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Draft season kicks into excessive gear this week on the NFL Scouting Mix in Indianapolis as groups will put prospects underneath a microscope throughout non-public interviews, information conferences and exercises at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Quarterbacks all the time dominate conversations on the mix, and this yr can be no totally 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 huge receiver group, headlined by Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr., LSU’s Malik Nabers and Washington’s Rome Odunze, may also 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, can be within the highlight. And the futures of quarterbacks Kirk Cousins, Russell Wilson and Justin Fields can be scorching matters.
We requested The Athletic’s workforce 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.
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How huge of a precedence is an improve at huge receiver?
The Cardinals need assistance there. That’s not a query. However they’ve a number of wants, and two of the largest are on the offensive and defensive strains. Like a lot of his friends, normal supervisor Monti Ossenfort believes the quickest technique to construct is thru the trenches. The favored idea is that if huge 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 special route and look to select up a receiver in later rounds? Ossenfort, who traded again from No. 3 final yr, gained’t reply these questions, in fact, 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 life like for anybody. Which means 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 bunch that features LSU’s Jayden Daniels, Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy and possibly even Oregon’s Bo Nix. Not solely that, the Falcons have to determine the place they’re going to want to select to get the participant they need. McCarthy and Nix nearly actually can be obtainable at eight, however getting Daniels would possibly require a commerce as much as as excessive as No. 3. — Josh Kendall
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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. Nevertheless, 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, nevertheless it’s who they’re. It’s additionally why there can be no place focus on the mix. What can be extra notable is whether or not DeCosta can acquire any traction in re-signing his personal free brokers. The Ravens have practically two dozen, together with standouts Justin Madubuike and Patrick Queen. With a good salary-cap state of affairs, DeCosta might want to get artistic to maintain the core of a 13-4 workforce collectively for one more run. — Jeff Zrebiec
How will the Payments navigate their at the moment nonexistent cap house?
The Payments have their work reduce out for them this offseason. The workforce is in a projected $41 million gap for 2024 cap house, with solely 53 gamers on their roster and plenty of holes in addition. The workforce might want to make some tough selections. Whom would possibly they reduce to make room? Which contracts will they restructure? Which gamers will they lengthen? How a lot do they wish to negatively affect their 2025 cap sheet with a few of their restructurings? Normal supervisor Brandon Beane hasn’t needed to do something fairly like this since his early years because the workforce’s GM. — Joe Buscaglia
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The workforce’s new coach and normal supervisor
I’m considering 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 largely normal phrases at their introductory information convention, the place Morgan stated the workforce wants extra “canines.” You might need heard: The Panthers don’t have a first-round choose. However this is a vital offseason for a workforce that should get quarterback Bryce Younger offensive line assist and extra weapons whereas determining learn how 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 can be on Caleb Williams, proper, the presumptive No. 1 choose within the draft this week on the mix. (John Leyba / USA In the present day)
How will Caleb Williams deal with the limelight?
An important 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 sector, and whereas he’s skilled extra fame than most school soccer gamers, he hasn’t skilled something just like the media onslaught that can be ready for him Friday morning in Indianapolis. The Bears, and different groups, will probably pay attention to how he does in that setting. — Kevin Fishbain
The defensive sort out class
The Bengals have to assault wants at inside line of defense aggressively, so how the measurables (and interviews) shake out will go a protracted technique to deciding if Byron Murphy of Texas and Jer’Zhan Newton of Illinois might 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 robust mix? The Bengals have to plot the draft path at DT and in the event that they don’t see sufficient choices, they may shift to a free-agent-laden strategy. — Paul Dehner Jr.
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The huge receivers
The Browns are centered on profitable in 2024, so the “good” stuff on the mix will contain Browns GM Andrew Berry speaking potential trades together with his friends and probably bumping into brokers of upcoming free brokers. None of that can be for public consumption. However the Browns have to improve their receiving corps — now and into the long run — so it’s honest to assume they’ll give attention to their evaluations of this yr’s huge 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 huge receivers can be lengthy gone, which of them they could 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 subject as a result of it impacts every little thing else. The Cowboys have given no indication that they’re contemplating a direct future with out Prescott, who’s getting into the ultimate season of his present deal. The almost definitely situation is that he indicators a brand new contract subsequent month. If the Cowboys go away his deal as is, he’d depend just below $60 million towards their 2024 cap, making it tough to do something to enhance the roster exterior of the draft. If Dallas is really “all in,” like Jerry Jones stated on the Senior Bowl, they want to determine Prescott’s future to allow them to start bettering the remainder of the roster. — Jon Machota
Russell Wilson watch
Sean Payton stated after the season {that a} determination on the way forward for the 35-year-old Wilson wouldn’t be “a protracted, drawn-out course of.” A number of weeks later, on the Tremendous Bowl, Payton stated the choice would come “sooner somewhat 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 gentle can be shed on their quarterback plan to comply with. — Nick Kosmider
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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 might use some younger expertise on the place, whether or not it’s at No. 29 on the primary night time 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 need to be wired a sure technique to excel on the place. Listening to from corners on the podium might assist us get a greater understanding of prospects the Lions would possibly like. — Colton Pouncy
Packers quarterback Jordan Love exceeded expectations in his first yr as a starter and now could be in line for a contract extension. (Patrick McDermott / Getty Photographs)
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 route. 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 trade contract numbers. — Matt Schneidman
Nick Caserio’s plan to construct on final season
This was speculated to be a gradual and probably painful construct as Caserio and new coach DeMeco Ryans started laying the inspiration 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 picks 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 extra assist by means of constant weapons and extra impactful defensive playmakers. With enough cap house and eight draft picks, the Texans have assets to construct with a mix of free-agent expertise and younger prospects. Caserio and Ryans certainly won’t 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 yr’s draft class is meant to be loaded with huge receiver expertise. Final yr, Wayne stated he was very impressed with Josh Downs’ route operating and sure-handedness through 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
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How they deal with the difficult 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. Nevertheless, 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. Nevertheless, if Ridley will get to free company however nonetheless returns to the Jaguars, the brand new deal wouldn’t be thought-about an extension — somewhat 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 may 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 workforce’s offense to its earlier potent kind. One of many quickest methods to try this is to pick the perfect pass-catching prospects obtainable late within the first and second rounds. Travis Kelce can be 35 subsequent season, so including one other tight finish must be excessive on the Chiefs’ precedence checklist. As for the receivers, the Chiefs ought to have loads of choices, contemplating the depth of this yr’s class. Reid and Veach will use the mix to begin figuring out which receiver might most excel enjoying alongside Patrick Mahomes. — Nate Taylor
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The quarterback prospects
This isn’t a novel reply, nevertheless it’s probably the most important 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 strong in 10 begins as a rookie, nevertheless it’s laborious 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 extensively thought-about the highest three quarterbacks on this class. The Raiders will do loads of work on them, nevertheless 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 have to deeply examine 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 In the present day)
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 selections loom, significantly relating to 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 usually? Who stays? Who goes? Do they inquire into the commerce market? Do they provide extensions? Will they use void years? I’ll be on the lookout for solutions to those questions in Indy. — Daniel Popper
Sniffing round an offseason plan
The Rams don’t usually attend the NFL mix (right here is why) aside from their medical workers’s on-site assortment of the all-important medical info on prospects. However Indianapolis continues to be an incredible place to collect knowledge and tidbits from brokers and different league sources about what their offseason plan may very well be and new tendencies in contract buildings and team-building. The Rams could have roughly $40 million in workable cap house and plenty 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 good 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’s going to it appear to be and when will it occur? The Dolphins QB enters the 2024 season with a $23.1 million cap cost on the fifth-year possibility. 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 workforce that might use some cap aid, decreasing 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. Hold Cousins, and Minnesota would probably be signaling its perception that it will probably contend within the brief time period. Transfer on from him, and the Vikings can be indicating that they’d be able to chart a brand new path. Cousins’ contract is about to void March 12. If that occurs, the Vikings can be on the hook for a hefty $28.5 million dead-cap hit. The one technique to lengthen that cash into the long run is to come back to phrases on an extension with Cousins. The NFL mix stands as a chief alternative for in-person discussions on this topic between the workforce and Cousins’ representatives. — Alec Lewis
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Quarterback Jayden Daniels
The simplest manner 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 peak (6-foot-4) or hand dimension (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 massive 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 huge 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 manner. And this yr it ought to are available mass contract restructurings of a number of veteran gamers. As famous in our NFL reporters’ mock draft not too long ago, the necessity for sort out and/or guard ought to stand excessive on the precedence checklist. 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 might additionally use one other piece for Derek Carr at huge 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 rather a lot using on this subsequent interval of the Giants offseason after an already noisy begin to the enterprise facet of issues with teaching adjustments aplenty. However the highlight can 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 be capable 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 huge receiver class that can draw loads of curiosity in Indianapolis. (Joe Nicholson / USA In the present day)
The go catchers
The Jets have an apparent want at offensive sort out (and/or at guard, too, relying on some offseason selections), however in addition they desperately need assistance at huge receiver for star Garrett Wilson. Allen Lazard gained’t reduce it as an possibility 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 is likely to 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 fingers, like final yr. — 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 can 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 what sort of 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 no less than unity, is what normal supervisor Omar Khan says about Pickett in contrast with what Mike Tomlin stated days after the season and what proprietor Artwork Rooney II stated 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 residence that Pickett gained’t be getting into the offseason because the clear-cut QB1 and both a re-signing of Rudolph or an outdoor free agent — or a possible commerce — will present professional 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 largest weak spot to repair lies within the offensive line. A couple of spot was an issue this previous season. Basically everybody however left sort out Trent Williams endured important struggles at one level or one other. So maybe the 49ers, who don’t choose till No. 31, can be on the lookout for an adaptable inside lineman who can instantly fortify their particularly problematic proper guard place earlier than probably changing into the long-term resolution at middle. The 49ers merely want extra high quality choices up entrance. Think about the enhance that might give QB Brock Purdy. — David Lombardi
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John Schneider flying solo
This can be Seattle’s first mix with GM Schneider main soccer operations, so his messaging from the rostrum can be attention-grabbing to research. Whereas Schneider has lengthy figured prominently into key selections, 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 workers are anticipated to stay behind to put in their schemes. That can put extra consideration on Schneider. — Mike Sando
How they strategy the quarterback place
The Bucs wish to re-sign Baker Mayfield, whose contract is up. Mayfield has stated he needs to stay in Tampa. However he additionally instructed ESPN he needs market worth. That most likely means a deal much like the one Geno Smith not too long ago signed with Seattle — $75 million over three years. Whether or not the Bucs wish to pay that’s the subject. A franchise tag is an possibility however not ultimate with security Antoine Winfield Jr. and huge receiver Mike Evans additionally on expiring contracts. It is going to 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 probably should focus their first two picks on their two largest 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 match 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 proud of it? The board may let Malik Nabers or Rome Odunze slide to No. 7. Would Brian Callahan favor 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 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 largely new to one another. Have they got Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels graded in the identical vary? If Williams is a reduce 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 dimension? We gained’t discover out the workers’s hopes and goals, however that is the place the detective work begins by analyzing the trio on our personal. — Ben Standig
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(High pictures of J.J. McCarthy, Saquon Barkley and Malik Nabers: Gregory Shamus, Getty Photographs; Jim McIsaac, Getty Photographs; Matthew Hinton / USA In the present day)
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