Tennessee center Cooper Mays was surprisingly excluded from the NFL Scouting Combine, a decision that has left many draft analysts and scouts scratching their heads. Mays, a three-year starter for the Volunteers, was expected to be one of the top center prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The NFL Scouting Combine is an annual event where top college football prospects are invited to participate in physical and mental evaluations in front of NFL coaches, scouts, and executives. The combine is a crucial step in the draft process, as it provides teams with a comprehensive assessment of a player’s skills, athleticism, and potential.
Mays’ exclusion from the combine is puzzling, given his impressive college career and projected draft stock. As a three-year starter at Tennessee, Mays demonstrated exceptional technique, strength, and leadership, earning him All-SEC honors and a spot on the Outland Trophy watch list.
Many draft analysts had Mays ranked as one of the top center prospects in the 2025 draft class, with some projecting him as a potential first-round pick. His exclusion from the combine may raise concerns among NFL teams, who rely heavily on the event to evaluate prospects.
The reasons behind Mays’ exclusion from the combine are unclear, but it’s possible that the NFL’s selection committee may have overlooked him or prioritized other prospects at the center position. However, Mays’ omission is a significant snub, given his impressive college credentials and projected draft stock.
Despite the setback, Mays can still showcase his skills at Tennessee’s Pro Day, which is scheduled to take place in March. The event will provide Mays with an opportunity to demonstrate his athleticism, strength, and technique in front of NFL scouts and coaches.
Mays’ agent and representatives will likely work to schedule private workouts and visits with NFL teams, which will give him additional opportunities to showcase his skills and build relationships with team decision-makers.
While Mays’ exclusion from the combine is a disappointment, it’s not a definitive indicator of his draft prospects. Many players have gone on to have successful NFL careers despite being snubbed by the combine.
Ultimately, Mays’ draft stock will be determined by his performance at Tennessee’s Pro Day, private workouts, and team visits. With his impressive college credentials and projected draft stock, Mays remains a top center prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft.
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