The NFL Scouting Combine is in full swing, and today is the day fans eagerly anticipate. Quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers are taking center stage, and their performances will undoubtedly influence draft rankings and stir up plenty of buzz. Imagine a wideout juggling questions about Legos before hitting the three-cone drill-it's all part of the spectacle.
Let's dive into the QB-RB-WR group, featuring standout talents like Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and Ohio State’s Carnell Tate.
Viewing Information for the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine
- Time: 1-8 p.m. ET, Saturday
- Venue: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis
- TV: NFL Network
- Streaming: Available on Fubo (Stream Free Now) and NFL+
Encore presentations will air at 8 and 11 p.m. Saturday and 2 a.m. Sunday (all times ET).
Key Players to Watch
Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner and national championship hero, is poised to be the No. 1 pick. His accuracy and poise last season were nothing short of spectacular.
Mendoza has already had a formal interview with the Las Vegas Raiders, who hold the top draft pick after a tough 3-14 season. He praised new Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak as “savvy” and even had a chat with Tom Brady, the franchise’s minority owner.
Mendoza will skip throwing at the combine, saving his arm for Indiana’s pro day on April 1. This approach mirrors that of the last three No. 1 draft picks, all quarterbacks, who also conserved their efforts at the combine.
Alabama’s Ty Simpson is another quarterback to keep an eye on. He threw 28 touchdowns to just five interceptions in his final season. However, there’s some intrigue surrounding his medical report, as he played through a rib injury during the College Football Playoff.
North Dakota State’s Cole Payton is being touted as a potential sleeper. With 16 passing touchdowns and 13 rushing touchdowns, his dual-threat capability is definitely intriguing.
Jeremiyah Love from Notre Dame leads the running backs. Known for his explosive open-field play, Love has expressed interest in the Kansas City Chiefs.
However, he mentioned to Rich Eisen that he hasn’t had a formal interview with the Cleveland Browns. Love is all set to participate fully today.
Arkansas’ Mike Washington is another running back to watch, especially after his impressive Senior Bowl performance.
In the wide receiver category, Carnell Tate is a 6-foot-3 playmaker who’s making a strong case to be the No. 2 overall pick. He envisions his game-changing talent fitting perfectly with the New York Jets. Meanwhile, USC’s Makai Lemon, known for his agility, will skip the 40-yard dash but will still showcase his skills in other drills.
Memorable Combine Performances
Reflecting on past combines, Xavier Worthy made waves two years ago with a record-setting 40-yard dash, leading to his first-round selection by the Chiefs. He didn’t disappoint, scoring nine touchdowns as a rookie.
Chris Johnson’s lightning-fast 40 time in 2008 propelled him to first-round status with the Tennessee Titans, and he joined the elite 2,000-yard club in just his second season.
And who can forget Tom Brady’s underwhelming combine in 2000? Despite a low vertical jump and modest practice reps, he went on to win seven Super Bowls, proving that the combine isn’t the final word on a player’s potential.
Draft Insights
Nick Baumgardner highlighted Ty Simpson’s potential, noting his first-round talent both athletically and mentally. While he might not be ready to lead an NFL team immediately, his performance at the combine could boost his draft stock significantly.
Ted Nguyen pointed out that the Raiders, after considering trade offers, are likely to select Mendoza, signaling a fresh start for the franchise under Klint Kubiak’s leadership.
Pete Sampson discussed how New Orleans could solve their quarterback issues with Tyler Shough and potentially replace Alvin Kamara with Jeremiyah Love, a player who poses a scoring threat every time he touches the ball.
As the combine unfolds, these players have the opportunity to solidify their draft positions and make their mark on the NFL. Keep an eye on the action-it's sure to be a thrilling ride.