Snubbed Combine invitees to watch for Saints

By Ross Jackson

After the 319-player list of NFL Scouting Combine invites was released, there were two immediate responses. The first was to outline the players to watch for specific teams, such as the New Orleans Saints. The second was to track the names that were left off the list in surprising fashion. Of which, there were many.

Notables that did not receive an NFL Combine invite:

• QB Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss ***
• WR Tyren Montgomery, John Carroll
• RB Kaelon Black, Indiana
• ED Mikail Kamara, Indiana
• WR Cyrus Allen, Cincy
• OT Riley Mahlman, Wisconsin
• RB Jaydn Ott, Oklahoma
• iOL…

— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) February 11, 2026

But a few should be of particular interest to the Saint and their fanbase. As there are some standout names not included on the Combine invites list that should not be forgotten about throughout the pre-draft process. 

These players won’t get a chance (as of now) to showcase their abilities on the biggest pre-draft stage in Indianapolis, but will get extra time to prepare for their Pro Days, with a chance to leap out on the scene.

WR Tyren Montgomery, John Carroll

Speaking of leaping out on the scene, there may not be a player that did that better this year than Montgomery with his remarkable Senior Bowl week performance. From contested catches to shaking loose defenders, from speed to physicality, Montgomery showed it all. His story is heart-warming and his performances are eye-catching, reeling in 119 catches for 1,528 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns catches in 2025. 

There may not be a bigger snub in this year’s crop than Montgomery.

WR Cyrus Allen, Cincinnati

Allen, who also impressed at this year’s Senior Bowl, is another big wide receiver name left off of the list. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound receiver put together a strong showing in Mobile, Ala. but won’t be able to continue that momentum in late February. Instead, he’ll have to wait until his Pro Day to continue to show what could make him an intriguing fit for a club looking to add to its wide receiver room.

RB Kaelon Black, Indiana

One of the most physical runners in this year’s class, Black’s lack of Combine invite is very surprising, especially for a reigning National Champion. The 5-foot-9, 208-pound rusher could likely have put up some impressive strength metrics in Indianapolis. He’ll be an important player not to lose sight of throughout the process.

EDGE Mikail Kamara, Indiana

With 12 sacks over the last two seasons, Kamara has proven he can be a disruptive asset as a pass rusher. Meanwhile, his 22 tackles for a loss over the same span demonstrate his all-around ability on the line. For a player that will be considered undersized at 6-foot-1, his 265-pound frame could still be useful in the trenches. His athletic testing could put him on the map as a sleeper, he just won’t be doing that testing at the Combine.

S Isaiah Nwokobia, SMU

A hard hitting, instinctive safety, Nwokobia has a chance to fill out a team’s defensive backs room while providing some downhill special teams plays. He had 80 combined tackles last year including some big highlight hits in the process. However, it’s his nine interceptions and 13 passes defended over the last three seasons that may catch the eye. Nwokobia is an all-around safety in SMU’s defense lining up in the slot, deep and in the box consistently in 2025.