The NFL released the official list of invitees to this year’s NFL Scouting Combine. A total of 329 players will be present for the festivities, which is roughly in line with the annual total (321 last year). The NFL Combine qualifies as the next pivotal event in the 2025 NFL Draft process.
As per usual, several deserving prospects have been snubbed. We've identified five in particular. These prospects possess the potential to overcome this disappointment and make an impact at the next level.
RJ Oben, EDGE, Notre Dame
Notre Dame EDGE RJ Oben enjoyed a handful of standout practices at this year’s Senior Bowl. Oben was physical and explosive throughout team periods. The Fighting Irish defender only recorded one sack this past season, so he enters the process with some question marks surrounding his production. His Mobile weigh-in was encouraging (6-foot-3, 255 pounds), but it's a shame he'll have to wait for Pro Day to conduct athletic testing for the scouts.
Efton Chism III, WR, Eastern Washington
Efton Chism III consistently increased his production throughout a five-year career at Eastern Washington. He reached his pinnacle in 2024, recording 120 receptions for 1,311 yards and 13 touchdowns. Chism leaves the Eagles ranked second all-time in program receptions, trailing just Cooper Kupp, who once dealt with similar small-school doubts. The volume pass-catcher recently impressed NFL scouts at the East-West Shrine Bowl, where all he did was get open and catch the football. He deserved an invite to Indianapolis.
Willie Lampkin, OL, North Carolina
Willie Lampkin possesses extremely unconventional size for an offensive lineman, clocking in at 5-foot-10 and 270 pounds at the Senior Bowl. Anything below 300 pounds is severely undersized for NFL lineman standards, bringing Lampkin's true value and position into question. Despite the perceived physical shortcomings, he was outstanding in Mobile, proving up to the task when asked to block defensive linemen significantly larger than him. A combine snub won't stop a prospect used to overcoming adversity from reaching his goals.
Marcus Wehr, OL, Montana State
Marcus Wehr was among the best linemen in attendance at this year's East-West Shrine Bowl. Wehr is violent, competitive, physical, and versatile. His athleticism was routinely on display, and he likely would have been one of the better testers at his position in attendance. The senior blocker played both tackle and guard throughout his illustrious college football career, though scouts see him filling a role inside at the next level.
Johnny Walker Jr., EDGE, Missouri
Missouri EDGE Johnny Walker Jr. exploded to record 9.5 sacks this season. He showcased serious athleticism and bend in a breakout campaign, highlighted by his two-sack performance against Alabama, which occurred in the middle of a seven-game stretch that saw him total 8.5 sacks. Walker Jr. is viewed as a bit of a tweener with off-ball projections, but his pass-rushing prowess was further on display at this year's Shrine Bowl, where he had another two sacks. The Mizzou standout is an absolute menace, consistently creating havoc in the backfield.
