Maybe I missed the memo somewhere – which is totally possible – but I am finding it hard to believe that no Pirates got an invite from the NFL Combine this year. From a statistical basis, it seems pretty hard to believe that Lance Lewis didn’t get an invite and Dominique Davis, you would think, might have gotten one. And then there is Emanuel Davis, who has been a 4-year starter…nothing.
According to the NFL Combine website, the following is how players are selected:
Participants are determined annually by a Selection Committee. The Directors of both National and BLESTO scouting services, which combined represent twenty-five NFL teams, are joined by members of various NFL player personnel departments to form the committee. The participating NFL executives can rotate on a yearly basis, and remain anonymous. ALL eligible players are reviewed and voted on by the committee members. Each athlete receiving the necessary number of votes, by position, is then extended an invitation. While it is not a perfect science, the goal of the committee is to invite every player that will be drafted in the ensuing NFL Draft.
OK…so I get maybe Dominique Davis as a “spread” quarterback, but he would be the first in a while to be snubbed despite his numbers. It is hard for me to understand how Lance Lewis got left out. Every other WR in the all-star game he played in made the list…hmmmm. And Emanuel Davis…are you kidding me. The combine invited 34 corners to participate. He may have had a down year…maybe…but down enough to not be among a group that large?
So these experts do not think that Lewis or Emanuel Davis rate a draft pick? Well they are the experts I guess…maybe it is just a deep, deep WR and CB class this year.
But IMO, something smells in Combine Land. Especially considering how many Pirates have done quite well in the NFL over the past decade. It is baffling. Vonta, CJ2K, CJ Wilson, Linval, Dwayne…?? No Pirates at the Combine…doesn’t make sense to this guy.
Sorry…just a vent here.
A Port of the Pirate Nation 
I figured LL was a complete lock…ED as well.
Just further bias that the BCS has created.
Thanks for dropping in Stephen…
Yep…I would have considered LL a lock, ED likely, and DD a stretch maybe, depending on how many spread QBs were getting an invite.
Really disappointing. I really hate the BCS.
To me, LL is the most surprising, though I think he’ll make it in as an undrafted FA. Not sure about ED, does he have NFL speed/quickness? I think what hurt DD were all those picks (accuracy is big to NFL scouts) and not being perceived as having a deep ball.
Yeah…I have them in the same order of in regards to surprise level. I hear what you are saying about ED and his speed – given he is 5-10 or 5-11 tops – but still find it hard to believe that there were 34 other corners invited ahead of him.
Keep on sharin’ Colonel…always look forward to your insights.
WTH?? I swear the 2011 season is the scab that refuses to scar over. Was I just imagining Lance owning the South Carolina game – outplayed A. Jeffries (and it wasn’t even close), and even though I forget how often S. Gilmore was covering Lance, it didn’t matter – non-factor. Can’t believe being injured that last 1/3 of the season resulted in that much collective amnesia. ED – one of the hardest hitting CBs near the line scrimmage you will find. Insulting he wasn’t invited really. DD has potential and is great leader. What is wrong with these people?
Hi Pirater…thanks for joining in…keep dropping by.
I am baffled…just baffled with what I believe to be GLARING omissions of LL and ED…just plain ridiculous.