The NFL’s off-season is officially in full swing as the 2026 Scouting Combine takes center stage at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. With the echoes of the Super Bowl still ringing in their ears, teams like the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons are already pivoting to the future, eyeing fresh talent and new beginnings. The Combine, running from February 22 through March 2, is more than just a showcase of athletic prowess—it's the unofficial launchpad for the draft, free agency, and a season’s worth of speculation and strategy.
For the Patriots, the transition from Super Bowl contenders to draft strategists is happening at breakneck speed. Just two weeks after their season-ending press conference, head coach Mike Vrabel is back in the spotlight. Vrabel, who joked about seeing reporters again at the Combine, now finds himself deep in prospect evaluations, catching up on scouting reports that executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf and VP Ryan Cowden have been compiling throughout the year. According to ESPN draft analyst Field Yates, this year’s draft class is “light on both quarterback star power and overall blue-chip talent.” Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza stands out as the only quarterback locked in for a first-round selection, with Alabama’s Ty Simpson as a possible late first-rounder. But with the Patriots holding the No. 31 pick and a whopping 11 selections overall, their focus is expected to shift elsewhere.
“Two of the defining characteristics of a draft class are quarterback star power and overall blue-chip talent. To be frank, the 2026 draft class is light on both,” said Yates. That means the Patriots will likely be hunting for value in other positions. Offensive line is a prime target, with Utah’s Caleb Lomu projected by Yates to land in New England. Other notable linemen in the mix include Monroe Freeling (Georgia), Max Iheanachor (Arizona State), Kadyn Proctor (Alabama), and Chase Bisontis (Texas A&M). With the possibility of some tackles transitioning to guard at the pro level, versatility is the name of the game.
Edge rusher is another area brimming with talent in this year’s class—a good thing for a Patriots squad facing uncertainty with veteran K’Lavon Chaisson headed for free agency and Harold Landry III working his way back from a knee injury. Yates highlights players like Missouri’s Zion Young, Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell, Miami’s Akheem Mesidor, and Clemson’s T.J. Parker as potential late first-round options. “Edge rusher is among the deepest positions in the class, which bodes well for a league where you can never have enough,” Yates remarked. Michigan’s Jaishawn Barham and Oklahoma’s R Mason Thomas are also on the radar as possible second-round pickups.
The tight end spot could also see some attention, given the age and contract status of Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper. Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq is the lone tight end Yates sees as a first-rounder, describing him as a “run-after-catch nightmare” who should shine at the Combine. Day 2 and 3 could yield options like Max Klare (Ohio State), Eli Stowers (Vanderbilt), Joe Royer (Cincinnati), and Marlin Klein (Michigan). Houston’s Tanner Koziol, Utah’s Dallen Bentley, and Ohio State’s Will Kacmarek would be worth considering if the Patriots wait until later rounds.
Wide receiver is another intriguing area. While this year’s class lacks a consensus top-five pick, it’s deep and versatile. Early projections have Ohio State’s Carnell Tate, USC’s Makai Lemon, Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson, and Washington’s Denzel Boston off the board before the Patriots’ pick. But Texas A&M’s KC Concepcion—who racked up 25 receiving touchdowns in three seasons—and Indiana’s Omar Cooper Jr. are both potential fits. “There is tremendous receiver depth in this class,” Yates said, and prospects like Notre Dame’s Malachi Fields, Tennessee’s Chris Brazzell II, Mississippi State’s Brenen Thompson, and Louisville’s Chris Bell could all be in play on Day 2.
For the Patriots, the Combine is more than just drills and interviews. It’s a week packed with media obligations and behind-the-scenes maneuvering. Eliot Wolf will open the team’s media appearances on Tuesday at 10 a.m. ET, followed by Vrabel on Wednesday at 1 p.m. ET. The event also marks the unofficial start of free agency and trade talks, as agents and team representatives gather to lay the groundwork for upcoming moves. And with 64 players currently under contract, the Patriots have 26 open roster slots to fill with future draft picks and signings, making this Combine crucial for shaping their 2026 outlook.
That outlook, at least according to DraftKings Sportsbook, is a bit more tempered than last year’s. After a 14-win campaign in 2025, the Patriots are projected for 9.5 wins in 2026—a drop tied with the Denver Broncos for the largest projected decrease. The schedule is no cakewalk, featuring home games against the Broncos, Packers, Raiders, Vikings, Steelers, Bills, Dolphins, and Jets, and road trips to face the Bears, Lions, Chiefs, Chargers, Bills, Dolphins, Jets, Seahawks, and Jaguars. Throw in a coaching staff shake-up—including the addition of B.J. Edmonds as a defensive assistant—and it’s clear that change is in the air in Foxborough.
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons arrive at the Combine with their own set of questions and ambitions. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, now in his sixth year as a pro DC, is on the hunt for the next Micah Parsons—a player he admits he once overlooked due to scheme inflexibility. “We were a traditional 4-3 team. Micah wasn’t a fit for that system,” Ulbrich reflected. “That seems nuts now because of what he is, but he wasn’t even a candidate for that scheme.” Ulbrich’s evolution toward a more adaptable approach paid off in 2025, leading to his retention by new president Matt Ryan and head coach Kevin Stefanski.
General manager Ian Cunningham, fresh from a stint as assistant GM with the Bears, is calling the shots for the Falcons’ front office at his first draft. Despite trading away their first- and fifth-round picks, the Falcons still have five selections and a clear philosophy: draft, develop, and retain “smart, tough, physical” players. Cunningham isn’t tied to positional needs, insisting, “We’re going to build through the trenches. Draft, develop and retain, that’s going to be our philosophy.” Defensive tackle and wide receiver are needs, but the Falcons will target the best available talent.
The Combine’s schedule is a whirlwind of medical exams, interviews, and workouts. This year, 319 players were invited, including top prospects like Mendoza, Tate, and Reese. Not all will participate in every drill, with some opting for Pro Days later in the offseason. The event’s prime-time broadcasts on NFL Network and NFL+ will give fans a front-row seat to the action, while behind the scenes, teams finalize their draft boards and lay the groundwork for a new season.
As the NFL world descends on Indianapolis, anticipation is running high. The Patriots and Falcons, each with their own agendas and aspirations, are poised to make the most of the Combine’s opportunities. With roster spots to fill and futures to shape, all eyes are on the next generation of NFL stars hoping to make their mark in 2026 and beyond.