Facebook Pixel

Top NFL Draft prospect Jaylon Ferguson has invitation revoked from the NFL Combine

Louisiana Tech’s Jaylon Ferguson becomes the third player this offseason whom the NFL told was not welcome in Indianapolis for the NFL Combine.

As many of you know, the Combine is where the top players for the NFL Draft gather to show off their skills for the 32 NFL teams that will be in attendance at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. For Ferguson, who is projected as a first-round defensive end, this news does not come at a good time.

On Wednesday, Ferguson found out from the league that a conviction of battery from a fight at a McDonald’s his freshman year at La. Tech is what is keeping him from showcasing his talents. Ferguson is the all-time sack leader in the NCAA and is ranked sixth among all defensive ends going into the April NFL Draft in Nashville, Tennessee.

The other two not invited to the combine because of off the field issues are defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons and wide receiver Preston Williams. Simmons rated as the third-best defensive tackle on the board and a first-round talent as well.

THE NFL COMBINE RULES STATE: “ANY PLAYER CONVICTED OF A VIOLENT CRIME WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE AT THE COMBINE.”

Missing the Combine does not spell instant doom for players as there is a multitude of stars currently in the NFL that did not go to Indy.

Joe Mixon would be the most notable current player that did not go to the Combine after a video surfaced of him punching his girlfriend in the face the December before the 2018 Combine. Mixon was arrested and charged with misdemeanor assault in 2014, and then subsequently suspended by the team for the 2014 season. Mixon was a day two selection at number 48 overall and by all accounts, has had a solid first two years in the league.

Other current players that did not participate at the Combine, whether for violating the rules or just not being invited, include:

Reigning Super Bowl 53 MVP Julian Edelman
Future Hall of Famer Antonio Gates
Cornerbacks Malcolm Butler and Chris Harris
Wide Receivers Doug Baldwin, Adam Thielen, and Tyreek Hill

The NFL revoking Ferguson’s invitation to the Combine is far from a death sentence for his career. As you can see, plenty of guys have come back from off the field issues to have a significant impact on the game. Ferguson will have an opportunity to prove his talents to NFL teams at his Pro Day after the Combine.

What will also help Ferguson is that he plays a position of need for teams in the NFL. Pass rushers are hard to come by, and guys that know how to finish at the quarterback are even rarer. As we all know in the NFL, as long as your skill and ability trumps whatever problems you have off the field, there will always be a team that will employ you.

2026 NFL Mock Draft Simulator

The PFSN Mock Draft Simulator features hundreds of prospects, scouting reports, and free trades -- jump into the mock draft machine and get ready for the 2026 NFL Draft.

2026 NFL Draft Big Board Builder

PFSN’s free NFL Draft Big Board Builder allows you to rank every prospect in the NFL Draft and share it with the world.

2025 NFL Playoff Predictor

PFSN's 2025 NFL Season and Playoff Predictor is a tool that allows you to play out various weekly scenarios to see how the NFL playoff picture changes with each scenario.

NFL Offseason Manager

Do you think you can manage your favorite team’s roster better than the real-life general managers? PFN's Offseason Manager is here to help you prove it.

Deion Sanders Sends 9-Word Message As He Shares Adorable Moment With Daughter Deiondra And Grandson Snow

After recent health concerns, Deion Sanders appears smiling and well in a heartwarming family moment shared by his daughter.

Bucs Star Mike Evans Reveals the Only WR in the NFL He Believes Is Better Than Him, and It’s Not Justin Jefferson

Tampa Bay’s Mike Evans gave a candid answer when asked about his favorite young NFL receivers. See which rising stars earned his praise.

Chiefs Star Rashee Rice ‘Was Real Concerned’ About Travis Kelce’s NFL Future After Disastrous Super Bowl Loss

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice recently opened up to reporters, sharing his concern level on Travis Kelce's potential retirement.

Barry Sanders Admits He’d ‘Love To Play’ for Chiefs’ Current Team, Draws Similarities Between Detroit Lions and Kansas City

A quarter-century after his career ended, Barry Sanders shares which current NFL team he’d most want to play for if he suited up today.
Join the Conversation!