National Football League prospects are navigating an unusual path to the draft this year, with the annual NFL Scouting Combine canceled after a chaotic collegiate football season that left fewer opportunities to impress.
League scouts are descending on college campuses across the country through April 9 for a pro day circuit that may be more critical than ever after the COVID-19 pandemic prompted some collegiate conferences to cancel games and some players to opt out.
"This group of draftees is unusual in that some of the biggest stars opted out of college football this year," said Leigh Steinberg, a veteran NFL agent and real-life inspiration behind the "Jerry Maguire" film.