As always, the NFL Combine was about much more than scouting.
The Matthew Stafford saga reached a resolution.
Aaron Rodgers rumors ran rampant.
The Washington Commanders added another play-maker.
And, of course, teams got to watch and meet the 329 prospects who were invited to this year’s event, where some players helped their draft stock and others raised questions.
Once again, the combine served as a pivotal week in the NFL offseason, with no shortage of storylines emerging as general managers, coaches and scouts from all 32 teams descended upon Indianapolis.
Here are some of the biggest takeaways.
QB QUANDARY
Matthew Stafford’s representatives met with the Giants in Indianapolis. The Las Vegas Raiders were also considered strong suitors.
But in the end, the Los Angeles Rams agreed to restructure Stafford’s contract and keep the 37-year-old quarterback.
It’s a significant development for the veteran QB market, as Stafford became the first — and best — option off the board.
The Giants, who hold the No. 3 pick, and the Raiders, who have No. 6, may not have a chance to take the quarterback they want in a draft in which only two QBs — Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders — are believed worthy of a top-10 selection.
Shortly after the Rams reached a resolution with Stafford, reports surfaced that the Giants were considering 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers. Russell Wilson is set to be a free agent, while Kirk Cousins could be cut by the Atlanta Falcons, too.
Sam Darnold, meanwhile, is expected to command a hefty payday after breaking out during his age-27 season.
DEEBO DEAL
Fresh off of their surprising run to the NFC Championship Game, the Washington Commanders kicked off their offseason with a bang.
They agreed to acquire wide receiver Deebo Samuel from the San Francisco 49ers for a fifth-round pick, giving second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels another premium weapon.
Samuel, 29, requested a trade after he faded as a focal point in the Niners’ offense. He recorded only 670 yards, 136 rushing yards and four touchdowns last season — a year after he totaled 1,117 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdowns.
An All-Pro in 2021, Samuel is owed $21.7 million next season.
MEANINGFUL MEASURABLES
It’s not catastrophic, but Ward’s hand size came in at nine inches, which is on the smaller side for NFL quarterbacks.
At the very least, it is notable for a player who could be drafted No. 1 overall and who, until last season, had fumbling issues in college.
Ward and Sanders both measured a little taller than 6-1 after both were listed at 6-2 by their respective schools. Sanders has 9 3/8-inch hands.
More concerning among the top prospects was that LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell has 32 5/8-inch arms — notably shorter than the 33-inch standard that NFL teams look for at the position.
That could spell a move to guard for Campbell. It could also push him in the draft order behind Missouri’s Armand Membou and Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr., who both have 33 1/2-inch arms.
PASSING PROWESS
As expected, Sanders and Ward did not throw at the combine and will wait until their respective pro days.
However, Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart, who is widely considered the draft’s third-best QB prospect, did decide to throw, and that served him well.
Dart displayed poise and connected on his deep throws, helping him build on a strong showing in January’s Senior Bowl. He is in the mix to be a first-round pick.
Louisville’s Tyler Shough also had a strong showing, further fueling the debate around one of the draft’s most divisive prospects.
Shough is considered pro-ready, yet at age 25, he is significantly older than the other quarterbacks. The range of outcomes include him being a Day 2 or Day 3 pick, adding intrigue after the draft’s first round.
The combine did not go as well for Ohio State’s Will Howard, who just led the Buckeyes to a national championship but missed some throws during his workout.
HUNTER HEADLINES
Colorado cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter did not work out at the combine, but he still garnered plenty of attention.
Hunter, the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner, confirmed he would like to remain a full-time cornerback and full-time receiver in the NFL.
“They say nobody has ever done it the way I do it,” Hunter said. “But I tell them I’m just different.”
Hunter also made headlines when he suggested what he does as a two-way player is more difficult than what Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani does as a hitter and pitcher.
More importantly, Hunter measured in at 6-foot and 188 pounds, which is an acceptable size for both positions.
Like Ward and Sanders, he is a contender to be picked first overall.
CARTER’S CASE
Rounding out the candidates to be drafted No. 1 is Penn State pass rusher Abdul Carter, who got a bit of bad news last week.
Testing revealed a stress reaction in Carter’s right foot, but he will not undergo surgery for it.
“I couldn’t be more confident that this will be a non-factor where he’s drafted,” his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, told ESPN. “He will put on a show at his pro day.”
Penn State’s pro day is set for March 28.
