Is the NFL combine invite only? How many prospects attend draft workouts, how to watch
There might not be a red carpet, but there could be a red velvet rope.
The NFL offseason is in full swing, but that doesn't mean the guest list is any less exclusive. As the calendar flips to the NFL draft season, pressure ramps up for the prospects to put on a good show.
Like speed dating, there is a short amount of time to make a lasting impression.
However, not everyone gets a seat at the table.
Here's a look at how the NFL combine works.
Is the NFL combine invite only?
Thanks to limited time and space, draft prospects can only attend the combine if they receive an invite. The NFL typically invites over 300 prospects for the week of workouts, testing and meetings.
Since the draft usually has around 260 picks each year, most of the players at the combine should hear their names called at some point throughout the seven rounds.
Any college seniors who have completed their collegiate eligibility, underclassmen who declare for the NFL draft and satisfy all NCAA and NFL requirements or players who receive a special exemption from the league are eligible to be invited.
Can a player without an NFL combine invite be drafted?
Players can be drafted regardless of whether they go to the NFL combine. Between pro days and private workouts, there is no shortage of opportunities for teams to scout players.
Tyreek Hill, Julian Edelman, and Antonio Gates are some of the more famous players who have succeeded in the NFL despite going into the draft process without a combine invitation.
How many players are invited to the NFL combine?
The NFL invited 329 prospects to the combine in 2025. Here's a look at how many players have been invited to the event since 2019:
- 2025: 329
- 2024: 321
- 2023: 319
- 2022: 324
- 2021: 323
- 2020: 337
- 2019: 337
When is the NFL combine 2025?
The 2025 NFL combine is set to take place from Thursday, Feb. 27 to Sunday, March 2. Media availability for some players, head coaches, and general managers will occur on the days leading up to the workouts.
How to watch the NFL combine
- Channel: NFL Network
- Stream: NFL+ | Fubo
Fans looking to see how all the league's future stars test at the NFL combine can watch it unfold on NFL Network or stream the event with NFL+ or Fubo, which comes with a free trial.