While college players take center stage at the NFL scouting combine, teams are busy preparing their next moves and evaluating potential draft picks.
Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza is the unanimous No. 1 pick of the Las Vegas Raiders, and it’s uncertain whether another quarterback will be selected in the first round.
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But in a crowded week in Indianapolis, there’s been plenty of speculation about the quarterback changing teams.
The Atlanta Falcons have informed Kirk Cousins that he will be released when the new season begins on March 11. The Miami Dolphins may part ways with Tua Tagovailoa and may have to take on $99.2 million in dead money against the cap hit, which could be spread over two seasons upon his release after June 1.
Kyler Murray may be looking for a new team after seven seasons in Arizona. The Cardinals owe him $36.8 million in fully guaranteed salary this year. If he makes the roster on the third day of the league year, another $19.5 million will be guaranteed in 2027.
Three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver A.J. Brown is a trade candidate, even though the Philadelphia Eagles won a Super Bowl with him and would prefer to keep him.
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The Raiders are willing to listen to offers for five-time Pro Bowl rusher Max Crosby, even though general manager John Spitek said they want him back.
Mike Evans, a six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, plans to test the free agent market, and he could potentially get an offer he can’t refuse.
QB level
Mendoza, who led Indiana to its first national title, did not work out at the combine. He spoke to reporters and conducted interviews.
The next quarterback drafted after Mendoza may have to wait a while. Alabama’s Ty Simpson had an impressive day at the combine. He’s a one-year starter and needs more experience, but his potential makes him a potential first-round pick.
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LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier and Miami’s Carson Baker raised their stocks at the combine. Arkansas’ Taylen Green showed off his athleticism, running a 4.36-second 40-yard dash.
Clemson’s Cade Klubnik and Penn State’s Drew Allar both had strong throwing performances.
edge striker
This is a deep group with several first-round prospects. This is a very important position for NFL teams, who value players who can put pressure on the quarterback. The defensive performance in the past two Super Bowls has been dominant, which will only increase the need for elite talent in the front four.
Texas Tech’s David Bailey, Ohio State’s Avir Reese and Miami’s Reuben Bane Jr. should be top-10 picks. Auburn’s Keldrick Faulk, Texas A&M’s Cassius Howell and Miami’s Achim Mesido are all likely first-round picks.
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wide receiver
There is a lot of depth at a position where teams are always looking for a playmaker.
Ohio State’s Carnell Tate leads the way and should finish in the top 10. USC’s Makai Lemon, Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson, Indiana’s Omar Cooper Jr., Washington’s Denzel Boston and Texas A&M’s KC Concepcion are among the first-round talents.
Notre Dame Tennessee’s Malachi Field, Chris Brazier II and Georgia’s Zacharias Branch will draw plenty of attention. This receiver class is so deep that there could be undrafted players making an impact.
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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
