NFL Combine Invitations Released as Draft Season Heats Up

The NFL officially released its list of 324 prospects invited to participate in the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, marking the beginning of the most crucial evaluation period leading up to April's draft. The announcement comes just two weeks after the Kansas City Chiefs captured their third Super Bowl title, shifting the football world's attention to the next generation of talent.

Headlining this year's invitee list is University of Georgia quarterback Mason Brooks, who is widely considered the consensus number-one pick. Brooks threw for 4,247 yards and 41 touchdowns in his final collegiate season, leading the Bulldogs to a perfect regular season before falling in the College Football Playoff semifinals. His combination of arm strength, mobility, and leadership has already drawn comparisons to Patrick Mahomes.

The running back class appears particularly deep this year, with Penn State's Marcus Williams and Alabama's DeAndre Jackson both receiving invitations. Williams rushed for over 1,800 yards in his senior season, while Jackson averaged an impressive 6.2 yards per carry despite facing stacked boxes throughout the SEC championship run. Both prospects are expected to be selected in the first two rounds.

Defensively, the standout name is Oregon defensive end Tyler Rodriguez, whose 15 sacks led the Pac-12 conference. Rodriguez's 6-foot-5, 265-pound frame and explosive first step have NFL scouts excited about his potential to become an immediate pass-rushing threat. Joining him among the defensive invitees is Florida State cornerback Cameron Mitchell, who recorded eight interceptions and 20 pass deflections in his final collegiate season.

The combine, scheduled for February 27-March 5 in Indianapolis, will provide teams with their first formal opportunity to evaluate prospects through medical examinations, psychological testing, and on-field workouts. This year's event is particularly significant given the expanded playoff format's impact on player evaluation, as several top prospects competed in additional games that provided more extensive tape for scouts.

Notably absent from the invitation list is Clemson linebacker Antonio Davis, whose off-field concerns and a late-season injury have raised red flags among NFL personnel departments. Davis was initially projected as a first-round talent but may now face questions about his commitment and durability during individual team workouts.

The quarterback position beyond Brooks features intriguing options, including Michigan's David Chen and Texas A&M's Robert Thompson. Chen's accuracy and pocket presence contrast with Thompson's mobility and improvisation skills, giving teams different philosophical approaches at the position. Both quarterbacks are expected to be selected within the first three rounds.

Teams will have approximately six weeks following the combine to conduct individual workouts and pro days before the NFL Draft begins on April 25. The Pittsburgh Steelers hold the first overall pick following their surprising 3-14 season, though Brooks seems destined for the top regardless of which team selects him.