With the NFL draft fast approaching, it was time for pro hopefuls to have one more chance to shine at the NFL combine before the tense few days where they eagerly await to see their dreams come true. This year’s combine took place this past weekend, from Feb. 27 to Mar. 2.
Happening annually in Indianapolis, Indiana, the NFL combine is a several day event where prospects will undergo different drills in front of a host of scouts and general managers from the 32 NFL teams. Athletes who think they were overlooked can prove their salt with a chance to get a closer look than the one they had during the season. Conversely, the players tabbed as first round picks could disappoint scouts and drop their stock.
The Pokes didn’t send any athletes to Indy after Frank Crum and Easton Gibbs represented them last year, but they should present a handful of players at their pro day later this month, when scouts will come to Wyoming for yet another look, allowing Cowboys who didn’t get an invite to reveal themselves as hidden gems. Treyton Welch, Ayir Asante, and Andrew Peasley all landed on NFL teams last season as undrafted free agents after performing well at pro day.
Most players invited to the combine took the chance to compete, but not every college standout accepted the opportunity. NFL teams looking for a franchise QB would be disappointed when Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward, players marked as the top prospects for their position, opted not to perform in the on-field tests, believing that they’ve already shown enough.
This gave other QBs a chance to show their skill set, and Ole Miss play caller Jaxon Dart displayed his arm strength for onlookers, proving his ability to be a viable option in this year’s class. Similarly, Louisville’s Tyler Shough, QB for Texas Tech two years ago in the Pokes magical 2nd overtime victory, put up solid numbers and should be selected in April.
Familiar foe Ashton Jeanty also didn’t test, but as Wyoming saw in November, he is already headed to the NFL. RB Cam Skattebo, another one of the Cowboy’s opponents from their 2024 season-opening loss to Arizona State, tested, and although he did not necessarily improve on his standing, will likely be a later-round grab to improve the depth of some NFL teams.
As far as the Mountain West goes, 8 players received invites, including Jeanty, Colorado State’s WR Tory Horton, UNLV’s WR Ricky White III, San Jose State’s WR Nick Nash, Utah State’s WR Jaylen Royals, and Boise State’s DE Ahmed Hasdsanein. Joining them was former Wyoming WR Isaiah Neyor, who wrapped up his career with Nebraska. While none of these players became the talk of the combine, all of them will look to be late round picks and undrafted free agents.
The NFL draft kicks off on April 24 and will run till the 26th, with over 250 college players anticipated to be drafted and a bevy of undrafted free agent signings to follow.
