The NFL released the list of this year's 2024 NFL Scouting Combine invitees. A grand total of 321 players received the prestigious invite, which is more or less in line with the regular annual total (319 last season). With the Senior Bowl now in the rearview mirror, the NFL Combine qualifies as the next must-watch event in the 2024 NFL Draft process.
Every year, players who were not invited to the annual “underwear Olympics” carve out excellent careers for themselves despite being snubbed. This year carries the same potential. We've identified five 2024 NFL Combine snubs who possess the potential to overcome this disappointment and make an impact at the next level.
JACKSON SIRMON, LB, CALIFORNIA
California linebacker Jackson Sirmon was the lone Senior Bowl participant who didn't receive an invite to Indianapolis. Sirmon was a late call-up to compete in Mobile, likely due to an injury dropout, but maximized his opportunity in Mobile. Sirmon strung together several impressive reps as a tackler and in pass coverage.
An injury limited Sirmon to six regular-season appearances this season. The Brentwood, Tennessee native still managed to total 50 tackles and force three turnovers. When Sirmon was healthy in 2022, he totaled 104 tackles. Sirmon's showing at this year's Senior Bowl proved that he belonged at the NFL Combine.
MARK PERRY, SAF, TCU
The 2024 NFL Draft does not feature a particularly deep class of safeties. TCU Horned Frogs safety Mark Perry is one of the more intriguing defensive backfield generals available. A rocked-up 6-foot, 215-pound (verified at Shrine Bowl) prospect, Perry possesses a physical profile that is intriguing to front-office decision-makers.
In 2022, his first season at TCU after transferring from Colorado, Perry placed second on the team in tackles with 84 while helping the Horned Frogs historically advance to a National Championship. Perry returned to school this season and recorded a career-high four pass breakups with 58 tackles.
BLAKE WATSON, RB, MEMPHIS
Memphis running back Blake Watson is a lightning-in-a-bottle scat back. NFL offenses love running backs that are legitimate difference-makers in the passing game. Watson was just that for the Tigers in 2023, recording 53 receptions for 485 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
Watson doubled as an effective runner, totaling 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns as a ball carrier. Watson averaged six yards per carry and 125.9 total yards from scrimmage per game. Watson proved he could handle a step up in competition after transferring from Old Dominion to Memphis. It's a shame his dual-threat abilities won't shine in Indianapolis.
KHRISTIAN BOYD, DT, NORTHERN IOWA
One of my favorite small-school defenders in the 2024 NFL Draft, Northern Iowa defensive lineman Khristian Boyd answered competition-level questions with a standout showing at this year's East-West Shrine Bowl. The 6-foot-2, 320-pound Boyd was downright dominant at times after compiling career-highs in tackles (43) tackles for loss (6.5), and sacks (3.5) during the season.
Boyd is next up for a Panthers program that has sent various impressive prospects to the NFL draft in recent years, joining a list that includes Trevor Penning, Spencer Brown, and Elerson Smith. The league should have learned by now. Boyd deserved an invite.
JARIUS MONROE, DB, TULANE
Quarterback Michael Pratt, wide receiver Jha'Quan Jackson, and offensive lineman Prince Pines were the three Tulane players to receive invites. I wish versatile defensive back Jarius Monroe joined the list. Not inviting the 6-foot, 204-pound Monroe is an oversight from the league office.
Monroe totaled six interceptions and 22 pass breakups in two seasons at Tulane as a former Nicholls transfer. He even intercepted USC quarterback Caleb Williams in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl. Monroe is a big-game player that will carve out a role for himself at the next level.
Honorable mentions: Willis Patrick (TCU - OL), Joshua Cephus (UTSA - WR), Ja’Quan Sheppard (Maryland - CB), Carson Steele (UCLA - RB), A.J. Woods (Pittsburgh - CB), Tuli Letuligasenoa (Washington - DT), John Rhys Plumlee (UCF - QB), Kenny Logan (DB - Kansas).
