The NFL scouting combine is underway at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, where 319 invited prospects are gathering for a week of medical evaluations, interviews and four days of on-field workouts, according to a report from The Associated Press.
Defensive linemen and linebackers are first on the schedule Thursday, with drills beginning that afternoon. NFL Network will carry live coverage through Sunday starting at 3 p.m. EST, the AP reported.
All eyes will be on Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, who led Indiana to a national championship and is widely viewed as the top prospect in the draft. The Las Vegas Raiders hold the No. 1 overall pick, and Mendoza is considered the likely choice to begin his career there, according to the AP. He is not expected to throw at the combine and instead plans to participate in Indiana’s pro day on April 1.
Beyond Mendoza, the quarterback class lacks clear consensus. Alabama’s Ty Simpson and Miami’s Carson Beck are among the candidates who could hear their names called later in the draft, The Associated Press noted.
The edge rusher group is drawing particular attention, headlined by Arvell Reese, Texas Tech’s David Bailey and Miami’s Reuben Bain Jr. Bailey led the nation with 14½ sacks last season, while Bain recorded 9½ sacks for the Hurricanes, according to the AP. Bain helped Miami reach the national title game.
For Washington, which holds the No. 7 pick, the combine represents the unofficial start of a pivotal offseason. The Commanders are coming off a 5–12 campaign that featured one of the league’s worst defenses, The Washington Times reported.
Ohio State safety Caleb Downs is among the most prominent defensive prospects in Indianapolis. A two-time All-American, Downs has drawn comparisons to Pro Bowl safeties Kyle Hamilton and Derwin James, according to The Washington Times. Linebacker Sonny Styles has also generated interest and met with Washington’s coaching staff Thursday, the Times reported. With veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner slated to become a free agent next month, Styles could represent a potential long-term option at the position.
At edge rusher, both Bain and Bailey met with Washington this week, according to the Washington Times, as the Commanders look to bolster a pass rush that saw Von Miller lead the team with nine sacks last season.
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love is another name to watch. Love finished third in Heisman Trophy voting, as the AP reported, and has emerged as one of the draft’s top offensive playmakers. He also met with Washington on Wednesday, according to The Washington Times. If selected in the top 10, Love would become the third running back taken that high over the past four drafts, the AP noted.
General manager Adam Peters and coach Dan Quinn, entering their third first-round selection together, are weighing all options with the No. 7 pick — including the possibility of trading up or down — as they continue building around franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels, The Washington Times reported.
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