchdowns across the College Football Playoff games.

Wide receiver

Tyren Montgomery, John Carroll

Montgomery set school records with 119 receptions and 1,528 yards in 2025. The Division III star wideout turned heads at the Senior Bowl with elite athleticism, polished route-running and reliable hands at 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds.

Tight end

Dan Villari, Syracuse

Despite a strong pre-draft process, including invites to the Hula Bowl and Senior Bowl, Villari did not make the cut. 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 zero receiving touchdowns.

Offensive line

Riley Mahlman, Wisconsin

After finishing his career at Wisconsin with over 2,800 snaps between both tackle spots, Mahlman further helped his draft stock at the East-West Shrine Bowl. But despite his efforts, the 6-foot-8 Mahlman will have to wait for 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 the AAC Defensive Player of the Year, Robinson was another player who had a dominant showing at the East-West Shrine Bowl. Featured in the “Freaks List,” Robinson has a 700-pound squat, a 33-inch vertical, and a top speed of 20.1 mph. That athleticism is evident on the field as he oozes disruptive traits.

Edge defender

Mikail Kamara, Indiana

Kamara was another Hoosier who was omitted from the Combine, even after leading the Big Ten in pressures (58) this past season. While his exclusion likely stems 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 an All-AAC First Team honoree in a season with 94 tackles and three interceptions. He went on to impress scouts at the East-West Shrine Bowl with physicality in the run game and range and coverage ability. He’ll now have to wait to showcase the explosive traits at UTSA’s pro day to boost his stock.

Cornerback

Devon Marshall, North Carolina State

Marshall led the country with 16 pass breakups and earned a 90.1 PFF defensive grade. 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.

Safety

Cole Wisniewski, Texas Tech

A former national champion at North Dakota State who transferred for his sixth year, Wisniewski posted 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 this past season. Nonetheless, between standing out among a loaded Texas Tech defense and at the Shrine Bowl, it should’ve been enough to earn him an invite.

This article originally appeared on Draft Wire: Biggest snub from the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at each position

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