Total Pro Sports
The NFL Scouting Combine is one of the biggest events in a draft prospect’s journey to the NFL. Every year, Indianapolis hosts a four-day event where top college football players display their skills to coaches, scouts, and team executives. It’s a chance to boost draft stock, impress decision-makers, and prove readiness for the league. But not every rookie takes full advantage of the opportunity. Some players choose to skip workouts or even avoid the event altogether.
Here’s why.
One of the biggest reasons players opt out of the Combine is that they prefer to participate in their school’s Pro Day instead. Pro Days offers a similar show but with key differences. Unlike the Combine, where the NFL controls the drills, players at Pro Days can design their workouts to highlight their strengths.
A familiar environment also helps. Instead of performing in an unfamiliar stadium under extreme pressure, players can work out with their teammates and coaching staff, creating a more comfortable setting. This approach can lead to better performances, reducing the risk of a bad showing in front of scouts.
2025 NFL Scouting Combine schedule
(Feb. 24th-March 3rd): pic.twitter.com/rYzqGk9pgW
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) February 24, 2025
For example, Shedeur Sanders, the star quarterback from Colorado, will attend the NFL Combine but won’t throw. Instead, he’ll conduct interviews and save his throwing session for Colorado’s Pro Day, where he’ll have full control over the setup.
Injury concerns are another major reason top prospects sit out Combine workouts. The risk of getting hurt before the NFL Draft can be costly, as it might lower a player’s draft stock. If a player is already expected to be selected early, there’s little reason to take that risk.
This year, Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter, projected to be a top-five pick, decided not to work out due to a shoulder injury he suffered in the Fiesta Bowl. Instead, he will participate in interviews and medical exams while aiming to be healthy for Penn State’s Pro Day on March 28.
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Many top prospects don’t need the Combine to prove their skills. Their college performances, game film, and past accolades have already established their value to NFL teams. Attending the Combine might not significantly boost their draft position, making it unnecessary to compete in drills.
Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty is skipping the workouts because he is expected to be the first running back drafted in April. His draft stock is already high, so there’s little to gain by participating in Combine drills. Like Sanders, he will complete interviews and medical tests but will wait until his school’s Pro Day to show his skills.
Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty has elected to participate only in medical
evaluations and team interviews at the 2025 NFL...
