Texas A&M football sees five invited to 2024 NFL Combine
Texas A&M football has several NFL hopefuls coming out of school this year. With the season of big boards and mock drafts in full swing now, the next big event after the college all star games is the much-anticipated NFL Combine.
An invite-only event, attendance at the combine doesn’t mean a player is a slam-dunk to get drafted, though it usually does mean he is at least being watched closely as a guy who could get picked. Watching some mock drafts closely, there are a couple of Aggie players who are right on that cut line that a big day in Indy could really benefit.
Fortunately, it looks like several of them will get the chance to prove themselves in front of the scouts, owners, and GMs in attendance. According to a recent release, a total of five Aggie players have been invited to the NFL Combine. Here are the names:
1. Edgerrin Cooper | LB | 6’3”, 230 LBs | Covington, LA
2. McKinnley Jackson | DT | 6’2”, 325 LBs | Lucedale, MS
3. Layden Robinson | OG | 6’4”, 315 LBs | Manvel, TX
4. Ainias Smith | WR | 5’10”, 200 LBs | Missouri City, TX
5. Demani Richardson | S | 6’1”, 215 LBs | Waxahachie, TX
Of these five guys, I’d wager that two are currently set to be drafted: Cooper and Jackson. Ainias’s skills are unquestioned, but his measurements could hold him back. A huge day, especially when it comes to the 40 time, would be a boon here.
Robinson and Richardson are on the wrong side of the “bubble” at this point. It’s been the consistency that has been an issue for Layden, and I’m not sure there’s much that would help him at the combine on that front—more than anything, the hope is that there’s a team out there that sees the dominant stretches he has had and knows they can mold him into a monster.
Richardson, in my opinion, stands to benefit hugely here. If he can show some speed in the 40 time and cone drills, he could sneak into the back half of the draft. His tape shows plenty of physicality, but the ability to keep up with top-end NFL receivers is where he seems to be lacking when it comes to draft evaluations.
Here’s hoping that each of these Texas A&M football players takes advantage of this opportunity and puts forth a good showing in Indy. Each of them has a chance to make an impact in the league—they just need to find the right spot.