The NFL Scouting Combine is about far more than 40-yard dashes and the gathering of the top NFL Draft prospects.
While teams used the past week in Indianapolis to enhance their scouting reports, much more goes on behind the scenes as teams prepare for Tuesday’s deadline to use the franchise tag or next week’s start of free agency.
The Athletic’s team of NFL writers spent much of the week in Indy gathering intelligence on how their teams will approach the draft, free agency and everything else relating to building their rosters. Here is one thing we learned about each team’s offseason plans:
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The Cardinals’ commitment to Kyler Murray at QB1 puts them in a great position. If the Bears, Commanders and Patriots take quarterbacks with the first three picks as expected, the Cardinals will get a shot at the best non-QB in the draft — Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. That would be a home run selection, but nothing is given. Arizona has so many needs, general manager Monti Ossenfort may be tempted to trade back for additional draft picks. (He did as much last season, bypassing a chance to draft prized pass rusher Will Anderson Jr.) Either way, the Cardinals should be in a great spot at No. 4. — Doug Haller
With Raheem Morris in charge, the Falcons have joined the growing list of teams that are putting less emphasis on physical attendance at the combine. Morris came to Indianapolis but left Tuesday afternoon after his media obligations were complete. Rams coach Sean McVay, Morris’ former boss, didn’t attend at all. Nor did the Cowboys’ Mike McCarthy, 49ers’ Kyle Shanahan and Packers’ Matt LaFleur. “It (used to be) a big deal. You had a chance to sit down and talk to these (players) before they were all coached up by their agents,” Morris said. “You got some real, authentic information from guys and got a chance to be around them and see them learning and see how they could grow and develop with you.” Most of the Falcons assistant coaches did not attend, although quarterbacks coach T.J. Yates did go for in-person interviews with several of the top quarterback prospects. — Josh Kendall
The most obvious part of the Ravens’ offseason plans was that overhauling the team’s offseason line was going to be a priority. GM Eric DeCosta and coach John Harbaugh saying it at the combine was just further confirmation. One thing that also was clear in DeCosta and Harbaugh’s comments is the Ravens are comfortable they’ll be able to augment their thin running back and wide receiver rooms during the middle rounds of the draft. That doesn’t mean they won’t sign a back or receiver, but they seemingly feel like there’s enough depth with both position classes that they won’t have to use a significant asset (a high-priced free agent or a Day 1 or early Day 2 pick) on either position. — Jeff Zrebiec
The Bills were overwhelmingly noncommittal on the future of longtime starting safeties Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer and could even be heading for a full-position reset. The duo have been the starters in Buffalo since 2017 but are both in their 30s. Hyde is out of contract and openly mulling retirement, while Poyer has one year remaining, though the Bills can save almost $6 million to cut him. The team had multiple chances to signal intent to keep Poyer at the combine and didn’t do so, which could mean they want to do a pay cut or a flat-out release. GM Brandon Beane said the team has to determine its next steps at the position, which could even be replacing both players. — Joe Buscaglia
The Bills could be overhauling their safety tandem this offseason, moving on from both Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde. (Tim Nwachukwu / Getty Images)
The Panthers are looking for playmakers at receiver for Bryce Young. But new GM Dan Morgan is interested in helping Young another way — by targeting interior linemen in the draft or free agency who can keep the pocket clean and give the 5-foot-10 QB improved passing lanes and protection. After Young was sacked 62 times as a rookie, some speculated the Panthers might consider sliding left tackle Ikem Ekwonu inside. But with Ekwonu staying at tackle, it puts more emphasis on finding a guard to complement right guard Austin Corbett and compete with left guard Brady Christensen, both of whom were hurt in 2023. — Joseph Person
It wouldn’t be surprising if the Bears left Indianapolis feeling confident about their potential (looming?) selection of USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the first pick. The combine was merely the next step in a long process. There is still more information to gather. The Bears won’t get a medical evaluation of Williams until he visits Halas Hall. But the vibe didn’t change all week. It should be the Bears for Williams — and he’d welcome that. “It’s pretty exciting if you can go into a situation like that,” Williams said. — Adam Jahns
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The Bengals are thinking about the future of the receiver room and the one word that continued to surface in conversations with the team this week was explosiveness. As Cincinnati looks for what’s next with Joe Burrow’s targets, receivers who can be electric in creating big plays will move up the draft board. And that could mean sacrificing size trying to find this year’s Tank Dell or Jayden Reed on Day 2, but it’s very much a point of emphasis. The same conversation belongs with running back, if the team moves on from Joe Mixon. Players with home run ability as a superpower are in the crosshairs. — Paul Dehner Jr.
This team’s most glaring need is for Deshaun Watson to stay healthy and play consistently well. That’s not to say the Browns are a complete team or have a perfect roster, but in the wake of an 11-win season, the folks in charge feel the roster and the salary-cap situation are healthy. When it comes to the final draft for the Browns without a first-round pick from the 2022 Watson trade, Cleveland has options. The Browns aren’t going to draft a guard or a safety when they start the draft at pick No. 54 — and they might even trade that pick — but the internal feeling is that they don’t necessarily need to draft a wide receiver or defensive tackle and expect immediate results. — Zac Jackson
Last season, coach Mike McCarthy made it clear he wanted to “run the damn ball” but the Cowboys struggled in that category all season. Tony Pollard wore much of that blame, as he was the lead back for the first time in his NFL career and unable to gain the same traction that he did as a complementary back in recent years behind Ezekiel Elliott. However, comments from Stephen Jones and Will McClay made it clear that personnel at running back is not the only thing being held accountable for the lack of success. Jones pointed to the scheme needing to be adjusted, and improvements up front in run blocking was a theme coming from the organization as well. Jerry Jones mentioned at the Senior Bowl that running the ball better was going to be an emphasis and it’s clear it will be a complete effort all around. — Saad Yousuf
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The attention around the Broncos in Indianapolis centered around when Russell Wilson will be released — it is barely an if at this point — and how the team will pursue his replacement. But what I gleaned at the combine is the more drastic change for Denver could take place on defense. GM George Paton lamented his team’s run defense and signaled that interior depth is a priority. The Broncos also need another cornerback and could use an upgrade at edge rusher, where Denver has some nice pieces but lacks a consistent, game-wrecking force. The Broncos will have a new quarterback in 2024, but this draft could be largely about how they reshape their defense — perhaps even with the No. 12 pick. — Nick Kosmider
Pretty much everyone at the combine was aware of the Lions’ cornerback needs. Whether they address those needs in the draft, free agency or both has yet to be determined, but GM Brad Holmes is well aware of the fact the Lions haven’t selected a corner on Day 1 or Day 2 since 2021. It’s not by design, of course — the team just played the board and made other moves it felt were right for them. But if the Lions do invest an early pick on a corner this year, it will be one with the following qualities: confidence, wiring, ball skills and tackling. That’s what Holmes looks for in the position. We’ll see if he can find it over the next few months. — Colton Pouncy
Toledo’s Quinyon Mitchell figures to be an option for teams needing a cornerback in this year’s draft. (Stacy Revere / Getty Images)
In speaking with local reporters Tuesday at the combine, Packers GM Brian Gutekunst said, “We gotta do some things in the secondary to get that squared away.” Not only was Green Bay’s defensive backfield inconsistent last season, but there is a lack of depth at cornerback and the Packers’ top three safeties from last season are all set for unrestricted free agency. Look for the Packers to address either of those issues early in the draft, perhaps as early as the first round, with either a starting-caliber safety or a cornerback to play opposite Jaire Alexander right away or in the near future. — Matt Schneidman
On the heels of last season’s dramatic turnaround, the Texans aim to continue fortifying their roster around prized quarterback C.J. Stroud this offseason, coach DeMeco Ryans said in Indianapolis. Upgrades to the secondary and to Stroud’s supporting cast likely are coming. But one of the most meaningful developments of the offseason could be the move that wasn’t made. That is offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik’s decision to remain with the team despite generating a good deal of head coaching interest. Ryans said he firmly believes the 36-year-old Slowik will become a head coach someday, but he’s very glad that his play caller and Stroud’s most hands-on tutor is coming back for a second season because Ryans thinks that continuity will position Stroud to take additional leaps forward in his development. — Mike Jones
GM Chris Ballard praised the depth of this year’s wide receiver class and compared it to 2020, when CeeDee Lamb, Justin Jefferson, Tee Higgins and Indianapolis’ Michael Pittman Jr. were selected in the first two rounds. That comparison makes me believe there’s a good chance Ballard could select a wideout on Day 1 or 2 of this year’s draft. He also said he has to do a better job of adding depth to the receiver room after Ashton Dulin tore his ACL during training camp last year and left that position more depleted than he intended. — James Boyd
The Jaguars are prioritizing some in-house business right now. They’ve begun conversations with free-agent pass rusher Josh Allen and wide receiver Calvin Ridley, and they’ve been preparing for more than a year to eventually extend quarterback Trevor Lawrence. While Lawrence is the face of the franchise, Allen and Ridley are priorities because they were key contributors and play prime positions. Allen, in particular, is an absolute necessity to keep. Draft-wise, the Jaguars need reinforcements with the pass rush, but they’d also do well to bolster the depth at receiver, offensive line and the secondary. — Jeff Howe
As expected, the Chiefs have put a significant amount of effort into learning as much as they can about the second-tier of receiver prospects. Coach Andy Reid and GM Brett Veach are hopeful that this year’s deep class of receivers will allow the team to have an opportunity to acquire another one for quarterback Patrick Mahomes, perhaps with the final pick in the draft’s first round. The Chiefs interviewed several receivers during the combine, the most notable prospects being Brian Thomas Jr. (LSU), Troy Franklin (Oregon) and Xavier Worthy (Texas). — Nate Taylor
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The Raiders have been exploring trading up in the first round, according to league and team sources. It may be unrealistic to swing a trade to move into the top three picks considering the Bears (pick No. 1), the Commanders (pick No. 2) and the Patriots (pick No. 3) are all likely to stay put and draft quarterbacks, but that doesn’t mean the Raiders plan to sit on their laurels. GM Tom Telesco has also had conversations centered on potentially trading for picks in the 5 to 7 range, selections held by the Chargers (No. 5), Giants (No. 6) and Titans (No. 7). That type of trade could theoretically be made to put the Raiders in range for a player at another premium position, but it would only make sense if it were a move up for a quarterback. — Tashan Reed and Vic Tafur
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I expect the Chargers to be active in trying to trade down from No. 5. Depending on how the top four picks unfold, they could look to make a deal with a QB-needy team, like the Falcons, Vikings, Broncos or Raiders. They could also look to make a deal with a team that is determined to land one of the top receivers (Harrison, Malik Nabers, Rome Odunze). Coach Jim Harbaugh and GM Joe Hortiz could go one of two ways as far as the return in such a trade-down scenario. They could prioritize 2024 capital. Or they could prioritize 2025 capital and potentially earn a future first. If they do get a deal done and move down, the return should tell us a lot about the timeline Harbaugh and Hortiz want to be on. — Daniel Popper
Is continuity on the offensive line the Rams’ priority entering free agency? The front office — spearheaded by comments from GM Les Snead on Wednesday — is conveying that message, saying they are in constant communication with representation for starting center Coleman Shelton, who voided the final year of his deal and will be a free agent, and starting right guard Kevin Dotson. Both players are expected to at least hit the legal tampering period portion of free agency, and if the Rams can’t get something done with either or both players, their draft needs along the offensive line become more urgent. However, scouts and analysts in Indianapolis have raved about the strength of this offensive line class, particularly at center and tackle. Either way, expect the Rams to invest here. — Jourdan Rodrigue
Let’s hit two items quickly. First, the Tua Tagovailoa extension is happening. That’s not a huge surprise, but GM Chris Grier sounded very optimistic something will get done with the quarterback this offseason. At this point, it feels more like a “when” than an “if.” The other thing we learned is that Dolphins players love playing for this organization. Again, not a big surprise since the team finished No. 2 in the NFLPA player team report card grading last season, but it jumped to No. 1 this year with As in all 11 categories, including an A+ for owner Stephen Ross. — Jim Ayello
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Defense is the focus for Minnesota. Yes, there is a serious possibility the team swings massively for a quarterback. In general, though, the Vikings’ decision-makers are mindful of the talent void on the defensive side of the ball. Edge rushers Danielle Hunter and D.J. Wonnum are impending free agents. Linebacker Jordan Hicks is, too. The cornerback depth is depleted. All levels need help, and the Vikings are going to use the draft to throw as many darts at the unit as possible. — Alec Lewis
Where will Kirk Cousins play in 2024? The Patriots don’t sound like a team ready to go down that road. (Patrick McDermott / Getty Images)
The Patriots really want to draft a quarterback with the No. 3 pick. Perhaps that isn’t a big shock given their quarterback depth chart and how things ended with Mac Jones. But after their first set of front-office meetings and interviews at the scouting combine, the Patriots are leaning toward using the No. 3 pick on their quarterback of the future. So don’t expect the Patriots to be in the Kirk Cousins sweepstakes as they focus instead on doing their homework on Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels. — Chad Graff
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The Saints drafted Payton Turner with their 2021 first-round pick. They drafted Isaiah Foskey with their 2023 second-round pick. What both players have in common is that neither have provided any real boost to a sagging pass rush. Are the Saints aiming for another edge rusher in this year’s draft? The Saints need to find help somewhere, and free agency doesn’t seem to be the spot given the team’s tenuous salary-cap position. There aren’t a lot of top prospects, though, in terms of overall talent as well as fitting into New Orleans’ 4-3 defensive end model. There’s little doubt the Saints will examine players like Alabama’s Dallas Turner, Florida State’s Jared Verse and UCLA’s Laiatu Latu as first-round prospects. But safer real estate probably comes at tackle. — Larry Holder
What the Giants decide to do with the No. 6 pick will be fascinating to watch given the needs for the roster and also the quarterback situation due to the ACL rehab of Daniel Jones. GM Joe Schoen said the quarterback has had no setbacks and has been throwing. While Schoen said he has faith in Jones as the team’s starting quarterback, that doesn’t mean the team hasn’t been associated with quarterbacks. But if there’s a trade up, it feels more likely closer to the draft than entering free agency as the team still learns about potential prospects. — Charlotte Carroll
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The Jets’ plans to build their offensive line are centered around young lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker. He has shown an ability over the last two years to play all across the offensive line, tackle or guard, and thrive at multiple spots. He has suffered early season-ending injuries in back-to-back years, but GM Joe Douglas is using Vera-Tucker’s versatility to his advantage. The Jets haven’t decided what position he’ll play yet, which allows them to cultivate the best possible five players on their offensive line, and then they can decide where Vera-Tucker will play after all the new personnel is brought in. It’s important to note that both Douglas and coach Robert Saleh have said Vera-Tucker will stick at one position this season. The Jets need three new starters. — Zack Rosenblatt
The needs of the Eagles defense are very clear. GM Howie Roseman, speaking on their lack of depth at cornerback, said, “I’ve got to do a better job of bringing in more guys to be able to play that position.” That’s about as definitive an executive will get about signaling what they’ll do in either free agency or the draft. We mocked a cornerback at No. 22 in our recent beat writer mock draft. That feels even more inevitable at this point. Nick Sirianni, who just executed his first true staff overhaul as a head coach, also dropped an interesting insight into why the defense struggled last year after the sudden departure of Jonathan Gannon. Asked why the majority of the staff changes were on defense, Sirianni said newly hired DC Vic Fangio needed coaches who were familiar with his system. “Which Sean (Desai) didn’t have last year,” he added. Perhaps a more equipped Fangio system yields better results. — Brooks Kubena
Steelers GM Omar Khan remade the inside linebackers room last offseason by releasing all three parts of the 2022 rotation and signing three newcomers in free agency: Cole Holcomb, Kwon Alexander and Elandon Roberts. The best-laid plans went out the window when Holcomb sustained a significant knee injury and Alexander tore his Achilles. At the combine, Khan said there is no definitive timeline for Holcomb’s return while also noting Alexander is a free agent. The fact that Holcomb may not be ready for Week 1 is turning the inside linebacker position into a pressing need. That’s especially true because he’s the most invaluable of the three, as the do-everything, three-down guy with coverage ability. “It’s obviously a position we have to address,” Khan said. While the Steelers could again use free agency to fortify the position, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Pittsburgh thoroughly evaluate the top ’backers. Don’t expect them to go ILB in the first round (offensive line or corner is the most likely target here), but keep an eye on this area as the draft unfolds. — Mike DeFabo
GM John Lynch said the 49ers are interested in a long-term deal with restricted free agent Jauan Jennings. That makes sense considering how valuable he is to the running game and on third downs. Heck, Jennings threw and caught a touchdown against the Chiefs last month and was nearly the Super Bowl MVP. Whether the 49ers can make good on their plan depends on other teams’ interest. It’s not hard to see another squad — perhaps one that runs a similar offense — liking Jennings for the same reasons San Francisco does and offering more than what the 49ers, who also must consider a long-term deal with Brandon Aiyuk, can handle. — Matt Barrows
The 49ers would like to re-sign Jauan Jennings, one of the stars of their Super Bowl loss. (Jamie Squire / Getty Images)
The Seahawks are committed to Geno Smith in 2024. Bringing in a new coaching staff and adding president of football operations to John Schneider’s title left the door open for speculation that Seattle may move on from Smith, whose three-year contract is constructed in a way that gives the team outs each offseason without a significant financial burden. But based on conversations in Indianapolis, it appears the Seahawks are running it back in 2024 with Smith under center. The future beyond that is uncertain, though. — Michael-Shawn Dugar
There may not be as much change on the roster as some suspected. General manager Jason Licht has acknowledged the team is in talks to retain four big names with expiring contracts — quarterback Baker Mayfield, wide receiver Mike Evans, safety Antoine Winfield Jr., and linebacker Lavonte David. The Athletic reported Evans intends to test free agency, but the best fit for Evans may still be Tampa. The one free-agent-to-be who appears to be gone is linebacker Devin White. The Bucs apparently are not negotiating to keep White in Tampa. — Dan Pompei
The Titans are plotting an offensive line renaissance after consecutive losing seasons that owed more than anything to failures in drafting, signing and developing up front. Offensive line coach Bill Callahan hasn’t spoken with reporters yet, but those who do speak for the Titans don’t go long without mentioning the difference he is already making — “minds blown,” GM Ran Carthon said after he gave team scouts a film tutorial on the traits he values. And coach Brian Callahan brushed off the idea that his dad’s reputation for developing linemen might inspire cut-rate acquisitions. None of this locks the Titans in to find their next tackle with the No. 7 pick — they’re evaluating the top receivers just as closely and actually talked more about offensive playmakers, for whatever that’s worth. But we know Peter Skoronski will stay at left guard and that the rest of the offensive line is up for review. — Joe Rexrode
Quarterback talk dominated all conversations involving the team holding the No. 2 pick in April’s draft. No changes are expected there moving forward, but the Friday release of left tackle Charles Leno Jr. and tight end Logan Thomas became the first official signs of Washington turning over the roster under general manager Adam Peters and coach Dan Quinn. Neither release is surprising — Leno and Thomas are both on the wrong side of 30 and were obvious salary-cap cuts. The Commanders are now pot committed to replacing them at a point where they might draft Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels. The passers may set the organization up for long-term success, but how Washington plans on helping them is critical. — Ben Standig
(Top illustration: Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic; photos of Dallas Turner, Jayden Daniels and Caleb Williams: Stacy Revere / Getty Images and Zach Bolinger / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
