Draft season kicks into excessive gear this week on the NFL Scouting Mix in Indianapolis as groups will put prospects underneath a microscope throughout personal interviews, information conferences and exercises at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Quarterbacks all the time dominate conversations on the mix, and this 12 months will probably 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. However 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.
Past the draft prospects, new head coaches, led by the Chargers’ Jim Harbaugh, and GMs, together with the Commanders’ Adam Peters, will probably be within the highlight. And the futures of quarterbacks Kirk Cousins, Russell Wilson and Justin Fields will probably be scorching subjects.
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.
GO DEEPER
Caleb Williams, Justin Fields and different high tales to observe on the NFL mix
How large of a precedence is an improve at large receiver?
The Cardinals need assistance there. That’s not a query. However they’ve a number of wants, and two of the most important are on the offensive and defensive traces. Like lots of his friends, normal supervisor Monti Ossenfort believes the quickest strategy to construct is thru the trenches. The favored principle is that if large receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is there, you are taking him. However what if he’s not? Does Arizona choose Malik Nabers or Rome Odunze, additionally thought-about elite receivers? Or do they go a unique route and look to select up a receiver in later rounds? Ossenfort, who traded again from No. 3 final 12 months, gained’t reply these questions, after all, however he would possibly 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 real looking for anybody. Meaning if Atlanta goes to depend on the draft to seek out its subsequent quarterback, it’s going to should resolve who it likes from a gaggle that features LSU’s Jayden Daniels, Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy and perhaps even Oregon’s Bo Nix. Not solely that, the Falcons have to determine the place they’re going to wish to select to get the participant they need. McCarthy and Nix nearly actually will probably be obtainable at eight, however getting Daniels would possibly require a commerce as much as as excessive as No. 3. — Josh Kendall
GO DEEPER
How NFL groups can navigate intangibles of QB analysis, beginning with Bears at No. 1
Which brokers is normal supervisor Eric DeCosta assembly with?
The Ravens are selecting thirtieth. They’ve myriad wants, significantly on the offensive line and at operating again and edge rusher. Nonetheless, they’ll keep at 30 and choose 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 will probably be no place focus on the mix. What will probably be extra notable is whether or not DeCosta can achieve any traction in re-signing his personal free brokers. The Ravens have almost two dozen, together with standouts Justin Madubuike and Patrick Queen. With a decent salary-cap state of affairs, DeCosta might want to get artistic to maintain the core of a 13-4 staff collectively for an additional run. — Jeff Zrebiec
How will the Payments navigate their presently nonexistent cap house?
The Payments have their work minimize out for them this offseason. The staff is in a projected $41 million gap for 2024 cap house, with solely 53 gamers on their roster and quite a lot of holes besides. The staff might want to make some tough choices. Whom would possibly they minimize 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? Basic supervisor Brandon Beane hasn’t needed to do something fairly like this since his early years because the staff’s GM. — Joe Buscaglia
GO DEEPER
NFL beat author mock draft: Trades shake up high 10 picks and QB panorama
The staff’s new coach and normal supervisor
I’m all in favour of listening to what Dave Canales and Dan Morgan say at their first mix as the highest of the Panthers’ soccer meals chain. The 2 spoke in principally normal phrases at their introductory information convention, the place Morgan mentioned the staff wants extra “canines.” You might need heard: The Panthers don’t have a first-round choose. However this is a crucial offseason for a staff that should get quarterback Bryce Younger offensive line assist and extra weapons whereas determining easy methods to deal with a pair of key free brokers in edge rusher Brian Burns and linebacker Frankie Luvu. — Joseph Particular person
All eyes on the mix will probably be on Caleb Williams, proper, the presumptive No. 1 choose within the draft this week on the mix. (John Leyba / USA At this time)
How will Caleb Williams deal with the limelight?
Crucial parts of the mix for the presumptive No. 1 choose 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 will probably be ready for him Friday morning in Indianapolis. The Bears, and different groups, will seemingly pay attention to how he does in that setting. — Kevin Fishbain
The defensive sort out class
The Bengals must assault wants at inside line of defense aggressively, so how the measurables (and interviews) shake out will go a protracted strategy 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 must plot the draft path at DT and in the event that they don’t see sufficient choices, they might shift to a free-agent-laden method. — Paul Dehner Jr.
GO DEEPER
NFL free-agent rankings: Brian Burns, Saquon Barkley, Kirk Cousins lead the highest 150
The large receivers
The Browns are centered 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 will probably be for public consumption. However the Browns must improve their receiving corps — now and into the long run — so it’s truthful to assume they’ll deal with their evaluations of this 12 months’s large receiver class. The Browns don’t choose till No. 54 of the second spherical, in order that they’ll have to find out what number of large receivers will probably be lengthy gone, which of them they may like within the second or third rounds and the way these receivers would possibly match into their ever-evolving offense. — Zac Jackson
What’s the newest with Dak Prescott’s contract?
There are many areas to deal with in free company and the draft, from offensive line to linebacker and defensive sort out. However Prescott’s contract is the No. 1 challenge as a result of it impacts all the things else. The Cowboys have given no indication that they’re contemplating an instantaneous future with out Prescott, who’s getting 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 tough to do something to enhance the roster exterior 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} choice on the way forward for the 35-year-old Wilson wouldn’t be “a protracted, drawn-out course of.” Just a few weeks later, on the Tremendous Bowl, Payton mentioned the choice would come “sooner moderately 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 mild will probably be shed on their quarterback plan to observe. — Nick Kosmider
GO DEEPER
2024 NFL Draft consensus Huge Board: Who’s rising, falling forward of the mix?
The cornerback class
It is a actually 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 evening 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 you must be wired a sure strategy to excel on the place. Listening to from corners on the podium may assist us get a greater understanding of prospects the Lions would possibly like. — Colton Pouncy
Packers quarterback Jordan Love exceeded expectations in his first 12 months as a starter and now’s in line for a contract extension. (Patrick McDermott / Getty Pictures)
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 normal supervisor Brian Gutekunst and super-agent David Mulugheta speaking with one another. I’d even take only a look in one another’s path. Then, I’ll know precisely how a lot the Packers are paying Love. Gutekunst can’t signal his franchise quarterback till Might 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 purported 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. However Caserio struck gold together with his hiring of Ryans and draft alternatives 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 the use of constant weapons and extra impactful defensive playmakers. With satisfactory cap house and eight draft picks, the Texans have sources to construct with a mix of free-agent expertise and younger prospects. Caserio and Ryans absolutely is not going to 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?
Past the first-round prospects Indianapolis will contemplate with the No. 15 choose, this 12 months’s draft class is meant to be loaded with large receiver expertise. Final 12 months, 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
GO DEEPER
Feldman’s Freaks Checklist revisited: Who will showcase on the NFL Mix?
How they deal with the tough Calvin Ridley state of affairs
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. Nonetheless, Ridley’s contract expired and his state of affairs is fascinating to think about. If the Jaguars re-sign Ridley earlier than free company begins, it qualifies as an extension and they might owe Atlanta a second-round choose within the 2024 draft as per the phrases of their commerce. Nonetheless, if Ridley will get to free company however nonetheless returns to the Jaguars, the brand new deal wouldn’t be thought-about an extension — moderately a free-agent contract — and the Jaguars would solely should ship Atlanta their third-round choose. Permitting Ridley to get to the open market is dangerous, but when the Jaguars play their playing cards proper, they might convey again Trevor Lawrence’s high weapon with out shedding a top-50 choose. — Jim Ayello
Tier 2 of the receiver and tight finish prospects
A significant query for subsequent season is whether or not Chiefs coach Andy Reid and normal supervisor Brett Veach can return the staff’s offense to its earlier potent type. One of many quickest methods to do this is to pick out the perfect pass-catching prospects obtainable late within the first and second rounds. Travis Kelce will probably be 35 subsequent season, so including one other tight finish must be excessive on the Chiefs’ precedence record. As for the receivers, the Chiefs ought to have loads of choices, contemplating the depth of this 12 months’s class. Reid and Veach will use the mix to begin figuring out which receiver may most excel enjoying alongside Patrick Mahomes. — Nate Taylor
GO DEEPER
2024 NFL Draft Huge Board: Who’re the highest 100 prospects on this 12 months’s class?
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 normal supervisor Tom Telesco and head coach Antonio Pierce. Quarterback Aidan O’Connell was stable in 10 begins as a rookie, however it’s onerous to see the Raiders ending this offseason with out including competitors for the beginning job both by the addition of a veteran or a rookie quarterback. Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels are broadly thought-about the highest three quarterbacks on this class. The Raiders will do loads of work on them, however it’ll be tough for them to draft any of them contemplating they maintain choose No. 13 within the first spherical. With that in thoughts, they’ll additionally must deeply research J.J. McCarthy, Bo Nix, Michael Penix Jr. and the remainder of the category. — Tashan Reed
The NFL world will watch with curiosity to see how Jim Harbaugh and the cap-strapped Chargers retool their roster this offseason. (Kirby Lee / USA At this time)
Their salary-cap state of affairs
The Chargers are successfully $31.7 million over the wage cap as they head into the mix, in keeping with Over the Cap. Essential 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 state of affairs normally? Who stays? Who goes? Do they inquire into the commerce market? Do they provide extensions? Will they use void years? I’ll be in search of solutions to those questions in Indy. — Daniel Popper
Sniffing round an offseason plan
The Rams don’t typically attend the NFL mix (right here is why) aside from their medical employees’s on-site assortment of the all-important medical data on prospects. However Indianapolis continues to be an incredible place to assemble information and tidbits from brokers and different league sources about what their offseason plan may very well be and new developments in contract buildings and team-building. The Rams can have roughly $40 million in workable cap house and quite a lot of wants regardless of a better-than-expected 2023 season. In addition they have introduced in new assistant coaches — and the mix would be the excellent setting to mine for details about these additions. — Jourdan Rodrigue
Tua Tagovailoa extension talks
It actually looks like a Tagovailoa extension is a foregone conclusion. However 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, in order that they don’t should signal him to a long-term deal now and even subsequent offseason. However for a staff that would use some cap reduction, reducing his cap determine with an extension may very well be interesting. However 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 bear in mind on the mix and past. — Jim Ayello
The place issues stand between the Vikings and Kirk Cousins
This topic will form the way forward for the Vikings group. Preserve Cousins, and Minnesota would seemingly be signaling its perception that it could actually contend within the quick time period. Transfer on from him, and the Vikings could be indicating that they’d be able to chart a brand new path. Cousins’ contract is ready to void March 12. If that occurs, the Vikings will probably be on the hook for a hefty $28.5 million dead-cap hit. The one strategy to prolong that cash into the long run is to return to phrases on an extension with Cousins. The NFL mix stands as a first-rate alternative for in-person discussions on this topic between the staff and Cousins’ representatives. — Alec Lewis
GO DEEPER
9 potential locations for Jimmy Garoppolo after he is launched by the Raiders
Quarterback Jayden Daniels
The best method for the Patriots to deal with 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 measurement (9 5/8 inches), however scouts wish to see him at or above 210 kilos on the mix as a result of there are considerations about his slight body and the large hits he too usually takes. The opposite query for the Patriots is how Daniels will interview and the way he’ll check after they run him by 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 choose. — Chad Graff
Offensive tackles and go catchers
We’ll go away the annual “too far over the wage cap” dialogue for after the mix as a result of the Saints all the time discover a method. And this 12 months it ought to are available in mass contract restructurings of a number of veteran gamers. As famous in our NFL reporters’ mock draft lately, the necessity for sort out and/or guard ought to stand excessive on the precedence record. So that 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 so much driving on this subsequent interval of the Giants offseason after an already noisy begin to the enterprise facet of issues with teaching modifications aplenty. However the highlight will probably 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 check 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
Washington’s Rome Odunze is among the stars of a deep large receiver class that can draw loads of curiosity in Indianapolis. (Joe Nicholson / USA At this time)
The go 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 gained’t minimize it as an choice in 2024. There are some extraordinarily gifted receivers on this class who may very well be obtainable at No. 10 when the Jets choose — after Marvin Harrison Jr., who will nearly actually be gone — and even when the Jets nonetheless want an offensive lineman, they may be 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 12 months. — 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 will probably 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 how much offense is that precisely? A Howie Roseman-led personnel division that is still largely intact should additionally improve a number of defensive positions. How extra favorably positioned will defenders be in a revamped “Fangio System” that can this time be coached by … effectively, Vic Fangio? — Brooks Kubena
If it’s a clear sweep regarding Kenny Pickett
The Steelers interview each single participant they will they usually 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. The place there may very well be some clarification, or not less than unity, is what normal supervisor Omar Khan says about Pickett in contrast with what Mike Tomlin mentioned days after the season and what proprietor Artwork Rooney II mentioned two weeks later. Each alluded to Pickett being the No. 1 quarterback getting 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 dwelling that Pickett gained’t be getting into the offseason because the clear-cut QB1 and both a re-signing of Rudolph or an out of doors free agent — or a possible commerce — will present legit 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 may very well be tantalizing to the 49ers, whose greatest weak spot to repair lies within the offensive line. Multiple spot was an issue this previous season. Basically everybody however left sort out Trent Williams endured vital struggles at one level or one other. So maybe the 49ers, who don’t choose till No. 31, will probably be in search of an adaptable inside lineman who can instantly fortify their particularly problematic proper guard place earlier than doubtlessly turning into the long-term resolution at middle. The 49ers merely want extra high quality choices up entrance. Think about the increase that would give QB Brock Purdy. — David Lombardi
GO DEEPER
Analyzing the 49ers’ salary-cap outlook and the way it applies to Brandon Aiyuk’s future
John Schneider flying solo
This will probably be Seattle’s first mix with GM Schneider main soccer operations, so his messaging from the rostrum will probably be attention-grabbing to research. Whereas 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 gained’t hear from new coach Mike Macdonald in any respect on the mix; he and his employees are anticipated to stay behind to put in their schemes. That can put further consideration on Schneider. — Mike Sando
How they method the quarterback place
The Bucs wish to re-sign Baker Mayfield, whose contract is up. Mayfield has mentioned he desires to stay in Tampa. However he additionally informed ESPN he desires market worth. That in all probability means a deal just like the one Geno Smith lately signed with Seattle — $75 million over three years. Whether or not the Bucs wish to pay that’s the challenge. A franchise tag is an choice however not very best with security Antoine Winfield Jr. and large receiver Mike Evans additionally on expiring contracts. Will probably 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 seemingly should focus their first two picks on their two greatest wants. The absence of a third-round choose 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 fit 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? May the Titans transfer down, get him and be pleased with it? The board may let Malik Nabers or Rome Odunze slide to No. 7. Would Brian Callahan want a playmaker over a blocker because the Bengals did when he was there they usually took Ja’Marr Chase over Penei Sewell in 2021? — Joe Rexrode
The quarterbacks
It’s no secret that the holders of the No. 2 choose are anticipated to pick out 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. Have they got Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels graded in the identical vary? If Williams is a minimize above, is the hole thought-about sufficient to supply the Bears a Godfather commerce for the primary choose? Has Daniels’ dual-threat shine caught as much as Maye or do they like the UNC quarterback’s prototypical measurement? We gained’t discover out the employees’s hopes and goals, however that is the place the detective work begins by analyzing the trio on our personal. — Ben Standig
GO DEEPER
Commanders at 2 seemingly means figuring out if Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels is their man
(High pictures of J.J. McCarthy, Saquon Barkley and Malik Nabers: Gregory Shamus, Getty Pictures; Jim McIsaac, Getty Pictures; Matthew Hinton / USA At this time)