3 NFL Combine defensive snubs that could still be strong draft picks

The NFL offseason is here, and with it will soon come the NFL Combine. The event kicks off the road to the NFL Draft and gives prospects a chance to demonstrate their worth to NFL scouts. 319 players received invites this year.

But there are always some players who get lost in the shuffle and should get an invite, but don't, with 2026 no exception. Here are three such players on the offensive side of the ball who are worth watching come the NFL Draft despite their lack of a combine invite.

Jalen Stroman, S - Notre Dame

Stroman spent last season with the Fighting Irish and racked up 37 tackles, two pass deflections, one interception, and one pass deflection. While those stats aren't too crazy, he was invited to the Hula Bowl and impressed scouts enough that they wanted to see more, which led to a Senior Bowl invite as well.

Unfortunately for Stroman, that wasn't enough to garner a Combine invite. But after his draft stock dropped significantly in the latter portion of the season, he has risen back up to a projected Day 3 selection and is worth keeping an eye on.

Shad Banks Jr. , LB - UTSA

Banks spent his first four seasons at TCU without much attention or fanfare, but had a breakout season this past year after transferring to UTSA. He finished the year with 92 tackles, three interceptions, two pass deflections, and two sacks.

Banks was a Shrine Bowl standout, but that did not do enough for the overlooked linebacker to earn the Combine invite. He likely needs to hear his name called in the Draft. He is currently projected as an undrafted free agent, but could be a steal of a late pick if he impresses with strong pro day performances.

Cian Slone, EDGE - NC State

Slone went a bit under the radar this season with the Wolf Pack, but racked up a solid 61 tackles, 1.5 sacks, one interception, and one pass deflection this past season. Slone was invited to and subsequently impressed scouts during the Senior Bowl, but his draft stock has seemingly dropped in recent weeks, and he missed out on a Combine invite. He has been projected as a potential Day 3 selection.

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: 3 NFL Combine snubs on defense that could still be strong draft picks