2023 NFL Draft: Top 10 NFL Scouting Combine Snubs
The 2023 NFL Scouting Combine is underway for the 40th year in Indianapolis. The NFL agreed to keep the combine in Indy through 2024. However, drastic changes could be in store for the now full ‘prime time’ event in the future. Commissioner Roger Goodell has eyes on moving the combine around and awarding the showcase to the biggest bidder, much like the NFL Draft host city has evolved. It would appear inevitable, as NFL owners seek to align their pockets with more scharole. We will continue to monitor that situation as it unfolds, for the sake of this article, we will keep the focus on this week.
Every year, we see approximately 20-30 players selected in the NFL Draft who were not invited to the NFL Scouting Combine. Below is one player at each position who was left on the outside looking in but stand a strong chance of being drafted.
Lindsey Scott, Incarnate Ward, rSr, 5102, 228, 4.56e, No.14 ranked QB
There is a fine line between being viewed as a franchise quarterback and being the potential number one overall pick. While Incarnate Ward quarterback Lindsey Scott is just one inch shorter than Alabama anointed future NFL star Bryce Young, he weighs nearly 30 pounds more. In addition, the dual-threat passer demonstrates a live arm, along with the ability to throw on the run. He accounted for 71 total touchdowns this past season and the former LSU recruit gives off Charlie Ward vibes.
Xazavian Valladay, Arizona State, rSr, 5116, 198, 4.52e, No.22 ranked RB
After being robbed of the East-West Shrine Bowl MVP award, Valladay was then dealt another bad blow by the combine committee, as they failed to recognize the dynamic Sun Devils runner as one of the top running back prospects in the nation. His slashing run style and ability to get skinny in the hole will bode well for his transition to the next level. Despite his invitation being lost in the mail, Valladay still stands a strong chance to hear his name called on Day Three of the NFL Draft.
Keilahn Harris, Oklahoma Baptist, rJr, 5096, 179, 4.45e, No.33 ranked WR
Another strong candidate to hear his name called on Day Three of the draft, Harris was one of the biggest stars in Pasadena at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. A prototypical slot receiver who can blow the roof off a defense, his speed and elusiveness makes him a true weapon with the ball in his hands. Harris can be used in the screen game, on bubbles, or reverses, in addition to having special teams experience as a kick returner and punt returner. An ideal bottom of the roster wideout, Harris totaled 23 touchdowns the past two years, while recording back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons.
Kemari Averett, Bethune-Cookman, Sr, 6054, 260, 4.75e, No.15 ranked TE
The talent is clearly evident with Averett, who began his career with a Power Five program. His size and athleticism create mismatches for any defender, as he has proven to be a real red zone threat. In addition, the big body tight end has also demonstrated astute blocking ability. He finished his career with at least one catch in 22 consecutive games for the Wildcats. While Averett has impressed at both the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl and HBCU Legacy Bowl, he will have to answer questions about his off-field conduct and dismissal from Louisville.
Ryan Swoboda, UCF, rSr, 6092, 319, 5.26e, No.15 ranked OT
It has been a roller-coaster of a career for Swoboda, who began his career at Virginia, where he endured a life-threatening heat stroke, which nearly cost him his life. He persevered through the adversity, transferred to UCF, in order to be closer to home and developed into one of the premier offensive tackle prospects in the country. One of the tallest players in NFL history, Swoboda plays with surprising bend, extraordinary length and packs a powerful punch that easily jolts defenders off-balance. He will remind scouts of Alejandro Villeuaneva.
Scott Matlock, Boise State, rSr, 6041, 308, 5.02e, No.12ranked DT
It’s a straight crime that Matlock was not granted admittance into the combine. His dominance at the NFLPA Bowl earned him a callup to the East-West Shrine Bowl, where he once again proved to be one of the top talents. His combination of size and strength allows for a stout anchor, which makes Matlock an ideal fit at nose tackle, or at five technique. With the body of work and film resume laid down by the Boise native, there is no doubt that NFL teams will be thinking about pulling the trigger on Day Three.
BJ Thompson, Stephen F. Austin, Sr, 6053, 238, 4.70e, No.13 ranked 3-4 OLB
An under the radar edge prospect, Thompson displays a true knack for getting after the quarterback. His quick burst and explosion off the edge is alluring. However, he may need a year in an NFL strength and conditioning program before he is ready for the pros. He originally committed to Baylor over Florida State, Texas and Washington State, before transferring to Stephen F. Austin. A former cornerback and tight end in high school, Thompson is an athletic freak who is expected to run in the 4.4-range, with a 40” vertical jump and 11-foot broad jump at his pro day workout.
Mohamoud Diabate, Sr, Utah, 6033, 229, 4.55e, No.7 ranked ILB
Hailing from a Power Five program, Diabate might be the most shocking combine snub to date. Look no further than his recent practice film during East-West Shrine Bowl week—he was clearly one of the top players in attendance, flashing electrifying burst and closing speed to the ball-carrier. The Auburn native would have been one of the most athletic linebackers in attendance had he been invited to Indianapolis. Now, he will have to wait until his pro day, which could be one of the most impressive linebacker workouts we see in March.
Keenan Isaac, Alabama State, rSr, 6020, 186, 4.53e, No.30 ranked CB
This website will continue to pump Isaac who is a bit of a raw product but possesses the size, speed and fluidity to become one of the best defensive backs in the 2023 NFL Draft Class. His length and instincts could ultimately land him at safety but his one-on-one man coverage ability was impressive during the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl week of practices. There is some serious love for Isaac within the scouting community, so it would surprise no one to hear his name called come April.
Marte Mapu, Sacramento State, rSr, 6025, 217, 4.60e, No.6 ranked SS
It’s rather mind-blowing that an All-Big Sky First Team talent such as Mapu would fail to achieve enough votes necessary to receive an invitation to the combine but he is just the latest example of a small school prospect being miscast due to his helmet sticker. A versatile chess piece who can line-up at safety, linebacker, or in the slot, Mapu was clearly one of the top talents at both the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl and Reese’s Senior Bowl. The NFL team who is quick to pull the trigger on Mapu will be rewarded handsomely.
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