INDIANAPOLIS — The NFL Scouting Combine is taking place this week in Indianapolis. While it doesn’t wrap up the entire process for evaluating draft prospects, it certainly helps in solidifying the connection between teams and players.
This year, all 32 NFL teams will take a close look at top draft candidates, starting to piece together their draft boards.
A well-known steakhouse in downtown Indianapolis is often the backdrop for late-night discussions about free agency and trades, all in the pursuit of extra value.
Here are three points to consider as the action unfolds in one of America’s underrated cities.
Can Ty Simpson climb the draft rankings?
With Oregon State’s Dante Moore deciding to stay for another season, a significant gap emerged at quarterback behind Fernando Mendoza, who’s regarded as this draft’s top signal caller and a recent Heisman Trophy winner.
Moore was somewhat of a gamble. Everyone knew he didn’t have enough starting experience, which would require a team to be really patient, perhaps even redshirting him in his rookie season.
However, after watching him play, it’s clear that his arm strength, intelligence, mobility, and overall confidence could translate well to the NFL. So, for the team that picks him, even if it’s a high selection, it might be worth the wait.
With Moore out of the running, Alabama’s Ty Simpson steps into the role of the second-best quarterback. He’ll be followed by Penn State’s Drew Allard, Miami’s Carson Beck, Arkansas’ Taylen Green, Georgia Tech’s Haynes King, Clemson’s Cade Klubnik, and LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier.
The big question for Simpson is how much he can elevate his status in Indianapolis. The NFL’s quarterback demand is real, but can he impress enough to crack the first round, maybe even the top 15?
He looked like a solid first-round candidate early in the season, but injuries and a lack of experience might have hurt him. In the last eight games, he struggled, finishing with a completion rate of 60% or lower four times, including just 67 yards in a playoff loss to Indiana.
Ideally, Simpson could’ve benefitted from another season at Alabama, smoothing out some of his rough edges. After all, he’ll only have 15 career starts by the end of 2025. Still, he chose to enter the draft, believing that NFL exposure could speed up his growth and prepare him for the league.
The real question now is whether he can charm any teams in Indianapolis enough to secure a first-round spot.
Who is the top talent in this draft?
Debating whether Mendoza is the best player in the draft could go on forever. However, it’s pretty clear he’s the best quarterback, worthy of a top-10 pick in any draft, and the Raiders desperately need a game-changing quarterback.
This scenario has positioned Mendoza as a top pick.
There’s also a fascinating competition behind him, with a number of talented players vying for the next spots after the Jets.
The catch? Most top-tier players don’t play positions that typically justify high picks, making it a bit tricky to foresee outside contenders for a top-five position.
This week in Indianapolis presents a pivotal moment for several prospects.
Among them, Ohio State’s Caleb Downs and Arbel Reese might be two of the best overall players in the draft. Their positions—safety and off-ball linebacker—might not carry the same weight as quarterbacks or edge rushers, making their paths to the top five a bit tougher.
Miami’s offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa and edge rushers David Bailey from Texas Tech and Reuben Bayne Jr. from Miami warrant mention too. While they may be immediate NFL contributions, they’re not usually labeled as can’t-miss prospects.
Mauigoa has only played right tackle and might have to transition to guard. Bailey, while a strong pass rusher, needs to show he can also defend against the run effectively. There are questions surrounding Bane’s length and build for an all-purpose edge player versus a more interior role.
This week will be crucial for them as they aim to secure a top-five selection.
Love train to Kansas City?
If the best prospect in the draft is under discussion, Notre Dame’s Jeremiah Love certainly makes a case. He’s a genuine threat, capable of bolstering any offense with his skills both as a runner and a pass catcher.
However, the draft landscape doesn’t view running backs as premium picks anymore, especially not in the top 10.
Of course, there have been exceptions, like the Raiders picking Ashton Zity in last year’s draft or Bijan Robinson going in the top 10 in 2023.
Unfortunately, those choices have not led to significant team success. By the time Robinson and others become free agents, their prime may have been wasted without lofty returns.
So, depending on when and who selects him, Love could share a similar fate.
As a Heisman finalist, he has a golden chance to put doubts aside with strong performances this week. He clearly has what it takes to become a top-10 pick, regardless of how he’s categorized.
Interestingly enough, Love’s draft year aligns with the Chiefs’ first top-10 position in a decade, granting them the No. 9 pick.
The Chiefs don’t typically find themselves in this position often, as they aren’t one of the traditional struggling teams. They won’t be looking to draft Love and then dwell in a rebuilding phase.
While the Chiefs have had their challenges, expect them to bounce back rapidly once quarterback Patrick Mahomes recovers from last year’s knee injury, which he’s reportedly ahead of schedule in healing.
Just imagine adding Love to Mahomes and what that could mean for the Chiefs’ offense. It could be quite the dynamic duo.
