Michael Convoy / AP Photo
The NFL Scouting Combine continues to be a mainstay for the NFL offseason as its 40th year in Indianapolis came to a close on Tuesday, Mar. 2. Though the combine is best known for showcasing athletes’ prowess, its primary mission is to compile and organize an extensive medical report for each athlete. By the time athletes are invited to the combine, teams already have a foundational understanding of every prospect’s physical ability to perform. The combine is a chance for organizations to interview participants and perform medical screenings that play a significant role ahead of the NFL Draft.
The NFL Combine kicked off on Thursday, Feb. 27, with defensive linemen and linebackers taking the field to compete in the 40-yard dash, broad jump and vertical jump. This year’s event was one for the history books, as seven of the eight position groups posted the fastest 40-yard dash times in combined history.
One standout athlete was Clemson’s senior defensive tackle DeMonte Capehart, a 6’5 313-pound athlete. His performance is impactful because he was not overly productive in college, with just 4.5 tackles for loss over his last 23 games, meaning his excellent performance on Thursday could boost his draft stock.
Day two was equally successful for the defensive backs and tight ends, who showcased their talents in the 40-yard dash and broad jump.
Day three saw the quarterback, running back and wide receiver groups take action. Of the ten running backs that played on Saturday, only two failed to run a sub-4.50 second 40-yard dash: Robert Henry (4.52) and Emmett Johnson (4.56). Though not the top quarterback in his class, Drew Allar presented a compelling case to scouts as to why he should be one of the top draft prospects in the position this year. The speed of Allar’s arm, combined with his ball placement, helped him improve from a 79.1 Pro Football Focus (PFF) passing grade to an 81.9 PFF passing grade.
Wrapping up the combine, the offensive linemen took to Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Mar. 1. Texas A&M’s junior offensive guard Chase Bisontis recorded a 5.02-second 40-yard dash as well as a 32-inch vertical jump. He performed well in pass protection drills and excelled in short-area quickness.
While at the combine, many teams used media sessions and interviews to announce their priorities ahead of the draft, outlining potential offensive or defensive goals they plan to address. Teams also addressed the difficult choice of resigning proven veterans, turning to costly free agents or taking a gamble on players in the NFL Draft.
The Arizona Cardinals are grappling with their unwanted distinction of a league-high 26 players on injured reserve, while the Chicago Bears and New York Giants figure how to cope with the salary cap. Teams such as the Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans are facing quarterback difficulties with concerns over performance, and in the case of the Colts, a disgruntled Anthony Richardson.
Other franchises have prioritized rebuilding position groups or shifting coaching philosophies. Teams such as the Kansas City Chiefs are focused on developing their interior defensive lines, while building a solid offensive line remains a key focus of teams such as the Los Angeles Chargers, Pittsburgh Steelers, New Orleans Saints and Las Vegas Raiders.
Even though the Steelers have spent two first-round picks, a second-rounder and a fourth-rounder on building the offensive line over the past three seasons, they are still in search of players following left tackle Broderick Jones’s neck injury and subsequent surgery.
The New England Patriots and the Tennessee Titans are both in search of talented edge rushers, a position that is crucial to New England’s philosophy of building the roster up “through the trenches.” At the same time, the San Francisco 49ers’ and Buffalo Bills’ wide receivers are facing performance issues.
Some teams have taken the offseason to re-evaluate their coaching strategies by hiring new offensive and defensive coordinators. Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton will pass the play-calling duties over to newly promoted offensive coordinator Davis Webb, while Tampa Bay’s new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson will act as a balancing act for the Buccaneers. Robinson’s presence will allow head coach Todd Bowles to focus on defense.
“Too much time babysitting the offense,” Bowles said of his coaching style last offseason.
Similarly, the Dallas Cowboys have chosen to hire a new defensive coordinator; given the change from the 4-3 to the 3-4 system and the team’s pass-rusher profile, Dallas will look for defensive backs who can drop into coverage in this upcoming draft.
Some organizations appear to be prioritizing individual players to improve their play or keep them on their roster. Reports have indicated that Philadelphia Eagles’ general manager Howie Roseman is interested in keeping star wide receiver AJ Brown on the roster, but Brown appears to be looking to exit. Despite the speculation of Brown’s departure, Philadelphia’s offensive coordinator Sean Mannion is building a system with AJ Brown in mind. On the other hand, the Green Bay Packers may consider dropping linebacker Quay Walker after choosing not to exercise a fifth-year contract option last spring.
Coming out of the 2026 NFL Combine, many franchises are restructuring their rosters to maximize outcomes for the 2026-2027 season. While some organizations are re-evaluating how their players are organized and trained, others are looking in the mirror and questioning whether their coaching strategy warrants reconsideration. Of the over 300 student-athletes invited to the combine in Indianapolis, many outperformed and boosted their draft stock. However, not all will see their dreams of playing in the NFL materialize, and with the incredible performances of many athletes, each slot has become increasingly competitive.