As all the time, the NFL Mix was about far more than scouting.
The Matthew Stafford saga reached a decision.
Aaron Rodgers rumors ran rampant.
The Washington Commanders added one other play-maker.
And, after all, groups obtained to look at and meet the 329 prospects who had been invited to this yr’s occasion, the place some gamers helped their draft inventory and others raised questions.
As soon as once more, the mix served as a pivotal week within the NFL offseason, with no scarcity of storylines rising as common managers, coaches and scouts from all 32 groups descended upon Indianapolis.
Listed here are a few of the greatest takeaways.
QB QUANDARY
Matthew Stafford’s representatives met with the Giants in Indianapolis. The Las Vegas Raiders had been additionally thought-about robust suitors.
However ultimately, the Los Angeles Rams agreed to restructure Stafford’s contract and hold the 37-year-old quarterback.
It’s a major growth for the veteran QB market, as Stafford turned the primary — and finest — possibility off the board.
The Giants, who maintain the No. 3 choose, and the Raiders, who’ve No. 6, could not have an opportunity to take the quarterback they need in a draft through which solely two QBs — Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders — are believed worthy of a top-10 choice.
Shortly after the Rams reached a decision with Stafford, studies surfaced that the Giants had been contemplating 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers. Russell Wilson is ready to be a free agent, whereas Kirk Cousins may very well be reduce by the Atlanta Falcons, too.
Sam Darnold, in the meantime, is predicted to command a hefty payday after breaking out throughout his age-27 season.
DEEBO DEAL
Recent off of their stunning run to the NFC Championship Sport, the Washington Commanders kicked off their offseason with a bang.
They agreed to accumulate huge receiver Deebo Samuel from the San Francisco 49ers for a fifth-round choose, giving second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels one other premium weapon.
Samuel, 29, requested a commerce after he pale as a focus within the Niners’ offense. He recorded solely 670 yards, 136 speeding yards and 4 touchdowns final season — a yr after he totaled 1,117 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdowns.
An All-Professional in 2021, Samuel is owed $21.7 million subsequent season.
MEANINGFUL MEASURABLES
It’s not catastrophic, however Ward’s hand measurement got here in at 9 inches, which is on the smaller aspect for NFL quarterbacks.
On the very least, it’s notable for a participant who may very well be drafted No. 1 general and who, till final season, had fumbling points in school.
Ward and Sanders each measured a bit of taller than 6-1 after each had been listed at 6-2 by their respective colleges. Sanders has 9 3/8-inch fingers.
Extra regarding among the many high prospects was that LSU offensive sort out Will Campbell has 32 5/8-inch arms — notably shorter than the 33-inch customary that NFL groups search for on the place.
That would spell a transfer to protect for Campbell. It may additionally push him within the draft order behind Missouri’s Armand Membou and Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr., who each have 33 1/2-inch arms.
PASSING PROWESS
As anticipated, Sanders and Ward didn’t throw on the mix and can wait till their respective professional days.
Nevertheless, Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart, who’s broadly thought-about the draft’s third-best QB prospect, did resolve to throw, and that served him nicely.
Dart displayed poise and linked on his deep throws, serving to him construct on a robust displaying in January’s Senior Bowl. He’s within the combine to be a first-round choose.
Louisville’s Tyler Shough additionally had a robust displaying, additional fueling the controversy round one of many draft’s most divisive prospects.
Shough is taken into account pro-ready, but at age 25, he’s considerably older than the opposite quarterbacks. The vary of outcomes embody him being a Day 2 or Day 3 choose, including intrigue after the draft’s first spherical.
The mix didn’t go as nicely for Ohio State’s Will Howard, who simply led the Buckeyes to a nationwide championship however missed some throws throughout his exercise.
HUNTER HEADLINES
Colorado cornerback/huge receiver Travis Hunter didn’t work out on the mix, however he nonetheless garnered loads of consideration.
Hunter, the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner, confirmed he want to stay a full-time cornerback and full-time receiver within the NFL.
“They say nobody has ever done it the way I do it,” Hunter mentioned. “But I tell them I’m just different.”
Hunter additionally made headlines when he instructed what he does as a two-way participant is tougher than what Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani does as a hitter and pitcher.
Extra importantly, Hunter measured in at 6-foot and 188 kilos, which is an appropriate measurement for each positions.
Like Ward and Sanders, he’s a contender to be picked first general.
CARTER’S CASE
Testing revealed a stress response in Carter’s proper foot, however he won’t bear surgical procedure for it.
“I couldn’t be more confident that this will be a non-factor where he’s drafted,” his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, instructed ESPN. “He will put on a show at his pro day.”
Penn State’s professional day is ready for March 28.
