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2015 NFL Draft: 10 Biggest Combine Snubs

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By @Spencer_NFL

2015 NFL Draft: 10 Biggest Combine Snubs

Combine Snubs
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With more than 300 prospects invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, some players are going to be left out. While the Combine gives prospects an opportunity to display their talents in front of every NFL team, it's not the end of the world for those not invited, as 32 prospects who were not invited to the Combine last season were selected in the 2014 NFL Draft. Who will be on that list in 2015? Here's a look at this year's 10 biggest Combine snubs.

10. Shaquille Riddick (DE-West Virginia)

Shaquille Riddick West Virginia
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10. Shaquille Riddick (DE-West Virginia)

Shaquille Riddick West Virginia
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

As one of the most dominant players in the FCS, Shaquille Riddick continued to make an impact in his one year at West Virginia. He led the Mountaineers with seven sacks and was second with 11 tackles for a loss. He continued to improve throughout the season and was one of the most impressive players at the Medal of Honor Bowl. He finished with more sacks, tackles for a loss, forced fumbles and fumble recoveries than anyone else in the game.

9. Austin Hill (WR-Arizona)

Austin Hill Arizona
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9. Austin Hill (WR-Arizona)

Austin Hill Arizona
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After the 2012 season, Austin Hill was one of the top WR prospects in college football. Two years later, he fails to receive a Combine invite. He missed all of the 2013 season due to an ACL injury and was overshadowed by Cayleb Jones in 2014. Hill has great hands, but it's his lack of speed that will hurt his draft stock. In the end, his medical reports could determine whether or not he's drafted. I currently have a sixth-round grade on him.

8. James Castleman (DT-Oklahoma State)

James Castleman Oklahoma State
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8. James Castleman (DT-Oklahoma State)

James Castleman Oklahoma State
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Another player with a sixth-round grade is Oklahoma State DT James Castleman. His size will likely deter 3-4 defenses from drafting him, but he would be a solid addition to a 4-3 scheme. Castleman specializes in stopping the run, as he holds his ground well against offensive linemen. He's not much of a threat against the pass, as he doesn't have the speed or the moves to beat an interior lineman.

7. Derrick Malone, Jr. (OLB-Oregon)

Derrick Malone Oregon
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7. Derrick Malone, Jr. (OLB-Oregon)

Derrick Malone Oregon
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Like many players on the Oregon roster, Derrick Malone, Jr. relies too much on his athleticism to make plays on the field. Awareness and technique are two skills he must learn if he's going to make an NFL roster. After leading the team in tackles in 2013, Malone finished second this season with 85 total stops. Kiko Alonso proved that Oregon linebackers can play in the NFL, and while Malone isn't at that level, he could develop into a starter.

6. Miles Dieffenbach (G-Penn State)

Miles Dieffenbach Penn State
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6. Miles Dieffenbach (G-Penn State)

Miles Dieffenbach Penn State
Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports

After suffering a torn ACL in the spring, Miles Dieffenbach was able to return for Penn State's final five games. While his 2014 tape is far from impressive, he showed enough in 2013 to be a Day 3 pick. He has experience at both left and right guard and should begin his career as a backup at both spots. NFL teams will closely evaluate his medical reports and lower body strength at his pro day to determine whether he's worth a late-round pick.

5. Xavier Williams (DT-Northern Iowa)

Xavier Williams Northern Iowa
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5. Xavier Williams (DT-Northern Iowa)

Xavier Williams Northern Iowa
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With 29 players from outside the FBS invited to the Combine, it was surprising not to see Xavier Williams make the cut. I have Williams as the No. 6 non-FBS prospect. The two DT prospects from the FCS who were invited, Derrick Lott and Deon Simon, are much lower on my board than Williams. Even when he doesn't get to the QB, Williams has the awareness to make a play. He knocked down six passes and blocked seven kicks in his college career.

4. Deion Barnes (DE-Penn State)

Deion Barnes Penn State
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4. Deion Barnes (DE-Penn State)

Deion Barnes Penn State
Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Teams are wondering whether or not Deion Barnes peaked as a freshman at Penn State. He was dominant his first year in Happy Valley, but failed to improve throughout his college career. Even though he would have been better off staying in school another year, he still should have received a Combine invite. He has the versatility to be a 4-3 DE or a 3-4 OLB at the next level. If he can become more consistent, he could become a starter in the NFL.

3. Travis Raciti (DT-San Jose State)

Travis Raciti San Jose State
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3. Travis Raciti (DT-San Jose State)

Travis Raciti San Jose State
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Travis Raciti lined up all over the San Jose State defense, but played his best when at DT. The downside to that is that he may not have the size to survive at DT in the NFL. He appears better suited for a DE role. Even though his position in the NFL is in question, he's clearly one of the top-300 prospects in this draft. It may take a year or two before he gets comfortable in a specific role, but he'll be one of the hardest workers on his team.

2. Kaleb Eulls (DT-Mississippi State)

Kaleb Eulls Mississippi State
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2. Kaleb Eulls (DT-Mississippi State)

Kaleb Eulls Mississippi State
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This list has been dominated by defensive linemen, and Kaleb Eulls is the best of the group. As a four-year starter in the SEC, it's surprising that he wasn't invited to the Combine. His ability to eat up blocks allowed teammates Preston Smith and Benardrick McKinney to rack up the stats. He improved as a pass-rusher in 2014, as he picked up three of his four career sacks as a senior. He has a fourth-round grade.

1. Deontay Greenberry (WR-Houston)

Deontay Greenberry Houston
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1. Deontay Greenberry (WR-Houston)

Deontay Greenberry Houston
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Of all the players not invited, Deontay Greenberry was the most deserving. With pick No. 125, Walt Aikens was the first player drafted in 2014 who wasn't invited. Greenberry should be selected even earlier. He's a 6-foot-3 slot WR who makes the difficult catches look easy. His numbers were down a little in 2014, but poor QB play was the biggest factor. His fourth-quarter in Houston's bowl was one of the season's most clutch performances.

Shawn Spencer is an NFL Draft writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Spencer_NFL, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

Related:
 15 Players Who Could Earn First-Round Grades At 2015 NFL Combine
 10 Draft Prospects With The Most To Prove At 2015 NFL Combine

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