The NFL Scouting Combine starts next Wednesday in Indianapolis. It’s an event that enables coaches, scouts and general managers to evaluate a huge crop of incoming NFL rookies set to be drafted into the league in April.
While the NFL has seen some incredible players through the years who were invited to participate at the prestigious event, it’s worth noting that there are some current NFL stars that never went to the Combine.
1. Wes Welker, Wide Receiver, Denver Broncos
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This five-time All-Pro out of Texas Tech did not attend the combine and actually went undrafted. At 33 years of age, the slot receiver is considering retirement after 11 seasons in the NFL. Spending six of his years with the New England Patriots, Welker surpassed 1,000-plus receiving yards in five of those seasons.
Since leaving New England for the Broncos, Welker’s production has declined a great deal. Some of this is due to the fact the Broncos have been stacked with elite receivers since Welker’s arrival. Regardless of whether Welker gives it one more try, he’s been prime example of the NFL scouting community missing at times. In 170 career games, Welker has racked up 890 receptions for nearly 10,000 yards and 50 touchdowns.
2. Julian Edelman, Wide Receiver, New England Patriots
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A seventh-round draft pick by the Patriots in 2009, Edelman never participated at the combine. Edelman is now a household name due to his team’s recent Super Bowl victory.
Edelman has totaled over 2,000 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns over the past two seasons. He has also drawn an incredible 285 targets from Brady over that same span. Don’t look for the 28-year-old receiver to hit a career slump anytime soon.
3. Victor Cruz, Wide Receiver, New York Giants
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Another undrafted player who never attended the combine, Cruz entered the NFL out of Massachusetts without much fanfare. After three successful seasons with the New York Giants, Cruz unfortunately suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 6 of the 2014 season. Highly productive and the best offensive weapon quarterback Eli Manning possesses, Cruz piled up 3,626 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns over that three-year span. With a Super Bowl ring already in his possession, Cruz will look to join forces with star teammate Odell Beckham Jr., potentially forming one of the most dangerous wide receiver duos next year.
4. Fred Jackson, Running Back, Buffalo Bills
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One of the most consistent and durable running backs to grace the NFL, the 33-year-old Jackson is also one of the most underrated players in the game. Graduating from Coe College in 2003, Jackson was not even signed by the Buffalo Bills until 2006. First appearing in 2007, Jackson has put up a total of 8,286 total yards and 37 total touchdowns.
Even at 33 years old, Jackson could very well still have a lot left in the tank. He’s averaged 4.4 yards per carry over the course of his four-year career. Whether with Buffalo or another team, expect Jackson to continue playing at a high level for the foreseeable future.
5. Antonio Gates, Tight End, San Diego Chargers
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Coming from a basketball background at Kent State, this undrafted free agent of the San Diego Chargers signed in 2003. Since then, he has been one of the best bargains in the history of the league. This past season saw the veteran post 69 receptions for 821 yards and 12 touchdowns
At 34 years old, Gates is a fine example of a NFL player who is in incredible shape and appears to be timeless. Over his 12 years in the NFL, Gates has racked up 10,014 receiving yards and 99 touchdowns. He is a three-time All-Pro and has earned eight trips to the Pro Bowl. We cannot say enough about Gates’ impressive resume’.
While it is an incredible honor to be invited to participate in the NFL Combine, it certainly is not a necessity. At the very least, these five players prove that to a T.
Photo: USA Today