Former Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Breiden Fehoko is urging the NFL to reconsider its invitation process after top prospects, including Fernando Mendoza and Caleb Downs, declined to participate in on-field drills at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
With the annual evaluation event underway in Indianapolis, Fehoko criticized what he sees as a growing trend of elite draft hopefuls skipping workouts in favor of pro days and private sessions. Writing on X, Fehoko argued that the Combine has lost its edge as the league’s premier proving ground.
“Stop inviting dudes to the combine who won’t test,” Fehoko posted. “There’s hundreds of hungry dudes out there who are starving for a sliver of opportunity to test at the combine. It’s become a joke.”
The combine used to be the biggest interview of your life. Now it’s become a beauty pageant.
Mendoza, widely projected as the No. 1 overall pick, opted to throw at Indiana’s pro day instead, citing comfort and familiarity with his own receivers.
Mendoza wants to give his teammates a chance
Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, Mendoza said he wanted to “give my guys the best chance” by working with teammates in a controlled setting.
The Las Vegas Raiders, who hold the top draft selection, are expected to attend Indiana’s pro day on April 1, with reports indicating a potential private workout.
Downs attended the Combine but chose not to participate in drills, instead waiting for the Ohio State Buckeyes’s pro day. Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy also skipped workouts, saying he did not feel fully ready after returning from a torn ACL.
The trend is not new. Each of the past three projected No. 1 picks has bypassed Combine drills, reinforcing a shift toward individualized evaluation settings.
The NFL overlooks many good prospects
Meanwhile, several productive college players were not invited at all and must rely heavily on pro days and private workouts to raise their draft stock.
Among them: Indiana edge rusher Mikail Kamara, who led the Big Ten in pressures; Indiana running back Kaelon Black, fresh off a 1,040-yard, 10-touchdown season; and Wisconsin offensive tackle Riley Mahlman, a 2,800-snap collegiate starter.
While Combine omissions and skipped drills do not necessarily dictate NFL success, Fehoko’s remarks highlight growing questions about whether the league’s showcase event still carries the same weight it once did.
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