Tag: combine

Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (QB13) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

SEC rivals Garrett Nussmeier, Ty Simpson vying to be QB2 in 2026 draft

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Garrett Nussmeier was two practices into the 2025 season when the LSU starting quarterback derailed the entire year.

Nussmeier strained an oblique muscle that limited his ability to not only throw the deep ball but any pass without experiencing shooting pain.

Head coach Brian Kelly didn’t fully disclose the nature of the injury until he began to be pressed about Nussmeier’s health. Eventually Kelly shared more details but was fired before the season ended.

“My injury occurred in fall camp — Day 2, practice two of fall camp. How much did it affect me? I think it was pretty evident,” Nussmeier said of the impact of his injury on his performance. “I really wasn’t able to throw the football. I had a stabbing pain in my ab every time I went to go throw the football.”

The son of Saints offensive coordinator and former NFL quarterback Doug Nussmeier, Garrett Nussmeier had 52 touchdowns and 24 interceptions for the Tigers in his career, throwing for 7,699 yards.

LSU shut him down with three games remaining in the 2025 regular season with 12 touchdowns and five interceptions. It wasn’t the season he envisioned when considering whether to return to LSU after a sensational 2024 campaign.

But he started to rebuild his case as the QB2 in the 2026 draft class at the Senior Bowl. One of his chief competitors for that billing is SEC rival Ty Simpson of Alabama. Simpson said he met with the New York Jets’ brass, which included head coach Aaron Glenn and offensive coordinator Frank Reich, and came away flattered with their appraisal of his talent.

The Jets have the No. 2 pick in the draft behind the Las Vegas Raiders, who are widely expected to use the selection on Heisman Trophy winner and Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

Whether there is another QB in the draft class worth the freight in the first round has been a common debate. Simpson doesn’t have any doubt after just one year as the starter for Alabama.

“First off, I think I’m ready. I’m a franchise quarterback,” Simpson said. “Alabama prepares you the most for the NFL … The Alabama locker room is as close to an NFL locker room as you can get.”

Among questions from pro suitors for Nussmeier to answer — besides proving his health — are whether he can hold up in the NFL with a relatively small physique and if he has the arm talent to be a QB1.

He said the injury was impossible to heal in-season because rest and gradual rehab weren’t possible while trying to prepare for a game every seven days.

“It was a frustrating deal, and it wasn’t LSU’s fault. It wasn’t the doctor’s fault. They did a great job of taking care of me and the trainers there,” Nussmeier said. “It was just a rare deal. It was just a thing that we really didn’t figure out what it was until about two months ago.”

Nussmeier has mostly recovered physically and regained strength in his core over the past month.

“Feeling much more like myself, which has been exciting,” Nussmeier said. “Learning how to retrain myself, get rid of the bad habits that I had created and just to be able to get to throw the football like I know I can.”

–Field Level Media

Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles (LB25) runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Ohio State LBs Reese, Styles sizzle in workouts at NFL Scouting Combine

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Ohio State linebackers Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese left a vapor trail during on-field tests at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday in Indianapolis.

Styles, primarily a middle linebacker for the Buckeyes, and Reese, who said this week he’s training to be a pass-rushing linebacker at the NFL level, turned in matching 40-yard dash times of 4.46 seconds.

Texas Tech pass rusher David Bailey ran a 4.50, the best among all defensive ends timed on Thursday. Bailey is projected as a top-10 pick. Bailey measured at 6-4, 251 pounds and had a 35-inch vertical.

Styles posted a 43.5-inch vertical — Reese did not do vertical or broad-jump testing — which is better than what safety Nick Emmanwori (Seahawks) recorded as a 2025 combine-best 43-inch vertical. Styles measured 6-5 and weighed 244 pounds. His broad jump was also the best recorded Thursday at Lucas Oil Stadium at just over 11 feet and he had a 7.09-second three-cone drill and 4.26-second short shuttle.

Most draft projections put Reese and Styles in the top 15 overall picks in April.

A projected second-rounder, Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez had the top three-cone time — 6.90 seconds — and went 4.19 in the short shuttle among prospects at the position who participated Thursday.

–Field Level Media

Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8), linebacker Sonny Styles (6), safety Caleb Downs (2) and cornerback Davison Igbinosun (1) work out during spring football practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on March 17, 2025.

Field Level Media’s Top 100 NFL draft prospects

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Field Level Media Top 100 rankings for the 2026 NFL Draft:

1. QB Fernando Mendoza Indiana (6-5, 225)
2. RB Jeremiyah Love Notre Dame (6-0, 210)
3. TE Kenyon Sadiq Oregon (6-3, 245)
4. S Caleb Downs Ohio State (6-1, 200)
5. WR Carnell Tate Ohio State (6-3, 195)
6. OT Spencer Fano Utah (6-4, 300)
7. WR Makai Lemon USC (5-11, 195)
8. LB Arvell Reese Ohio State (6-4, 243)
9. EDGE David Bailey Texas Tech (6-3, 247)
10. LB Sonny Styles Ohio State (6-5, 243)
11. EDGE Keldric Faulk Auburn (6-5, 285)
12. OT Kadyn Proctor Alabama (6-7, 365)
13. OT Francis Mauigoa Miami (6-6, 300)
14. CB Mansoor Delane LSU (6-0, 190)
15. DT Peter Woods Clemson (6-3, 315)
16. CB Jermod McCoy Tennessee (5-10, 193)
17. EDGE Rueben Bain Jr. Miami (6-2, 270)
18. CB Avieon Terrell Clemson (5-11, 190)
19. WR Jordyn Tyson Arizona State (6-2, 200)
20. DT Kayden McDonald Ohio State (6-2, 326)
21. EDGE TJ Parker Clemson (6-3, 255)
22. OLB Cashius Howell Texas A&M (6-2, 249)
23. CB Colton Hood Tennessee (6-0, 195)
24. CB Brandon Cisse South Carolina (6-0, 190)
25. WR KC Concepcion Texas A&M (5-11, 190)
26. QB Ty Simpson Alabama (6-2, 208)
27. OT Caleb Lomu Utah (6-6, 300)
28. CB Keith Abney II Arizona State (6-0, 190)
29. LB Anthony Hill Jr. Texas (6-2, 238)
30. OG Vega Ioane Penn State (6-4, 323)
31. RB Jadarian Price Notre Dame (5-10, 210)
32. C Connor Lew Auburn (6-3, 300)
33. LB Jake Golday Cincinnati (6-4, 240)
34. DT Lee Hunter Texas Tech (6-3, 333)
35. DT Caleb Banks Florida (6-6, 334)
36. CB Chris Johnson San Diego State (6-0, 185)
37. WR Omar Cooper Jr. Indiana (6-0, 204)
38. TE Max Klare Ohio State (6-3, 240)
39. LB CJ Allen Georgia (6-1, 236)
40. EDGE Akheem Mesidor Miami (6-3, 265)
41. CB Will Lee III Texas A&M (6-1, 191)
42. EDGE Joshua Josephs Tennessee (6-3, 240)
43. EDGE Malachi Lawrence UCF (6-4, 247)
44. FS Emmanuel McNeil-Warren Toledo (6-3, 209)
45. QB Taylen Green Arkansas (6-6, 225)
46. OLB R Mason Thomas Oklahoma (6-1, 249)
47. OT Monroe Freeling Georgia (6-7, 315)
48. OG Emmanuel Pregnon Oregon (6-4, 323)
49. OT Max Iheanachor Arizona State (6-5, 325)
50. WR Germie Bernard Alabama (6-1, 209)
51. EDGE Derrick Moore Michigan (6-3, 265)
52. WR Chris Bell Louisville (6-2, 220)
53. OT Dametrious Crownover Texas A&M (6-6, 335)
54. WR Bryce Lance North Dakota State (6-3, 210)
55. EDGE LT Overton Alabama (6-2, 274)
56. OG Chase Bisontis Texas A&M (6-6, 320)
57. EDGE Zion Young Missouri (6-5, 255)
58. OT Blake Miller Clemson (6-6, 314)
59. DT Domonique Orange Iowa State (6-2, 325)
60. OT Caleb Tiernan Northwestern (6-7, 325)
61. TE Eli Stowers Vanderbilt (6-3, 240)
62. SS Jakobe Thomas Miami (6-2, 200)
63. SS DQ Smith South Carolina (6-1, 209)
64. RB Jonah Coleman Washington (5-9, 225)
65. OT Markel Bell Miami (6-9, 340)
66. WR Ted Hurst Georgia State (6-3, 193)
67. CB Keionte Scott Miami (6-0, 195)
68. C Logan Jones Iowa (6-3, 302)
69. C Brian Parker II Duke (6-5, 300)
70. FS Bud Clark TCU (6-0, 190)
71. LB Harold Perkins Jr. LSU (6-1, 222)
72. SS Jalon Kilgore South Carolina (6-1, 197)
73. CB Charles Demmings Stephen F. Austin (6-0, 185)
74. RB Nick Singleton Penn State (6-0, 226)
75. QB Carson Beck Miami (6-4, 225)
76. CB Treydan Stukes Arizona (6-2, 200)
77. CB Hezekiah Masses California (6-1, 185)
78. QB Cade Klubnik Clemson (6-1, 210)
79. FS Genesis Smith Arizona (6-2, 204)
80. FS Dillon Thieneman Oregon (6-0, 205)
81. WR Zachariah Branch Georgia (5-10, 175)
82. WR Chris Brazzell II Tennessee (6-4, 200)
83. SS AJ Haulcy LSU (5-11, 222)
84. EDGE Dani Dennis-Sutton Penn State (6-5, 265)
85. WR Antonio Williams Clemson (5-11, 190)
86. OG Gennings Dunker Iowa (6-5, 315)
87. FS Kamari Ramsey USC (6-0, 205)
88. RB Kaytron Allen Penn State (5-11, 220)
89. SS Zakee Wheatley Penn State (6-2, 192)
90. WR Deion Burks Oklahoma (5-9, 190)
91. OT Drew Shelton Penn State (6-5, 305)
92. CB Daylen Everette Georgia (6-0, 193)
93. OG Anez Cooper Miami (6-6, 350)
94. DT Tim Keenan III Alabama (6-2, 320)
95. EDGE Patrick Payton LSU (6-6, 255)
96. FS Isaiah Nwokobia SMU (6-1, 205)
97. CB Julian Neal Arkansas (6-2, 208)
98. CB Tacario Davis Washington (6-4, 200)
99. DT Darrell Jackson Jr. Florida State (6-5, 337)
100. EDGE Max Llewellyn Iowa (6-5, 263)

–Field Level Media

Jan 31, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; National quarterback Cole Payton (9) of North Dakota State throws the ball during the second half of the 2026 Senior Bowl at University of South Alabama, Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

Top 5 Quarterback prospects in 2026 NFL Draft

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Ahead of the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, Field Level Media draft analysts ranked the top prospects at every position.

There is only one quarterback — Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner who helped the Hoosiers claim the national title — worthy of a first-round grade.

But quarterbacks rise as the draft closes in and reality hits the teams without a certifiable QB at the center of their plans.

Which one — or two? — could rise in 2026?

Quarterbacks are on the road to the draft with the NFL Scouting Combine next week, arriving in Indianapolis on Wednesday and Thursday for medical evaluations. They’ll conduct media sessions on Friday and be on the field Saturday for position drills, agility tests and the 40-yard dash.

Pro days often take precedent at this position. Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza plans to hold off on throwing until the on-campus workout and pro day in Bloomington on April 1.

1. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
6-5, 225
Tall, well-built pocket passer with quick release and rapid, high-level processing speed. Wins with excellent anticipation, accuracy and ball placement.

2. Ty Simpson, Alabama
6-2, 208
Well-rounded with adequate arm strength, accuracy, even as a one-year starter who battled inconsistency and ended the season hurt (ribs).

3. Taylen Green, Arkansas
6-6, 225
If he runs a 4.5 and would consider changing positions, there will be some interest. Green might prefer to utilize his genetic lottery-winning trains — exceptional size and speed — to give QB a try. He’s the very definition of boom-or-bust.

4-T. Carson Beck, Miami
6-4, 220
Wins with accuracy and ball placement and is tough as a blitz-beating pocket passer. Arm strength isn’t elite.

4-T. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
6-1, 215
NFL bloodlines and ties with current Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier. He’s a known commodity to pro teams and two-year starter in the SEC. But injuries led to sloppy mechanics and poor production last season, when he wound up sharing the QB1 role. Earned back some points with a strong Senior Bowl, but the final grade depends almost entirely on which team is doing the math.

5. Cade Klubnik, Clemson
6-1, 210
With footwork and athletic tools, Klubnik is a pro system QB candidate because of his accuracy on short and intermediate throws. His height, top-end arm talent and deep ball accuracy limit his ceiling.

–Finding a wildcard at quarterback has forever been a front-office mission in the NFL. This year’s mid-round find could come from North Dakota State. Cole Payton, a pocket passer who thrived in the FCS with an attack mentality, can also move if the system calls for mobility or RPO-based action. Trust he will be opening eyes during QB throwing sessions at Lucas Oil Stadium. The southpaw stuck with NDSU despite hearing from Nebraska and other FBS programs late in his senior season and it has begun paying off. He got a lot of attention in Mobile at the Senior Bowl for his timing and arm talent.

–Field Level Media

Clemson defensive lineman Peter Woods (11) during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, September 6, 2025.

Top 5 Defensive Tackle prospects in 2026 NFL Draft

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Ahead of the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, Field Level Media draft analysts ranked the top prospects at every position.

All defensive linemen follow an itinerary in Indianapolis calling for arrival on Tuesday, media Wednesday and on-field workouts Thursday. The entire position group tests in the bench press on Friday.

1. Peter Woods, Clemson
6-3, 315
Exceptional athlete with light feet, sudden agility and explosive power. He’s projected to clock in the 4.8s in the 40.

2. Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
6-2, 326
Big-bodied nose tackle with disruptive effort and consistent push. Instincts are excellent, but he’s still refining technical elements of his game.

3. Caleb Banks, Florida
6-6, 334
Rare size and athleticism, a legitimate run-stuffer at nose tackle. Can be explosive off the ball. Has an injury history to overcome.

4. Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
Profile: 6-3, 322
Surprising movement skills for his size but active and a challenge for blockers to square up and sustain blocks against.

5. Domonique Orange, Iowa State
6-2, 325
Strong and disruptive run stopper, he’ll be one to watch for the bench press total. Overall agility and arm length to be scrutinized.

Zane Durant (Penn State) might defer his full workout to the campus pro day but with ground to make up in the position pecking order, don’t be surprised if the 285-pounder decides to show his insane straight-line speed by at least running the 40 on Thursday.

–Field Level Media

Jan 30, 2025; Mobile, AL, USA; National team quarterback Dillon Gabriel of Oregon (8) works through drills during Senior Bowl practice for the National team at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

Short on height, QB Dillon Gabriel invites NFL to measure results

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INDIANAPOLIS — Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel stands on his experience, results and reputation as a winner as NFL doubters point to a glaring shortcoming compared to other pro prospects: height.

Measured at 5-foot-11, Gabriel said he watches a lot of Baker Mayfield film and compares his play to 49ers starter Brock Purdy and Dolphins starter Tua Tagovailoa.

“I’m not for everyone,” Gabriel said. “I challenge everyone just to watch the tape, you see the evolution 2019 until now, the growth I’ve made physically and mentally. Even my throwing motion — you see how polished and how detailed it has been. I’m confident in my tape, whether it’s good or bad, I think you can learn from that and most importantly how I’ve responded.”

Gabriel has been a starting quarterback since he was a freshman at Mililani (Hawaii) High School and in successful college stops at UCF, Oklahoma and Oregon with five seasons of 25-plus TD passes and 3,000-plus passing yards. He had 105 TD passes in four seasons as the varsity starter in high school and was Gatorade National Player of the Year with 38 TD passes as a senior.

“I’m a leader. I’m a winner. I’ve won at all three spots, and I’ve done it in big games,” said Gabriel, a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2024 who had 60 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions in his final two college seasons.

“I want teams to believe I can go out there and win games,” he said. “If a team wants a winner, a franchise leader, they know who to call.”

A Pro Bowl selection coming off of a career year with the Buccaneers in 2024, Mayfield measured 6-0 5/8 at the combine and was the No. 1 pick in the 2018 draft. Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray went No. 1 in 2019 despite measuring 5-10 1/8 at the combine.

Gabriel, 24, said he had interviews this week with the Dolphins, Cowboys and Raiders in Indianapolis and has been encouraged with the NFL feedback he has received.

–Field Level Media

Michigan defensive back Will Johnson (2) celebrates after returning an interception for a touchdown against Fresno State during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024.

Report: Michigan duo won’t work out at Combine

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Michigan cornerback Will Johnson and defensive tackle Kenneth Grant will not work out at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, ESPN and NFL Network reported Thursday.

Both projected first-round picks are instead expected to be full participants in the Wolverines’ Pro Day on March 21.

Johnson intercepted nine passes in three seasons at Michigan, returning three of them for touchdowns. He added 68 tackles in 32 games.

A national champion in 2023 and a two-time All-Big Ten selection, Johnson was a first-team All-American in 2023 and earned second-team recognition in 2024 despite shoulder and foot injuries that limited him to six games.

Johnson was named the defensive MVP in Michigan’s College Football Playoff national championship game victory against Washington on Jan. 8, 2024. He had four tackles and an interception in the 34-13 win.

Combine medical evaluations revealed a hamstring strain for Grant, who had been planning to participate in on-field drills Thursday. The nose tackle said on Wednesday that he dropped more than 15 pounds to get his weight to 332 with a goal of running a 40-yard dash time in the 4.8-second range. The Indiana native also expected to see a slew of family and familiar faces in the stands at Lucas Oil Stadium for workouts.

Grant had 69 tackles (12 for losses) with 6.5 sacks, 10 passes defensed, one interception and three fumble recoveries in 41 games over three seasons in Ann Arbor.

Grant was a second-team All-Big Ten selection in both 2023 and 2024 and a third-team All-American last season.

–Field Level Media

Sep 9, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (left) hands off to wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (right) during the second quarter against the New York Jets at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

‘Time happens’ as 49ers dial up Deebo trade, talk money with QB Brock Purdy

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INDIANAPOLIS — Time off is great, but 49ers general manager John Lynch would prefer not to start vacation mode in January again.

From the Super Bowl to missing the playoffs, San Francisco had more time than usual to plot a strategy for the upcoming offseason after finishing the 2024 season with a 6-11 record. The 49ers last finished with fewer than 10 wins in a season in 2020 (6-10).

“We need to get younger,” Lynch said Wednesday at the NFL Scouting Combine.

In 2020, that meant reloading the defensive line — defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw was the 14th overall pick — and selecting wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk with a second first-round pick. They also drafted wide receiver Jauan Jennings in the seventh round.

As the 49ers angle for a fresh start, wide receiver Deebo Samuel asked for one of his own. Lynch confirmed Wednesday action has been hot and heavy with multiple teams interested in acquiring Samuel, a player All-Pro tight end George Kittle has said cannot be replaced.

“The financial restraints and some conversations we’ve had with Deebo — we’re on good terms with Deebo. He’s asked for a fresh start and I think we’re going to honor that. Don’t like seeing great players — and he is a great player. I think often, one of my favorite draft picks in my time, he makes plays. He makes game-changing plays. Everything’s good. At some point, time happens. It probably makes sense. So we’re at least allowing him to look.”

The 49ers did the same with Aiyuk last summer with a contract holdout reaching a stalemate before negotiating a four-year, $120 million contract that signaled Samuel’s time could be up.

He turned 29 in January and the 2019 second-round pick hits the market after a 51-catch season, his lowest production in a full season over his six years in San Francisco. Samuel had 33 catches in 2020, when he was limited to seven games because of a broken foot.

Lynch said the 49ers and quarterback Brock Purdy “started negotiations” but there’s no guarantees the two sides get a deal done before the 2025 regular season.

“I won’t go into negotiations like always is our stance. We want Brock to be our quarterback as long as we’re here and beyond and we’ll leave it at that,” Lynch said. “My experience has been when both sides are motivated, there’s ample opportunity to do so.”

The final pick of the 2022 draft, Purdy enters the final season of his rookie contract with a base salary of $5.265 million thanks to a proven performance escalator in all NFL rookie contracts. His original four-year deal included a total salary of $3.74 million. Purdy turned 25 in December and has a 27-15 record, including 4-2 in the playoffs, with the 49ers.

Lynch said Purdy should have his left tackle of choice, Trent Williams, in front of him again in 2025. Williams turns 37 in July and missed the final seven games last season with an ankle injury.

“He’s playing,” Lynch said of the four-time All-Pro. “I think he’s really motivated to come back. When you’re a player that has experience playing at those heights, you don’t want to play unless you’re playing at that level, and I think that’s where Trent’s at. … I think we’re going to see a real motivated Trent Williams to come back and have a great year, and that’s a good thing for us.”

Running back Christian McCaffrey ended the season on IR with a posterior cruciate ligament knee injury and was sidelined early in the season with calf and Achilles issues. The NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2023, McCaffrey had 21 total TDs and over 2,100 yards from scrimmage two seasons ago.

Lynch said McCaffrey should be ready to roll to start the 2025 season. Meanwhile, the 49ers will consider ways to prevent him from trying to do too much too soon.

“Christian’s doing really well,” he said. “And I think (he) was real frustrated with the way last season went. And doing everything that is possible, as he did in preparation for last year. And we’re hoping Christian McCaffrey is out there and going to have a tremendous year. If he’s healthy, he will have a tremendous year. That’s just what he does.”

–Jeff Reynolds, Field Level Media

Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham (55) celebrates a play against Ohio State during the second half at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.

Michigan DT duo out to prove first-round status at Scouting Combine

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INDIANAPOLIS — When NFL teams ask Mason Graham for a game film from his college career that defines him as a prospect, the Michigan man has plenty to choose from.

But he also has a favorite.

“I mean, I feel like just rolling that Ohio State film. That’s all you need to see, really,” Graham said Wednesday at the NFL Scouting Combine.

A top-five prospect departing Ann Arbor with a national title and All-American status, Graham angles for position at the top of a loaded defensive line class in the 2025 NFL Draft. He entered the draft after three college seasons and was described by his former college coach, Jim Harbaugh, as one of the best players he ever coached.

He’s an interior defensive lineman with the body and burst to stop the run and penetrate to collapse the pocket.

“I feel like I affect every snap, run or pass,” Graham said. “I feel like one of the most dominant players in this class.”

One position the Tennessee Titans might not need is defensive tackle, which means Graham is unlikely to be picked first overall. But the rest of the top 10 could be in the market for a player who can impact the defense on every down. Three of those teams were already checked off his list of interviews in Indianapolis with others on the docket Wednesday.

Graham said in meetings with the Patriots — New England holds the No. 4 overall pick — and Raiders (sixth), both teams focused on what makes Graham tick.

His response?

“How hard I work. No off-the-field stuff. I’m all about business,” Graham said. “I’m not a mysterious guy. You don’t need to look deep to find out about me. Everything is out there. Nothing to hide.”

Wolverines teammate Kenneth Grant is also viewed as a first-round prospect as a traditional nose tackle. A native of Merrillville, Ind., he said his parents, sisters and nieces and nephews are planning to be on hand for his workout this weekend.

Grant also met with the Patriots on his first night in Indianapolis in addition to sessions with the Lions, Bills and Cowboys.

Trimmed down from 347 to 332, Grant has worked double-time to put on a show in his position workout. His goal is 30-plus bench-press reps and a 40-yard dash in the 4.8-second range.

He said there is one aspect of his game that will stand out.

“Definitely my power. Just working on my power. Watching (Giants All-Pro) Dexter Lawrence, Vita Vea, how those guys use their power and body size,” Grant said.

–Jeff Reynolds, Field Level Media

Dec 31, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Abdul Carter (11) reacts with the trophy after the game against the Boise State Broncos in the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Ex-Penn State DE Abdul Carter (shoulder) to skip combine workouts

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Penn State All-America edge rusher Abdul Carter, projected as one of the top selections in this year’s NFL draft, will not work out this week at the NFL Scouting Combine because he is still recovering from a shoulder injury, his agents said Monday.

Carter was injured in the Nittany Lions’ 31-14 victory over Boise State in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals on Dec. 31, and he played through the injury when Notre Dame downed Penn State 27-24 in a semifinal game on Jan. 9.

Carter’s agents, Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey, told reporters that Carter would be recovered in time for Penn State’s pro day on March 28. Rosenhaus said he forwarded a letter to NFL teams from Dallas Cowboys team physician Dan Cooper, who examined Carter’s shoulder this month, that said the pass rusher recently was medically cleared to resume training.

Carter, 21, still could participate in interviews with NFL teams at the combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, where defensive linemen and linebackers are among the first to participate.

A consensus All-America selection and the 2024 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Carter totaled 68 tackles, including 23.5 tackles for loss to lead the FBS, as well as 12 sacks and two forced fumbles in 16 games.

A former linebacker who moved this season to defensive end, Carter had 172 career tackles, 41 tackles for loss, 23 sacks and five forced fumbles in 42 games the past three seasons.

–Field Level Media