NFL Combine preview: Five key story lines
The NFL Combine begins on Tuesday in Indianapolis, Ind., as the first group of prospects comes to town.
The State will be there to chronicle all the news as it pertains to the four USC and eight Clemson invitees, but today we’ll take a look at five of the national storylines around the NFL’s annual talent evaluation circus.
Quarterbacks – There’s no can’t-miss prospect among this year’s quarterback class, which means there’s going to be plenty of debate about which one will be selected first. The hot name at the moment is North Dakota State’s Carson Wentz. He’s 6-foot-5, 232 pounds and comes from a pro-style system, which NFL coaches will love. Cal’s Jared Goff, Memphis’ Paxton Lynch, Michigan State’s Connor Cook and Mississippi State’s Dak Prescott will be trying to unseat Wentz atop draft boards this week.
The character question – It’s always a thing, but it’s going to be a big thing this year considering the very public implosion of Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel, who was a first-round draft pick despite some red flags and then had several issues this season. There are lots of talented players in this year’s draft – think Ole Miss DT Robert Nkemdiche, Rutgers WR Leonte Carroo, Eastern Kentucky DE Noah Spence (and more) – who have resumes the coaches are going to be very interested in reviewing.
Tennessee’s top spot – The Titans have the No. 1 draft pick in a year where no one yet looks like a true No. 1 draft pick. There are a lot of really good football players, such as Ole Miss OT Laremy Tunsil, Ohio State DE Joey Bosa and UCLA LB Myles Jack, but there’s no surefire superstar like teams are looking for with the top overall pick. Tennessee will be shopping the pick, but it’s unlikely to get a blockbuster offer at this point. That could change, though, if someone has a great combine and suddenly looks like a superstar.
Non-draft news – The combine is the first chance for most media members to talk to the general managers and head coaches of the teams they cover since end of season. That means that a lot of questions about current players and situations will be addressed in Indianapolis. Will the Carolina Panthers place the franchise tag on cornerback Josh Norman? Will the Bears franchise former South Carolina star Alshon Jeffery? If not, where will the standout wide receiver land?
College Connection – It’s clear to see why the nation’s best college football teams are the nation’s best college football teams when you look at this year’s invite list. Ohio State leads the country with 14 players headed in Indianapolis. Notre Dame (10), Alabama (nine) and UCLA (nine) are right behind the Buckeyes, followed by Clemson, Georgia, Florida and Auburn, all of whom have eight.
This story was originally published February 21, 2016 at 4:07 PM with the headline "NFL Combine preview: Five key story lines."