After the Senior Bowl, it's now time for the NFL Combine. As part of the Draft, this event is important for the 321 invited players, and therefore eligible before the big ceremony at the end of April. Also a chance for NFL recruiters to observe and interview them.
The NFL Combine will take place like every year in Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium from February 27 to March 3, 2024.
Quarterbacks, receivers, runners: Jayden Daniels, more than a number 3 quarterback?
Tests during the day of Saturday March 2
At the quarterback position, the first 3 are known. Before the NCAA season, we already had an idea of the order. Before the Combine, there are fewer certainties. A player comes to upset this trio. This player: Jayden Daniels. The Heisman Trophy will do better than Lamar Jackson, to whom he is often compared. But, can he go as far as being number 1 in the Draft? A hypothesis that could be verified after the Combine. Off the field, the former LSU will be expected in interviews. On the field, he will be particularly scrutinized for the precision and timing of his throws.
At the receiver position, behind a trio (almost) certain to be part of the top 10 or even top 15, others must show themselves in the physical and athletic tests. Keon Coleman is part of this group. The receiver with 11 touchdowns in 2023 is a real threat in the red zone, but is he the athlete described by NCAA observers? Other profiles to watch in this group: Troy Franklin, Ladd McConkey and Adonai Mitchell.
Among runners, it is difficult to distinguish a number 1. In this type of uncertainty, the 40-yard event can make the difference. This will advantage profiles like Trey Benson or Braelon Allen compared to Blake Corum or Audric Estimé. If none of the candidates can make the difference, an absentee could do so. Victim of a cruciate ligament rupture at the end of the 2023 season, Jonathon Brooks has great potential. For him, the ordeal of the interviews will be important, especially in relation to his recent injury.
Cedric Gray, number 1 linebacker next April?
Edge Rushers, defensive tackle, linebackers: who wants to be the number 1 linebacker?
Tests during the day of Thursday February 29
NFL staffs looking for a young linebacker may have different opinions on which player to choose first. We may prefer a player already ready for the NFL with Payton Wilson, or the potential with Junior Colson. Unless someone between the two can get everyone to agree. This player with this profile could be Cedric Gray. After a very good Senior Bowl, the North Carolina player could make general managers think
The crop of pass rushers is promising, especially on the edge side. The Combine could determine profiles that could stand out. Dallas Turner, Laiatu Latu and Jared Verse will be ones to watch. However, a surprise is always possible if all 3 are disappointing. In this case, there are numerous candidates such as Darius Robinson, excellent at the Senior Bowl, Chop Robinson and Jonah Elliss.
Inside, the vintage is less promising, but nonetheless spicy. Disappointing during his university seasons, Leonard Taylor III has one last chance to shine otherwise he will not see his name mentioned in the first 3 rounds. In the same high school class, but slowed down by a major knee injury, Maason Smith could show off his physical palette to climb a very low hill.
Quinyon Mitchell, the top 10 in his sights
Cornerbacks, safety, tight ends: Quinyon Mitchell for the surprise
Tests during the day of Friday March 1st
On the second curtain, NFL teams will have choices, particularly at the cornerback position. Unfortunately, it will be without Cooper DeJean for physical testing, injured. In addition to the uncertainties generated by the profiles of Nate Wiggins, Terrion Arnold or Kool-Aid McKinstry, a player from a championship of the Group of Five (5 worst 1st university division championships) could benefit from it.
Playing at the modest University of Toledo, Quinyon Mitchell had 37 passes defended over his last 2 college seasons. His tests at the Combine will be more than scrutinized. If this proves positive, there's a good chance he could be the first cornerback called up in late April.
Positions that have been devalued in recent times, the crop of safeties and tight ends is unfortunately not monstrous. Despite everything, players will have different objectives. For tight end Brock Bowers, it will be close to the top 10. Unlike Ja'Tavion Sanders who hopes to reach the first round. On the other hand, for safeties Kamren Kinchens and Tyler Nubin, the first round seems attainable unlike Cole Bishop who will have to work hard in athletic tests.
Kingsley Suamataia double or quits
Tackle, guard, center: Kingsley Suamataia, more than a consolation?
Tests during the day of Sunday March 3
The Joe Alt vs. Olumuwiya Fashanu duel could attract attention to see which player will be the first tackle selected. Taliese Fuaga serves as the 3rd tackle. After them, we could talk about a consolation prize for certain teams. Unless a profile like Kingsley Suamataia displays his physical qualities and his lateral mobility, particularly in the 3-cone test, to find a place at the end of the first round.
For all interior offensive linemen, the goal is: earn a spot in the first round. Among the main candidates, Jackson Powers-Johnson, Troy Fautanu or Jordan Morgan could have their chance. The big odds are Zach Frazier, the West Virginia center has an atypical background. 4 times wrestling champion in the state of Virginia at the high school level, he will be expected on the bench press tests and his lateral mobility.
Without forgetting the punters, kickers and long snappers who will also show themselves on the occasion of this day of March 3.
You can find the full NFL Combine schedule here
