New Headline: Elite Pros Show Streak as Top Picks Secure NFL Draft Dominance in 2023
These prospects missed Combine invites and weren't on many people's 2026 NFL Draft radar, but boosted their profile at their campus Pro Days.
There's no shortage of college football standouts hoping to make a career in the NFL, and the first step begins for many of them in April with the NFL Draft. And each year, there are always names that fly under the radar but end up forging opportunities in the league. Here are a few such players who weren't invited to the NFL Combine but are boosting their draft stock late with big performances at their campus Pro Days.
Josh Gesky, C - Illinois Gesky has helped anchor an offensive line for an Illinois program that has over-exceeded expectations over the past two seasons. Trained by 10-year NFL veteran Tony Pashos, Gesky impressed scouts from all 32 NFL teams at the recent Illinois Pro Day. Gesky's 4.
94-second 40-yard dash would have ranked sixth at the NFL Combine, and his 33-inch vertical jump would have done the same. And he also put up 30 reps on the 225-pound bench press, which would have been fourth among Combine invites. Scouts reportedly like his "ability to bend and be under control," and Illinois head coach Brett Bielema called him the "most pro-ready guy I've had in a few years.
" He has met with the Texans and drawn interest from the Ravens. Strong Pro Day for Illinois center Josh Gesky @IlliniFootball @BretBielema trained by former #Ravens OL and 10-year #NFL veteran Tony Pashos Gesky, a rising #NFLDraft prospect going from @Hula_Bowl to @ShrineBowl 40 yard dash 4. 94 Bielema said: 'Gesky most pro ready guy I've had… pic.