Updates

NFL clubs are increasingly identifying talented players at the league’s Regional and Super Regional Combines. In 2015, clubs begin their organized team activities with a record number of 119 Regional Combine participants on their rosters.

This spring, 43 players from the 2015 Regional Combines signed with NFL teams, three were drafted — a record for Regional Combine players — while 40 were signed as college free agents. The remainder of Regional Combines players on rosters participated in past seasons: 15 in 2012, 28 in 2013, and 33 in 2014.

Learn more about the NFL’s Regional Combines.

“These young men have taken advantage of the opportunity provided by the Regional Combines to showcase their talent and catch the eyes of NFL scouts,” said Troy Vincent, the NFL’s executive vice president of football operations. “They are a testimony to the values of football — hard work, tenacity and the never-give-up attitude that is allowing them to live out their dream.”

All but one NFL club have at least one Regional Combines player on their rosters, and three teams have found the events especially useful for identifying talent. Pittsburgh has 10 Regional Combine players, Oakland has seven, and Atlanta and Denver have six each.

The NFL launched its Regional/Super Regional Combines program in 2012 to give deserving players who may not be invited to the National Scouting Combine an opportunity to showcase their talents for pro scouts. In 2015, the NFL revised the events to include only players eligible for the current year’s draft, allowing clubs to focus on players who could end up on their draft board.

In February and March of 2015, the NFL held six Regional Combines at the training facilities of five NFL clubs (Miami, Houston, Denver, Baltimore and Chicago). Players who performed well received an invitation to the Super Regional Combine, which was held March 21 at the Cardinals’ facility in Tempe, Arizona.

Tray Walker, a defensive back from Texas Southern University, participated in the Miami Regional Combine and was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round with the 136th overall pick. Before this year’s draft, no Regional Combine player had ever been selected higher than the sixth round.

“If it wasn’t for the Regional Combine, I wouldn’t be here, let alone drafted,” Walker said in an interview with LockerReport.com.

Regional Combine players on NFL rosters by position