What to Watch on the N.F.L. Scouting Combine This Week

Draft season kicks into top tools this week on the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis as groups will put potentialities beneath a microscope all over non-public interviews, information meetings and workout routines at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Quarterbacks all the time dominate conversations on the mix, and this yr might be no other with USC’s Caleb Williams, North Carolina’s Drake Maye and LSU’s Jayden Daniels anticipated to be a number of the first handful of choices come April. But a stellar large receiver workforce, headlined through Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr., LSU’s Malik Nabers and Washington’s Rome Odunze, may also draw a lot of passion this week.

Beyond the draft potentialities, new head coaches, led through the Chargers’ Jim Harbaugh, and GMs, together with the Commanders’ Adam Peters, might be within the highlight. And the futures of quarterbacks Kirk Cousins, Russell Wilson and Justin Fields might be sizzling subjects.

We requested The Athletic’s workforce of beat and nationwide writers to fill us in on who or what they’ll be looking at or listening for because the NFL international descends upon Indianapolis.

How large of a concern is an improve at large receiver?

The Cardinals want lend a hand there. That’s no longer a query. But they’ve a number of wishes, and two of the largest are at the offensive and defensive traces. Like a lot of his friends, basic supervisor Monti Ossenfort believes the fastest method to construct is throughout the trenches. The fashionable idea is if large receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is there, you’re taking him. But what if he’s no longer? Does Arizona make a selection Malik Nabers or Rome Odunze, additionally thought to be elite receivers? Or do they cross a distinct direction and glance to pick out up a receiver in later rounds? Ossenfort, who traded again from No. 3 closing yr, received’t solution those questions, after all, however he would possibly make clear how he perspectives Arizona’s roster priorities. — Doug Haller

How does Tier 2 of the quarterback elegance shake out?

The Falcons don’t have a shot at Caleb Williams or Drake Maye selecting at No. 8, and buying and selling as much as No. 1 or No. 2 on this draft elegance doesn’t appear practical for someone. That approach if Atlanta goes to depend at the draft to search out its subsequent quarterback, it’s going to need to make a decision who it likes from a bunch that incorporates LSU’s Jayden Daniels, Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy and perhaps even Oregon’s Bo Nix. Not handiest that, the Falcons have to determine the place they’re going to want to select to get the participant they would like. McCarthy and Nix nearly indubitably might be to be had at 8, however getting Daniels would possibly require a business as much as as top as No. 3. — Josh Kendall

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Which brokers is basic supervisor Eric DeCosta assembly with?

The Ravens are selecting thirtieth. They have myriad wishes, in particular at the offensive line and at working again and edge rusher. However, they’ll keep at 30 and select the most productive participant to be had or they’ll business again to accrue extra choices. What they do within the draft isn’t attractive, however it’s who they’re. It’s additionally why there might be no place center of attention on the mix. What might be extra notable is whether or not DeCosta can acquire any traction in re-signing his personal loose brokers. The Ravens have just about two dozen, together with standouts Justin Madubuike and Patrick Queen. With a decent salary-cap scenario, DeCosta will want to get inventive to stay the core of a 13-4 workforce in combination for every other run. — Jeff Zrebiec

How will the Bills navigate their these days nonexistent cap house?

The Bills have their paintings reduce out for them this offseason. The workforce is in a projected $41 million hollow for 2024 cap house, with handiest 53 avid gamers on their roster and a large number of holes besides. The workforce will want to make some tricky selections. Whom would possibly they reduce to make room? Which contracts will they restructure? Which avid gamers will they prolong? How a lot do they need to negatively affect their 2025 cap sheet with a few of their restructurings? General supervisor Brandon Beane hasn’t needed to do the rest relatively like this since his early years because the workforce’s GM. — Joe Buscaglia

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The workforce’s new trainer and basic supervisor

I’m excited by listening to what Dave Canales and Dan Morgan say at their first mix as the highest of the Panthers’ soccer meals chain. The two spoke in most commonly basic phrases at their introductory information convention, the place Morgan stated the workforce wishes extra “dogs.” You would possibly have heard: The Panthers don’t have a first-round select. But that is crucial offseason for a workforce that should get quarterback Bryce Young offensive line lend a hand and extra guns whilst understanding learn how to take care of a couple of key loose brokers in edge rusher Brian Burns and linebacker Frankie Luvu. — Joseph Person

All eyes on the mix might be on Caleb Williams, proper, the presumptive No. 1 select within the draft this week on the mix. (John Leyba / USA Today)

How will Caleb Williams take care of the limelight?

The maximum principal parts of the mix for the presumptive No. 1 select will happen at the back of the scenes all over his conversations with groups, beginning with the Bears. Most questions on Williams have extra to do with what he’s like off the sector, and whilst he’s skilled extra repute than most school soccer avid gamers, he hasn’t skilled the rest just like the media onslaught that might be looking ahead to him Friday morning in Indianapolis. The Bears, and different groups, will most probably consider of the way he does in that atmosphere. — Kevin Fishbain

The defensive take on elegance

The Bengals want to assault wishes at inside defensive position aggressively, so how the measurables (and interviews) shake out will cross an extended method to deciding if Byron Murphy of Texas and Jer’Zhan Newton of Illinois may attach at No. 18 or if a transfer up or down the board shakes them out of mid-first vary. Will any new applicants input the equation for Day 2 with a powerful mix? The Bengals want to plot the draft trail at DT and in the event that they don’t see sufficient choices, they might shift to a free-agent-laden way. — Paul Dehner Jr.

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The large receivers

The Browns are fascinated by successful in 2024, so the “good” stuff on the mix will contain Browns GM Andrew Berry speaking doable trades along with his friends and probably bumping into brokers of upcoming loose brokers. None of that might be for public intake. But the Browns want to improve their receiving corps — now and into the long run — so it’s honest to suppose they’ll center of attention on their reviews of this yr’s large receiver elegance. The Browns don’t select till No. 54 of the second one around, so that they’ll need to resolve what number of large receivers might be lengthy long past, which of them they may like in the second one or 0.33 rounds and the way the ones receivers would possibly are compatible into their ever-evolving offense. — Zac Jackson

What is the most recent with Dak Prescott’s contract?

There are a lot of spaces to handle in loose firm and the draft, from offensive line to linebacker and defensive take on. But Prescott’s contract is the No. 1 factor as it impacts the entirety else. The Cowboys have given no indication that they’re taking into account an instantaneous long run with out Prescott, who’s getting into the general season of his present deal. The in all probability state of affairs is that he indicators a brand new contract subsequent month. If the Cowboys go away his deal as is, he’d rely slightly below $60 million towards their 2024 cap, making it tricky to do the rest to support the roster out of doors of the draft. If Dallas is really “all in,” like Jerry Jones stated on the Senior Bowl, they want to determine Prescott’s long run so they may be able to start bettering the remainder of the roster. — Jon Machota

Russell Wilson watch

Sean Payton stated after the season {that a} determination on the way forward for the 35-year-old Wilson would no longer be “a long, drawn-out process.” A couple of weeks later, on the Super Bowl, Payton stated the verdict would come “sooner rather than later.” The Broncos seem able to transport on from Wilson, whose $37 million in 2025 wage turns into assured if he’s nonetheless at the roster on March 17, however there was no motion but publicly. I’m to peer whether or not the actions on the mix divulge the rest about what the Broncos will do with Wilson after two underwhelming seasons in Denver and what mild might be shed on their quarterback plan to observe. — Nick Kosmider

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The cornerback elegance

This is a actually intriguing workforce of corners, with greater than a handful of potentialities having a look like first-rounders. The Lions clearly may use some younger ability on the place, whether or not it’s at No. 29 at the first evening or on Day 2 with 3 choices — Nos. 61, 73 and 92. I’m curious to peer which corners separate themselves in Indianapolis. Testing is clearly a part of the equation, however defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn believes it’s important to be stressed out a definite method to excel on the place. Hearing from corners on the podium may lend a hand us get a more in-depth figuring out of potentialities the Lions would possibly like. — Colton Pouncy

Packers quarterback Jordan Love exceeded expectancies in his first yr as a starter and now could be in line for a freelance extension. (Patrick McDermott / Getty Images)

Jordan Love extension talks

I’m going to be parked subsequent to the second-floor Starbucks on the JW Marriott for 96 consecutive hours, looking ahead to a glimpse of Packers basic supervisor Brian Gutekunst and super-agent David Mulugheta speaking with every different. I’d even take only a look in every different’s path. Then, I’ll know precisely how a lot the Packers are paying Love. Gutekunst can’t signal his franchise quarterback till May 3 as a result of that’s twelve months after Love’s closing extension, however he and Mulugheta will undoubtedly meet in Indianapolis to interchange contract numbers. — Matt Schneidman

Nick Caserio’s plan to construct on closing season

This used to be meant to be a steady and probably painful construct as Caserio and new trainer DeMeco Ryans started laying the basis closing season after the GM spent the 2 earlier years dismantling and surroundings the desk for a real rebuild. But Caserio struck gold along with his hiring of Ryans and draft choices each in 2022 and 2023 and Houston got here out of nowhere to win its first department identify in 4 years. Now Caserio should additional improve the roster, giving C.J. Stroud further enhance by means of constant guns and extra impactful defensive playmakers. With ok cap house and 8 draft choices, the Texans have assets to construct with a mix of free-agent ability and younger potentialities. Caserio and Ryans undoubtedly is not going to give away any state secrets and techniques subsequent week, however they must make clear a few of their best priorities. — Mike Jones

Who will catch the attention of Colts WRs trainer Reggie Wayne?

Beyond the first-round potentialities Indianapolis will believe with the No. 15 select, this yr’s draft elegance is meant to be loaded with large receiver ability. Last yr, Wayne stated he used to be very inspired with Josh Downs’ direction working and sure-handedness all over the mix, regardless of Downs being undersized popping out of North Carolina. Wayne relayed that message to GM Chris Ballard, Downs used to be drafted within the 0.33 around and had a standout rookie season. I’ll use my binoculars to stay a detailed eye on Wayne’s interactions all over mix drills, whilst additionally asking a number of receivers in the event that they’ve met with him and heard any comments. — James Boyd

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How they take care of the difficult Calvin Ridley scenario

By all accounts, the Jaguars need Ridley again after the 29-year-old receiver had 76 catches for 1,016 yards and 8 touchdowns in his first season in Jacksonville. However, Ridley’s contract expired and his scenario is attention-grabbing to believe. If the Jaguars re-sign Ridley earlier than loose firm starts, it qualifies as an extension and they’d owe Atlanta a second-round select within the 2024 draft as in step with the phrases in their business. However, if Ridley will get to loose firm however nonetheless returns to the Jaguars, the brand new deal wouldn’t be thought to be an extension — moderately a free-agent contract — and the Jaguars would handiest need to ship Atlanta their third-round select. Allowing Ridley to get to the open marketplace is dangerous, but when the Jaguars play their playing cards proper, they might convey again Trevor Lawrence’s peak weapon with out shedding a top-50 select. — Jim Ayello

Tier 2 of the receiver and tight finish potentialities

A big query for subsequent season is whether or not Chiefs trainer Andy Reid and basic supervisor Brett Veach can go back the workforce’s offense to its earlier potent shape. One of the quickest tactics to do this is to choose the most productive pass-catching potentialities to be had overdue within the first and moment rounds. Travis Kelce might be 35 subsequent season, so including every other tight finish must be top at the Chiefs’ precedence checklist. As for the receivers, the Chiefs must have a lot of choices, taking into account the intensity of this yr’s elegance. Reid and Veach will use the mix to begin figuring out which receiver may maximum excel enjoying along Patrick Mahomes. — Nate Taylor

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The quarterback potentialities

This isn’t a singular solution, however it’s essentially the most vital roster query for the Raiders of their first complete season beneath basic supervisor Tom Telesco and head trainer Antonio Pierce. Quarterback Aidan O’Connell used to be cast in 10 begins as a rookie, however it’s onerous to peer the Raiders completing this offseason with out including festival for the beginning task both throughout the addition of a veteran or a rookie quarterback. Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels are broadly thought to be the highest 3 quarterbacks on this elegance. The Raiders will do a lot of paintings on them, however it’ll be tricky for them to draft any of them taking into account they cling select No. 13 within the first around. With that during thoughts, they’ll additionally want to deeply find out about J.J. McCarthy, Bo Nix, Michael Penix Jr. and the remainder of the category. — Tashan Reed

The NFL international will watch with passion to peer how Jim Harbaugh and the cap-strapped Chargers retool their roster this offseason. (Kirby Lee / USA Today)

Their salary-cap scenario

The Chargers are successfully $31.7 million over the wage cap as they head into the mix, in line with Over the Cap. Crucial selections loom, in particular relating to receiver Mike Williams, receiver Keenan Allen, edge rusher Joey Bosa and edge rusher Khalil Mack. All 4 veterans have cap hits exceeding $30 million in 2024. How will new head trainer Jim Harbaugh and GM Joe Hortiz navigate those veteran contracts — and their cap scenario basically? Who remains? Who is going? Do they inquire into the business marketplace? Do they provide extensions? Will they use void years? I’ll be searching for solutions to those questions in Indy. — Daniel Popper

Sniffing round an offseason plan

The Rams don’t normally attend the NFL mix (here’s why) instead of their clinical team of workers’s on-site selection of the all-important clinical data on potentialities. But Indianapolis continues to be an excellent spot to assemble knowledge and tidbits from brokers and different league resources about what their offseason plan might be and new tendencies in contract constructions and team-building. The Rams could have roughly $40 million in workable cap house and a large number of wishes regardless of a better-than-expected 2023 season. They even have introduced in new assistant coaches — and the mix would be the best atmosphere to mine for details about the ones additions. — Jourdan Rodrigue

Tua Tagovailoa extension talks

It indubitably turns out like a Tagovailoa extension is a foregone conclusion. But what is going to it seem like and when will it occur? The Dolphins QB enters the 2024 season with a $23.1 million cap fee at the fifth-year choice. The Dolphins then have the franchise tag at their disposal, so that they don’t need to signal him to a long-term deal now and even subsequent offseason. But for a workforce that might use some cap aid, decreasing his cap determine with an extension might be interesting. But how a lot is it going to take to retain Tagovailoa? Is he the caliber of quarterback who must be paid in the community of a Joe Burrow ($55 million AAV)? Would he take much less? These are the franchise-defining questions to bear in mind on the mix and past. — Jim Ayello

Where issues stand between the Vikings and Kirk Cousins

This matter will form the way forward for the Vikings group. Keep Cousins, and Minnesota would most probably be signaling its trust that it might contend within the quick time period. Move on from him, and the Vikings could be indicating that they’d be able to chart a brand new trail. Cousins’ contract is about to void March 12. If that occurs, the Vikings might be at the hook for a hefty $28.5 million dead-cap hit. The handiest method to prolong that cash into the long run is to return to phrases on an extension with Cousins. The NFL mix stands as a primary alternative for in-person discussions in this matter between the workforce and Cousins’ representatives. — Alec Lewis

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Quarterback Jayden Daniels

The perfect method for the Patriots to handle their problems at quarterback is to draft a sign caller — both Daniels or Drake Maye relying on who falls to them at No. 3. With Daniels, there are extra unknowns. The Pats aren’t all in favour of his peak (6-foot-4) or hand measurement (9 5/8 inches), however scouts need to see him at or above 210 kilos on the mix as a result of there are issues about his slight body and the massive hits he too incessantly takes. The different query for the Patriots is how Daniels will interview and the way he’ll take a look at once they run him thru performs at the whiteboard. How Daniels (and Maye) do that week will cross some distance in figuring out whether or not the Patriots draft a quarterback or large receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. with the 0.33 select. — Chad Graff

Offensive tackles and go catchers

We’ll go away the yearly “too far over the salary cap” dialogue for after the mix for the reason that Saints all the time give you the chance. And this yr it must are available mass contract restructurings of a number of veteran avid gamers. As famous in our NFL journalists’ mock draft just lately, the will for take on and/or guard must stand top at the precedence checklist. So you’d consider avid gamers like Olu Fashanu (Penn State), JC Latham (Alabama), Taliese Fuaga (Oregon State), Amarius Mims (Georgia) and Tyler Guyton (Oklahoma) are all at the Saints’ radar. The Saints may additionally use every other piece for Derek Carr at large receiver (LSU’s Brian Thomas, Florida State’s Keon Coleman, Texas’ Adonai Mitchell) so as to add some extra punch with Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. — Larry Holder

Saquon Barkley watch

There’s so much driving in this subsequent duration of the Giants offseason after an already noisy begin to the industry facet of items with training adjustments aplenty. But the highlight might be tuned to Barkley’s long run on the mix because the entrance place of work and the working again’s representatives are anticipated to fulfill once more. Will they be capable to hammer out a deal? Will he get tagged once more for $12.1 million or will he after all take a look at the open marketplace and challenge into the fascinating working again marketplace? We’ll get a clearer image through week’s finish of the place the 2 aspects stand. — Charlotte Carroll

Washington’s Rome Odunze is among the stars of a deep large receiver elegance that may draw a lot of passion in Indianapolis. (Joe Nicholson / USA Today)

The go catchers

The Jets have an evident want at offensive take on (and/or at guard, too, relying on some offseason selections), however additionally they desperately want lend a hand at large receiver for megastar Garrett Wilson. Allen Lazard received’t reduce it as an choice in 2024. There are some extraordinarily proficient receivers on this elegance who might be to be had at No. 10 when the Jets select — after Marvin Harrison Jr., who will nearly indubitably be long past — and even though the Jets nonetheless want an offensive lineman, they may well be tempted through the likes of Malik Nabers or Rome Odunze — or others later within the draft, when groups have discovered stars in previous years whilst the Jets sat on their fingers, like closing yr. — Zack Rosenblatt

Are they arranged?

Fourth-year trainer Nick Sirianni overhauled each coordinator positions, and there’s nonetheless no longer a lot readability about how concerned he’ll be in running with newly employed offensive coordinator Kellen Moore to construct a much less predictable offensive machine that provides a deeply proficient roster with extra solutions this offseason. And what sort of offense is that precisely? A Howie Roseman-led staff division that is still in large part intact should additionally improve a number of defensive positions. How extra favorably located will defenders be in a remodeled “Fangio System” that may this time be coached through … neatly, Vic Fangio? — Brooks Kubena

If it’s a blank sweep regarding Kenny Pickett

The Steelers interview each and every unmarried participant they may be able to they usually just about use the mix as an assurance of what they’ve scouted all over the yr. So there’s no longer a lot to glean there. Where there might be some explanation, or no less than team spirit, is what basic supervisor Omar Khan says about Pickett in comparison with what Mike Tomlin stated days after the season and what proprietor Art Rooney II stated two weeks later. Both alluded to Pickett being the No. 1 quarterback getting into the season regardless of no longer regaining his beginning place from Mason Rudolph over the general 4 video games of the season. Will the Steelers triple down on that or stroll it again and hammer house that Pickett received’t be getting into the offseason because the simple QB1 and both a re-signing of Rudolph or an outdoor loose agent — or a possible business — will supply authentic festival? — Mark Kaboly

The offensive linemen

Three of the highest heart potentialities — Oregon’s Jackson Powers-Johnson, Duke’s Graham Barton and West Virginia’s Zach Frazier — must all have multi-positional capacity within the NFL. That might be tantalizing to the 49ers, whose greatest weak point to mend lies within the offensive line. More than one spot used to be an issue this previous season. Essentially everybody however left take on Trent Williams persevered vital struggles at one level or every other. So possibly the 49ers, who don’t select till No. 31, might be searching for an adaptable inside lineman who can straight away improve their particularly problematic proper guard place earlier than probably changing into the long-term resolution at heart. The 49ers merely want extra high quality choices up entrance. Imagine the spice up that might give QB Brock Purdy. — David Lombardi

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John Schneider flying solo

This might be Seattle’s first mix with GM Schneider main soccer operations, so his messaging from the rostrum might be fascinating to research. While Schneider has lengthy figured prominently into key selections, trainer Pete Carroll set the imaginative and prescient for the franchise up to now. Schneider is doing extra of that now. We received’t listen from new trainer Mike Macdonald in any respect on the mix; he and his team of workers are anticipated to stay at the back of to put in their schemes. That will put further consideration on Schneider. — Mike Sando

How they way the quarterback place

The Bucs need to re-sign Baker Mayfield, whose contract is up. Mayfield has stated he needs to stay in Tampa. But he additionally instructed ESPN he needs marketplace price. That most definitely approach a deal very similar to the only Geno Smith just lately signed with Seattle — $75 million over 3 years. Whether the Bucs need to pay that’s the factor. A franchise tag is an choice however no longer ultimate with protection Antoine Winfield Jr. and large receiver Mike Evans additionally on expiring contracts. It might be fascinating to listen to what GM Jason Licht says concerning the quarterback place, together with the potentialities within the draft. — Dan Pompei

Three tackles and two receivers

The free-agency image suggests the Titans can get lend a hand at cornerback and inside offensive line earlier than the draft however will most probably need to center of attention their first two choices on their two greatest wishes. The absence of a third-round select will increase the urgency. Second-year quarterback Will Levis wishes a long-term receiver to develop with and a left take on to give protection to him. The board might figure out for the Titans to choose from Joe Alt and Olu Fashanu as a foundational take on — however what about Taliese Fuaga? Does he proceed his momentum in Indy? Could the Titans transfer down, get him and be pleased with it? The board may additionally let Malik Nabers or Rome Odunze slide to No. 7. Would Brian Callahan want a playmaker over a blocker because the Bengals did when he used to be there they usually took Ja’Marr Chase over Penei Sewell in 2021? — Joe Rexrode

The quarterbacks

It’s no secret that the holders of the No. 2 select are anticipated to choose a quarterback from the highest workforce. The trick here’s the brand new braintrust of GM Adam Peters, head trainer Dan Quinn, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and the scouting division holdovers are most commonly new to one another. Do they’ve Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels graded in the similar vary? If Williams is a reduce above, is the space thought to be sufficient to provide the Bears a Godfather business for the 1st select? Has Daniels’ dual-threat shine stuck as much as Maye or do they like the UNC quarterback’s prototypical measurement? We received’t in finding out the team of workers’s hopes and desires, however that is the place the detective paintings starts through analyzing the trio on our personal. — Ben Standig

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(Top footage of J.J. McCarthy, Saquon Barkley and Malik Nabers: Gregory Shamus, Getty Images; Jim McIsaac, Getty Images; Matthew Hinton / USA Today)