Feb 1, 2025; Mobile, AL, USA; American team offensive lineman Willie Lampkin of North Carolina (55) warms up before the 2025 Senior Bowl football game at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

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NFL Scouting Combine 2025 – Who Are The Notable Absentees From The 2025 NFL Combine?

Biggest snubs from the 2025 NFL Combine

The NFL released its official list of 329 invitees for the 2025 Scouting Combine. As always, a few deserving prospects were left out. Some omissions make sense. Others raise eyebrows. Here are the biggest snubs from this year’s Combine.

Dan Jackson, Georgia safety’s, NFL Combine snub raises questions

Georgia safety Dan Jackson did everything right. He was a three-year starter for one of the best defenses in college football, won two national titles, and made plays all over the field in 2024. Yet, when the NFL announced its list of 329 invitees, his name wasn’t on it.

His teammate, Warren Brinson, didn’t hold back. “How does a 3-year starter on one of the best defenses in the country not get an invite,” he questioned on social media.

Jackson wasn’t the only Bulldog left out. Defensive end Chaz Chambliss, who tied for Georgia’s team lead in sacks with 6.5, and tight end Ben Yurosek also didn’t make the cut. But Jackson’s exclusion stands out. He finished third on the team with 64 tackles and forced three turnovers in 2024. At the Senior Bowl, he impressed enough to be voted the best safety by opposing wide receivers and tight ends.

RJ Oben, EDGE, Notre Dame should be in Indianapolis

Notre Dame EDGE RJ Oben had a strong showing at the Senior Bowl. He was physical, explosive, and made an impression during team drills. But he only recorded one sack last season, which raises questions about his production. He measured in at 6-foot-3, 255 pounds in Mobile—good numbers for his position. Still, without an invite, he’ll have to prove his athleticism at his Pro Day instead of on the Combine stage.

Montana State OL Marcus Wehr among the biggest NFL Combine snubs. Was awesome at @ShrineBowl. pic.twitter.com/TpPEth7XMB
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) February 13, 2025

Efton Chism III, WR, Eastern Washington deserved a shot

Efton Chism III put up elite numbers at Eastern Washington. He caught 120 passes for 1,311 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2024, finishing second in career receptions in school history. The only player ahead of him? Cooper Kupp. Like Kupp, Chism faces doubts due to his small-school background. He already turned heads at the East-West Shrine Bowl, constantly getting open and securing tough catches. There’s no reason he shouldn’t have been invited.

Willie Lampkin, OL, North Carolina snubbed despite Senior Bowl performance

Willie Lampkin isn’t built like a traditional offensive lineman. At 5-foot-10 and 270 pounds, he’s severely undersized by NFL standards. But that didn’t stop him from holding his own at the Senior Bowl. He went up against bigger, stronger defenders and proved he could compete. Teams will have questions about his fit at the next level, but an invite would have given him a chance to answer some of them.

Marcus Wehr, OL, Montana State left out despite versatility

Marcus Wehr was one of the top offensive linemen at the East-West Shrine Bowl. He played both tackle and guard in college, showing he can adapt to different roles. His aggressive, physical playstyle stood out in Mobile, and his athleticism suggested he would have tested well at the Combine. He’s projected as an interior lineman in the NFL, but he won’t get the chance to showcase his athletic ability in Indianapolis.

Johnny Walker Jr., EDGE, Missouri snubbed after breakout season

Johnny Walker Jr. had a monster year for Missouri. He racked up 9.5 sacks, with 8.5 of them coming over a seven-game stretch. His two-sack performance against Alabama put him on the map. He continued to impress at the Shrine Bowl, notching another two sacks. He’s seen as a tweener—too small for a full-time EDGE role but not quite a linebacker. Still, his ability to disrupt the backfield is undeniable. He should be at the Combine.

The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine runs from February 25 to March 3 at Lucas Oil Stadium. Teams will evaluate over 300 players through interviews, medical checks, and on-field drills. Top executives, including Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and general manager Brett Veach, will be in attendance.

Live coverage of the on-field workouts starts February 27 on NFL Network. Fans can track results in real-time on the league’s Combine Tracker.

Image: Imagn Images

NFL Combine snubs

Natasha Bose

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