Every year, the NFL Scouting Combine is an event both evaluators from around the league and fans look forward to. The 40-yard dash times and variety of on-the-field drills give a quick glimpse at the next wave of talent entering the NFL.

Prior to the annual combine, a list of invited players is released to the media. Everyone dissects it from front to back and eventually compiles a list of subs, or players that were omitted. Last year, current-Pittsburgh Steelers offensive guard Kevin Dotson wasn’t invited but eventually turned into a productive player in his rookie season; he played in 13 games with four starts and played 27% of Pittsburgh’s offensive snaps.

There were 23 total players selected in the 2020 NFL Draft who were previously not invited to the combine. Football looked a lot different this past year amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While the coronavirus only slightly altered the course of the NFL season, it greatly impacted preseason and, now, offseason activities. The 2021 combine was canceled, but what would have been the list of invitees was still released. There were some notable prospects left out.

Here are three players that were snubbed:

Marlon Williams, WR, UCF

The non-invitee that came as the biggest shock to scouts and evaluators was former UCF wide receiver Marlon Williams. Williams finished his career with 2,260 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns in 41 games. In 2020, he sat atop the American Athletic Conference in receptions (71), receiving yards (1,039), and receiving touchdowns (10). Williams is a smooth route runner and natural separator who quickly filled the WR1 role following the departure of Gabriel Davis. Despite not being listed among the invitees to this year’s combine, Williams projects as a Day 3 target who could potentially be an NFL team's third option.

CJ Marable, RB, Coastal Carolina

CJ Marable was in one of the most efficient offenses in the country and spearheaded Coastal Carolina’s rushing attack. He had a career-high 19 total touchdowns in 2020 with 12 rushing scores and seven through the air. Marable is a short and stout rusher who possesses vision in many different surface areas. With slightly above-average breakaway speed, Marable’s best attribute is his contact balance. Marable has an impressive build and is often able to shake off the first hint of contact. He isn’t a rusher who contains a lot of wiggle and faces challenges with making third-level threats miss; but in a heavy zone-based blocking scheme, Marable has the traits necessary to thrive in the NFL. He could become the next potential late-round or undrafted free-agent rusher who becomes productive early—if he lands with the right team.

Tariq Thompson, S, San Diego State

Tariq Thompson finished his collegiate career as San Diego State’s leading tackler, tallying 41 total tackles in 2020. Thompson satisfied many roles on defense; as a spiritual leader and turnover magnet during his four-year career, he totaled 47 starts. During his tenure, Thompson accumulated 11 interceptions and five forced fumbles. He boasts a plethora of experience; with his frequent involvement on special teams, it’s hard to not envision him creating some type of role for himself in the NFL. Thompson is likely a Day 3 target for teams looking for depth at safety. He can be an instant impact player on special teams.