What we’re following on the NFL Scouting Combine: QBs, new bosses, deal-making

Draft season kicks into excessive gear this week on the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis as groups will put prospects underneath a microscope throughout personal interviews, news conferences and exercises at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Quarterbacks at all times dominate conversations on the mix, and this yr shall be no completely different with USC’s Caleb Williams, North Carolina’s Drake Maye and LSU’s Jayden Daniels anticipated to be among the many first handful of picks come April. But a stellar large receiver group, headlined by Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr., LSU’s Malik Nabers and Washington’s Rome Odunze, will even draw loads of curiosity this week.

Beyond the draft prospects, new head coaches, led by the Chargers’ Jim Harbaugh, and GMs, together with the Commanders’ Adam Peters, shall be within the highlight. And the futures of quarterbacks Kirk Cousins, Russell Wilson and Justin Fields shall be scorching matters.

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

How massive of a precedence is an improve at large receiver?

The Cardinals need assistance there. That’s not a query. But they’ve a number of wants, and two of the most important are on the offensive and defensive traces. Like a lot of his friends, common supervisor Monti Ossenfort believes the quickest technique to construct is thru the trenches. The standard idea is that if large receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is there, you are taking him. But what if he’s not? Does Arizona choose Malik Nabers or Rome Odunze, additionally thought of elite receivers? Or do they go a distinct route and look to choose up a receiver in later rounds? Ossenfort, who traded again from No. 3 final yr, received’t reply these questions, in fact, however he may make clear how he views Arizona’s roster priorities. — Doug Haller

How does Tier 2 of the quarterback class 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 class doesn’t appear practical for anybody. That means if Atlanta goes to depend on the draft to search out its subsequent quarterback, it’s going to should determine who it likes from a gaggle that features LSU’s Jayden Daniels, Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy and possibly even Oregon’s Bo Nix. Not solely that, the Falcons have to determine the place they’re going to wish to choose to get the participant they need. McCarthy and Nix virtually definitely shall be obtainable at eight, however getting Daniels may require a commerce as much as as excessive as No. 3. — Josh Kendall

Which brokers is common supervisor Eric DeCosta assembly with?

The Ravens are selecting thirtieth. They have myriad wants, significantly on the offensive line and at operating again and edge rusher. However, they’ll keep at 30 and decide the perfect participant obtainable or they’ll commerce again to accrue extra picks. What they do within the draft isn’t attractive, however it’s who they’re. It’s additionally why there shall be no place focus on the mix. What shall be extra notable is whether or not DeCosta can acquire any traction in re-signing his personal free brokers. The Ravens have practically two dozen, together with standouts Justin Madubuike and Patrick Queen. With a good salary-cap scenario, DeCosta might want to get inventive to maintain the core of a 13-4 staff collectively for an additional run. — Jeff Zrebiec

How will the Bills navigate their at the moment nonexistent cap area?

The Bills have their work lower out for them this offseason. The staff is in a projected $41 million gap for 2024 cap area, with solely 53 gamers on their roster and lots of holes as well. The staff might want to make some troublesome choices. Whom may they lower to make room? Which contracts will they restructure? Which gamers will they prolong? How a lot do they wish to negatively affect their 2025 cap sheet with a few of their restructurings? General supervisor Brandon Beane hasn’t needed to do something fairly like this since his early years because the staff’s GM. — Joe Buscaglia

The staff’s new coach and common supervisor

I’m taken with 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 principally common phrases at their introductory news convention, the place Morgan mentioned the staff wants extra “dogs.” You might need heard: The Panthers don’t have a first-round decide. But this is a crucial offseason for a staff that should get quarterback Bryce Young offensive line assist and extra weapons whereas determining the way to deal with a pair of key free brokers in edge rusher Brian Burns and linebacker Frankie Luvu. — Joseph Person

How will Caleb Williams deal with the limelight?

The most essential parts of the mix for the presumptive No. 1 decide will happen behind the scenes throughout his conversations with groups, beginning with the Bears. Most questions on Williams have extra to do with what he’s like off the sphere, and whereas he’s skilled extra fame than most school soccer gamers, he hasn’t skilled something just like the media onslaught that shall be ready for him Friday morning in Indianapolis. The Bears, and different groups, will possible pay attention to how he does in that atmosphere. — Kevin Fishbain

The defensive sort out class

The Bengals have to assault wants at inside line of defense aggressively, so how the measurables (and interviews) shake out will go a protracted technique to deciding if Byron Murphy of Texas and Jer’Zhan Newton of Illinois may join at No. 18 or if a transfer up or down the board shakes them out of mid-first vary. Will any new candidates enter the equation for Day 2 with a powerful mix? The Bengals have to plot the draft path at DT and in the event that they don’t see sufficient choices, they may shift to a free-agent-laden strategy. — Paul Dehner Jr.

The large receivers

The Browns are targeted on successful in 2024, so the “good” stuff on the mix will contain Browns GM Andrew Berry speaking potential trades together with his friends and doubtlessly bumping into brokers of upcoming free brokers. None of that shall be for public consumption. But the Browns have to improve their receiving corps — now and into the longer term — so it’s truthful to suppose they’ll deal with their evaluations of this yr’s large receiver class. The Browns don’t decide till No. 54 of the second spherical, so that they’ll have to find out what number of large receivers shall be lengthy gone, which of them they may like within the second or third rounds and the way these receivers may match into their ever-evolving offense. — Zac Jackson

What is the newest with Dak Prescott’s contract?

There are loads of areas to handle in free company and the draft, from offensive line to linebacker and defensive sort out. But Prescott’s contract is the No. 1 difficulty as a result of it impacts the whole lot else. The Cowboys have given no indication that they’re contemplating a direct future with out Prescott, who’s coming into the ultimate season of his present deal. The most certainly situation is that he indicators a brand new contract subsequent month. If the Cowboys go away his deal as is, he’d depend slightly below $60 million towards their 2024 cap, making it troublesome to do something to enhance the roster outdoors of the draft. If Dallas is actually “all in,” like Jerry Jones mentioned on the Senior Bowl, they want to determine Prescott’s future to allow them to start enhancing the remainder of the roster. — Jon Machota

Russell Wilson watch

Sean Payton mentioned after the season {that a} determination on the way forward for the 35-year-old Wilson wouldn’t be “a long, drawn-out process.” A couple of weeks later, on the Super Bowl, Payton mentioned the choice would come “sooner rather than later.” The Broncos seem prepared to maneuver on from Wilson, whose $37 million in 2025 wage turns into assured if he’s nonetheless on the roster on March 17, however there was no motion but publicly. I’m to see whether or not the actions on the mix reveal something about what the Broncos will do with Wilson after two underwhelming seasons in Denver and what gentle shall be shed on their quarterback plan to comply with. — Nick Kosmider

The cornerback class

This is a extremely intriguing group of corners, with greater than a handful of prospects wanting like first-rounders. The Lions clearly may use some younger expertise on the place, whether or not it’s at No. 29 on the primary night time or on Day 2 with three picks — Nos. 61, 73 and 92. I’m curious to see 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 wired a sure technique to excel on the place. Hearing from corners on the podium may assist us get a greater understanding of prospects the Lions may like. — Colton Pouncy

Jordan Love extension talks

I’m going to be parked subsequent to the second-floor Starbucks on the JW Marriott for 96 consecutive hours, ready for a glimpse of Packers common supervisor Brian Gutekunst and super-agent David Mulugheta speaking with one another. I’d even take only a look in one another’s route. 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 12 months after Love’s final extension, however he and Mulugheta will certainly meet in Indianapolis to alternate contract numbers. — Matt Schneidman

Nick Caserio’s plan to construct on final season

This was alleged to be a gradual and doubtlessly painful construct as Caserio and new coach DeMeco Ryans started laying the muse final season after the GM spent the 2 earlier years dismantling and setting the desk for a real rebuild. But Caserio struck gold together with his hiring of Ryans and draft picks each in 2022 and 2023 and Houston got here out of nowhere to win its first division title in 4 years. Now Caserio should additional fortify the roster, giving C.J. Stroud further assist by means of constant weapons and extra impactful defensive playmakers. With sufficient cap area and eight draft picks, the Texans have assets to construct with a mix of free-agent expertise and younger prospects. Caserio and Ryans absolutely won’t give away any state secrets and techniques subsequent week, however they need to make clear a few of their highest priorities. — Mike Jones

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

Beyond the first-round prospects Indianapolis will take into account with the No. 15 decide, this yr’s draft class is meant to be loaded with large receiver expertise. Last yr, Wayne mentioned he was very impressed with Josh Downs’ route operating and sure-handedness in the course of the mix, regardless of Downs being undersized popping out of North Carolina. Wayne relayed that message to GM Chris Ballard, Downs was drafted within the third spherical and had a standout rookie season. I’ll use my binoculars to maintain a detailed eye on Wayne’s interactions throughout mix drills, whereas additionally asking a number of receivers in the event that they’ve met with him and heard any suggestions. — James Boyd

How they deal with the tough 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 eight touchdowns in his first season in Jacksonville. However, Ridley’s contract expired and his scenario is fascinating to contemplate. If the Jaguars re-sign Ridley earlier than free company begins, it qualifies as an extension and they might owe Atlanta a second-round decide within the 2024 draft as per the phrases of their commerce. However, if Ridley will get to free company however nonetheless returns to the Jaguars, the brand new deal wouldn’t be thought of an extension — somewhat a free-agent contract — and the Jaguars would solely should ship Atlanta their third-round decide. Allowing Ridley to get to the open market is dangerous, but when the Jaguars play their playing cards proper, they may deliver again Trevor Lawrence’s prime weapon with out shedding a top-50 decide. — Jim Ayello

Tier 2 of the receiver and tight finish prospects

A serious query for subsequent season is whether or not Chiefs coach Andy Reid and common supervisor Brett Veach can return the staff’s offense to its earlier potent kind. One of the quickest methods to do this is to pick the perfect pass-catching prospects obtainable late within the first and second rounds. Travis Kelce shall be 35 subsequent season, so including one other tight finish must be excessive on the Chiefs’ precedence checklist. As for the receivers, the Chiefs ought to have loads of choices, contemplating the depth of this yr’s class. Reid and Veach will use the mix to start out figuring out which receiver may most excel taking part in alongside Patrick Mahomes. — Nate Taylor

The quarterback prospects

This isn’t a singular reply, however it’s probably the most vital roster query for the Raiders of their first full season underneath common supervisor Tom Telesco and head coach Antonio Pierce. Quarterback Aidan O’Connell was strong in 10 begins as a rookie, however it’s arduous to see the Raiders ending this offseason with out including competitors for the beginning job both by means of the addition of a veteran or a rookie quarterback. Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels are broadly thought of the highest three quarterbacks on this class. The Raiders will do loads of work on them, however it’ll be troublesome for them to draft any of them contemplating they maintain decide No. 13 within the first spherical. With that in thoughts, they’ll additionally have to deeply examine J.J. McCarthy, Bo Nix, Michael Penix Jr. and the remainder of the category. — Tashan Reed

Their salary-cap scenario

The Chargers are successfully $31.7 million over the wage cap as they head into the mix, in accordance with Over the Cap. Crucial choices loom, significantly concerning 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 coach Jim Harbaugh and GM Joe Hortiz navigate these veteran contracts — and their cap scenario basically? Who stays? Who goes? Do they inquire into the commerce market? 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 usually attend the NFL mix (right here is why) aside from their medical workers’s on-site assortment of the all-important medical info on prospects. But Indianapolis remains to be an ideal place to collect information and tidbits from brokers and different league sources about what their offseason plan might be and new traits in contract buildings and team-building. The Rams can have roughly $40 million in workable cap area and lots of wants regardless of a better-than-expected 2023 season. They even have introduced in new assistant coaches — and the mix would be the excellent atmosphere to mine for details about these additions. — Jourdan Rodrigue

Tua Tagovailoa extension talks

It definitely looks like a Tagovailoa extension is a foregone conclusion. But what is going to it appear like and when will it occur? The Dolphins QB enters the 2024 season with a $23.1 million cap cost on the fifth-year choice. The Dolphins then have the franchise tag at their disposal, so that they don’t should signal him to a long-term deal now and even subsequent offseason. But for a staff that would use some cap reduction, reducing 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 within the neighborhood of a Joe Burrow ($55 million AAV)? Would he take much less? These are the franchise-defining questions to remember on the mix and past. — Jim Ayello

Where issues stand between the Vikings and Kirk Cousins

This topic will form the way forward for the Vikings group. Keep Cousins, and Minnesota would possible be signaling its perception that it could contend within the quick time period. Move on from him, and the Vikings can be indicating that they’d be able to chart a brand new path. Cousins’ contract is about to void March 12. If that occurs, the Vikings shall be on the hook for a hefty $28.5 million dead-cap hit. The solely technique to prolong that cash into the longer term is to return to phrases on an extension with Cousins. The NFL mix stands as a main alternative for in-person discussions on this topic between the staff and Cousins’ representatives. — Alec Lewis

Quarterback Jayden Daniels

The easiest method for the Patriots to handle their points 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 involved about his top (6-foot-4) or hand dimension (9 5/8 inches), however scouts wish to see him at or above 210 kilos on the mix as a result of there are issues about his slight body and the large hits he too typically takes. The different query for the Patriots is how Daniels will interview and the way he’ll take a look at after they run him by means of performs on the whiteboard. How Daniels (and Maye) do that week will go a good distance in figuring out whether or not the Patriots draft a quarterback or large receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. with the third decide. — Chad Graff

Offensive tackles and cross catchers

We’ll go away the annual “too far over the salary cap” dialogue for after the mix as a result of the Saints at all times discover a means. And this yr it ought to are available in mass contract restructurings of a number of veteran gamers. As famous in our NFL reporters’ mock draft just lately, the necessity for sort out and/or guard ought to stand excessive on the precedence checklist. So you’d think about gamers like Olu Fashanu (Penn State), JC Latham (Alabama), Taliese Fuaga (Oregon State), Amarius Mims (Georgia) and Tyler Guyton (Oklahoma) are all on the Saints’ radar. The Saints may additionally use one 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 rather a lot using on this subsequent interval of the Giants offseason after an already noisy begin to the enterprise aspect of issues with teaching modifications aplenty. But the highlight shall be tuned to Barkley’s future on the mix because the entrance workplace and the operating again’s representatives are anticipated to satisfy once more. Will they have the ability to hammer out a deal? Will he get tagged once more for $12.1 million or will he lastly take a look at the open market and enterprise into the attention-grabbing operating again market? We’ll get a clearer image by week’s finish of the place the 2 sides stand. — Charlotte Carroll

The cross catchers

The Jets have an apparent want at offensive sort out (and/or at guard, too, relying on some offseason choices), however in addition they desperately need assistance at large receiver for star Garrett Wilson. Allen Lazard received’t lower it as an choice in 2024. There are some extraordinarily gifted receivers on this class who might be obtainable at No. 10 when the Jets decide — after Marvin Harrison Jr., who will virtually definitely be gone — and even when the Jets nonetheless want an offensive lineman, they is perhaps tempted by the likes of Malik Nabers or Rome Odunze — or others later within the draft, when groups have discovered stars in previous years whereas the Jets sat on their palms, like final yr. — Zack Rosenblatt

Are they organized?

Fourth-year coach Nick Sirianni overhauled each coordinator positions, and there’s nonetheless not a lot readability about how concerned he shall be in working with newly employed offensive coordinator Kellen Moore to construct a much less predictable offensive system that provides a deeply gifted roster with extra solutions this offseason. And what sort of offense is that precisely? A Howie Roseman-led personnel division that continues to be largely intact should additionally improve a number of defensive positions. How extra favorably positioned will defenders be in a revamped “Fangio System” that may this time be coached by … nicely, Vic Fangio? — Brooks Kubena

If it’s a clear sweep regarding Kenny Pickett

The Steelers interview each single participant they’ll and so they just about use the mix as an assurance of what they’ve scouted all year long. So there’s not a lot to glean there. Where there might be some clarification, or at the least unity, is what common supervisor Omar Khan says about Pickett in contrast with what Mike Tomlin mentioned days after the season and what proprietor Art Rooney II mentioned two weeks later. Both alluded to Pickett being the No. 1 quarterback coming into the season regardless of not regaining his beginning place from Mason Rudolph over the ultimate 4 video games of the season. Will the Steelers triple down on that or stroll it again and hammer residence that Pickett received’t be coming into the offseason because the clear-cut QB1 and both a re-signing of Rudolph or an outdoor free agent — or a possible commerce — will present respectable competitors? — Mark Kaboly

The offensive linemen

Three of the highest middle prospects — Oregon’s Jackson Powers-Johnson, Duke’s Graham Barton and West Virginia’s Zach Frazier — ought to all have multi-positional functionality within the NFL. That might be tantalizing to the 49ers, whose largest weak spot to repair lies within the offensive line. More than one spot was an issue this previous season. Essentially everybody however left sort out Trent Williams endured vital struggles at one level or one other. So maybe the 49ers, who don’t decide till No. 31, shall be searching for an adaptable inside lineman who can instantly fortify their particularly problematic proper guard place earlier than doubtlessly turning into the long-term answer at middle. The 49ers merely want extra high quality choices up entrance. Imagine the enhance that would give QB Brock Purdy. — David Lombardi

John Schneider flying solo

This shall be Seattle’s first mix with GM Schneider main soccer operations, so his messaging from the rostrum shall be attention-grabbing to investigate. While Schneider has lengthy figured prominently into key choices, coach Pete Carroll set the imaginative and prescient for the franchise beforehand. Schneider is doing extra of that now. We received’t hear from new coach Mike Macdonald in any respect on the mix; he and his workers are anticipated to stay behind to put in their schemes. That will put further consideration on Schneider. — Mike Sando

How they strategy the quarterback place

The Bucs wish to re-sign Baker Mayfield, whose contract is up. Mayfield has mentioned he needs to stay in Tampa. But he additionally informed ESPN he needs market worth. That in all probability means a deal much like the one Geno Smith just lately signed with Seattle — $75 million over three years. Whether the Bucs wish to pay that’s the difficulty. A franchise tag is an choice however not supreme with security Antoine Winfield Jr. and large receiver Mike Evans additionally on expiring contracts. It shall be attention-grabbing to listen to what GM Jason Licht says in regards to the quarterback place, together with the prospects within the draft. — Dan Pompei

Three tackles and two receivers

The free-agency image suggests the Titans can get assist at cornerback and inside offensive line earlier than the draft however will possible should focus their first two picks on their two largest wants. The absence of a third-round decide will increase the urgency. Second-year quarterback Will Levis wants a long-term receiver to develop with and a left sort out to guard him. The board may match out for the Titans to decide on between Joe Alt and Olu Fashanu as a foundational sort out — 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 might also let Malik Nabers or Rome Odunze slide to No. 7. Would Brian Callahan desire a playmaker over a blocker because the Bengals did when he was there and so they took Ja’Marr Chase over Penei Sewell in 2021? — Joe Rexrode

The quarterbacks

It’s no secret that the holders of the No. 2 decide are anticipated to pick a quarterback from the highest group. The trick right here is the brand new braintrust of GM Adam Peters, head coach Dan Quinn, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and the scouting division holdovers are principally new to one another. Do they’ve Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels graded in the identical vary? If Williams is a lower above, is the hole thought of sufficient to supply the Bears a Godfather commerce for the primary decide? Has Daniels’ dual-threat shine caught as much as Maye or do they like the UNC quarterback’s prototypical dimension? We received’t discover out the workers’s hopes and desires, however that is the place the detective work begins by analyzing the trio on our personal. — Ben Standig

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