nfl combine 2026

The Quarterback Landscape: How NIL and the Combine are Reshaping the NFL Draft

The NFL Draft is evolving. The impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals is increasingly apparent, influencing when top quarterback prospects declare for the draft. This year’s class, while relatively shallow, exemplifies a growing trend: talented passers are more inclined to remain in school until they are truly ready for the professional level. This shift was highlighted by Ole Miss star Trinidad Chambliss’s decision to pursue another year of collegiate eligibility.

Mendoza’s Dominance and the Rise of the Prototypical QB

Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza currently stands as the presumptive No. 1 overall pick. His impressive college career, including a 72% completion rate in 2025 and a national title run, has drawn comparisons to Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff. Mendoza’s strengths lie in his fearless play between the numbers, anticipation, and accuracy – completing passes at a 7.9% off-target rate with an average air yards per attempt of 9.1. Interestingly, Mendoza chose not to participate in on-field drills at the NFL Scouting Combine, a testament to his already established draft stock.

The Combine’s Impact: Separating the Contenders

While Mendoza sat out, the NFL Scouting Combine provided a crucial platform for other quarterbacks to elevate their profiles. Ty Simpson of Alabama significantly improved his draft standing with a strong performance, solidifying his position as a potential first-round pick. LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier similarly made a case for himself as a Day 2 selection. The combine is becoming increasingly important for quarterbacks looking to prove their abilities beyond game film.

Simpson’s Surge: A Late-Round Contender?

Ty Simpson’s performance at the combine was particularly noteworthy. Despite having only one year of starting experience, Simpson demonstrated impressive touch and ball placement. His quiet footwork and ability to deliver accurate passes on various routes – from outs to head routes – have positioned him as a potential late first-round or early second-round pick.

Nussmeier’s Resilience: Overcoming Injury

Garrett Nussmeier, the son of Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier, showcased his skills despite battling an injury throughout the season. While his performance wasn’t flawless, he demonstrated the ability to lead receivers and make plays, earning a B+ grade and solidifying his status as a likely Day 2 pick.

Beyond the Top Three: Other Combine Standouts

Luke Altmyer of Illinois also impressed with consistent performance and athletic testing results, including a 4.72-second 40-yard dash. Cole Payton of North Dakota State, while a left-handed quarterback, displayed impressive athleticism with a 4.56-second 40-yard dash and a 130-inch broad jump. These performances highlight the depth of talent available in this year’s draft class.

The Future of QB Evaluation

The evolving landscape of college football, coupled with the influence of NIL, is forcing NFL teams to re-evaluate their quarterback scouting strategies. The emphasis is shifting towards identifying players who are not only physically gifted but also possess the maturity and decision-making skills to succeed at the professional level. The combine remains a vital component of this process, but it’s no longer the sole determinant of a quarterback’s draft stock.

Will We See More Quarterbacks Stay in School?

Historically, at least two quarterbacks have been selected in the first round of the NFL Draft in most years. However, the financial incentives offered by NIL deals are likely to encourage more highly-rated quarterbacks to remain in college for an additional year or two, further refining their skills and increasing their draft value. This could lead to a decrease in the number of quarterbacks selected in the first round, as seen in 2022 with Kenny Pickett as the sole first-round pick.

FAQ

What is NIL?
Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) refers to the ability of college athletes to earn compensation from endorsements, appearances, and other activities.
Why did Fernando Mendoza not participate in the combine?
Mendoza’s draft stock is already secure, so he chose to focus on preparation for the NFL season rather than participate in combine drills.
Is Ty Simpson a lock for the first round?
While Simpson significantly improved his draft stock, he is currently projected as a late first-round or early second-round pick.
How important is the NFL Combine?
The combine is a crucial event for quarterbacks to showcase their skills and improve their draft stock, particularly for those who are not as well-known as the top prospects.

Pro Tip: Don’t underestimate the importance of a quarterback’s intangibles – leadership, work ethic, and mental toughness – when evaluating their potential for success in the NFL.

Did you know? The Seattle Seahawks recently upgraded their quarterback position through free agency and the draft, demonstrating the importance of finding the right signal-caller to contend for a championship.

Stay updated on the latest NFL Draft news and analysis. Explore more draft coverage at CBSSports.com.

NFL Combine 2026: Beyond the 40-Yard Dash – What’s Really Happening in Indy

The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine is underway in Indianapolis, and while the spotlight shines on prospects running routes and hitting the bench press, a significant amount of activity happens behind the scenes. This year’s combine isn’t just about evaluating talent; it’s a crucial meeting point for team executives navigating a complex offseason filled with free agency, franchise tag decisions, and potential trades.

The GM and Coach Carousel: A Hub for Key Discussions

Tuesday saw general managers and head coaches from all 32 NFL teams addressing the media in Indianapolis. These press conferences offer a unique window into team strategies, though specifics are often carefully guarded. Discussions extend far beyond draft prospects, encompassing looming free agency periods and the critical decisions surrounding the franchise tag. With the salary cap always a factor, teams are actively exploring all avenues to improve their rosters.

The combine’s concentrated environment fosters trade talks. Having key decision-makers in one location streamlines negotiations and allows for more direct communication. While concrete deals aren’t always announced immediately, the groundwork for future transactions is frequently laid during combine week.

Key Press Conference Highlights: A Snapshot of Team Priorities

Several teams shared insights during Tuesday’s press conferences. Omar Khan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Joe Hortiz of the Los Angeles Chargers, and Eliot Wolf of the New England Patriots were among the first to address reporters. Discussions likely centered on evaluating their current rosters and identifying areas for improvement through the draft and free agency. Other GMs, including John Lynch of the San Francisco 49ers and Brett Veach of the Kansas City Chiefs, also participated, offering perspectives from successful organizations.

Coaches like Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions and Sean Payton of the Denver Broncos also took the podium, providing insights into their team’s philosophies and approaches to player development. These sessions are valuable for understanding each team’s long-term vision.

The Combine Schedule: A Position-by-Position Breakdown

The combine schedule is structured to allow teams to focus on specific position groups each day. The event began on Thursday, February 26th, with defensive linemen and linebackers taking center stage. Friday, February 27th, featured defensive backs and tight ends. Saturday, February 28th, was dedicated to quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs, while Sunday, March 1st, saw offensive linemen showcase their skills.

Each day follows a similar format: gates open in the morning, followed by an inside look at the stadium and drills beginning in the afternoon. This allows teams ample opportunity to observe prospects in various settings.

How to Follow the Action

For those unable to attend the combine in person, NFL Network provides live coverage. Streaming options are also available through platforms like fuboTV. Fans interested in attending can register at NFL OnePass for access to the combine experience, though tickets are not required.

Future Trends: The Evolving Role of the NFL Combine

While the NFL Combine remains a cornerstone of the draft process, its role is evolving. Increased access to pro-day footage, all-star games, and advanced analytics are providing teams with more data than ever before. However, the combine’s value lies in its unique combination of on-field drills, medical evaluations, and in-person interviews.

Expect to observe continued emphasis on sports science and injury prevention at the combine. Teams are increasingly focused on identifying players with a lower risk of injury, and the combine’s medical evaluations play a crucial role in this process.

The Rise of Analytics and Data-Driven Decision Making

The NFL is becoming increasingly data-driven, and the combine is no exception. Teams are utilizing advanced analytics to evaluate prospects beyond traditional metrics like the 40-yard dash. Factors such as movement speed, agility, and explosiveness are now being quantified and analyzed in detail.

FAQ

Q: Where is the 2026 NFL Combine being held?
A: Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Q: Do I necessitate a ticket to attend the combine?
A: No, but you must register at NFL OnePass.

Q: What position groups are working out on March 1st?
A: Offensive linemen.

Q: Where can I watch the NFL Combine?
A: NFL Network and streaming platforms like fuboTV.

Q: Is the combine only about player workouts?
A: No, it’s also a key event for team executives to discuss trades, free agency, and other personnel matters.

Did you know? The NFL Scouting Combine has been held in Indianapolis since 1987 and will remain there through at least 2028.

Stay tuned for further updates from the 2026 NFL Combine as teams continue to evaluate the next generation of NFL stars. Explore our other articles for in-depth draft coverage and team analysis.

NFL combine 2026: QB grades as Ty Simpson, Carson Beck headline workouts