2026 NFL Combine Thread: 2.26.26 - 3.1.26

[firefox1234]

Hope this bumps Sadiq top 15. Maybe the Bucs take him.

Edited 1 hour ago by firefox1234

[Htarnation4.0]

Alright. For all of you folks who follow closely, and with the Combine wrapping soon, who will be our likely/realistic targets in the 1st three rounds? And how does FA affect what we do on draft day. Thanks!!!

[Khyber53]

Get the smartest players at ILB, S and C. They can have immediate and lasting impacts, plus they can elevate the play of those around them, moving the powerful pieces around the chessboard more effectively.

 

[MHS831]

1 hour ago, Khyber53 said:

Great info overall.

This part, though, I had missed this guy. Could we go with another smaller, smarter LB? I mean, we had the best one of all time once before... Could lightning strike twice? Sure would be nice. Could we grab ILB in the second and third rounds? We really, really could use some strength and smarts there.

You hit the nail on the head when you mentioned intelligence--we have 3 primary needs at positions where intelligence is very important (FS C, LB).  It made me re-think things.  Smart players make others around them better and they anticipate mistakes.  Everyone is good--great is where you have to be.

Edited 40 minutes ago by MHS831

[firefox1234]

 

[firefox1234]

42 minutes ago, Htarnation4.0 said:

Alright. For all of you folks who follow closely, and with the Combine wrapping soon, who will be our likely/realistic targets in the 1st three rounds? And how does FA affect what we do on draft day. Thanks!!!

I like the DL/Edge and ILB class. I think I like Parker from Clemson the most cause he reminds me of Hendrickson and they had similar college production. The ILBs I could go with any of Allen, Hill Jr., Rodriguez, and Volday and walk away happy.

However, I’d be happy if other skill positions fall to us at #19 BPA if a Lemon or Tyson fell for whatever reason because they are playmakers which our team is desperately in short of in whatever shape or form.

[MHS831]

1 hour ago, Htarnation4.0 said:

Alright. For all of you folks who follow closely, and with the Combine wrapping soon, who will be our likely/realistic targets in the 1st three rounds? And how does FA affect what we do on draft day. Thanks!!!

Hard to say right now, but good thinking.  I look at this as the info we need for free agency.  Looks like we are going to free up about $10m so far; watch to see if any contracts (Moehrig, Horn, Brown, etc) are reworked the first week of March.  Then after free agency, we will have a pretty good idea.

Right now, to be fair to your question because I am sure you are aware of its timing:

In free agency, I see us adding an OT of some sort and drafting one at some point.  It all depends on how they view Ickey, Nijman, and maybe BC.  That OT could be Nijman.  I do not see the future OT--just a stop gap.

I see the Panthers signing a free-agent center.  I think the market is strong.  I see Fortner from the Saints as a prime candidate and his salary is estimated at $6m by Spotrac.  the Saints are $42m over the cap, so I doubt they are able to re-sign many of their own.  He will be 28.  I also expect them to re-sign Corbett (depth) at a vet min ($1.5m) deal.

I also see free agency as a strong area to get a free safety who can play and is under age 30.  Hawkins, Cook, and Bryant are all around age 27-28, play at a high level, and should be had for about $15m per.

EDGE: Arnold Ebiketie is a good value because he gets pressure at a high percentage.  He had 2 sacks and Atlanta just drafted 2 pass rushers last year.   He has a 70+ PFF rating and will (Spotrac) demand about $9m.  While he is not the answer, he is a great third down option with Princely and he would allow for Jones, Scourton, and Princely to develop.

So if we could sign a S, C, and Edge, and maybe even an ILB, we could be set to take BPA.  

I like the FS and C markets--not elated about an edge--and I love the ILBs in the draft.

If I could sign a S, C, and Edge:

1. OT

2. ILB

3. WR

OR 

1. WR

2. OT

3. ILB (so deep)

Edited 5 minutes ago by MHS831