Scouting Notebook: What I heard during a busy week at the NFL Combine

The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine is sunsetting and I'm on my way home. Here is everything I heard during a busy week in Indianapolis

I have been in Indianapolis for the 2026 NFL Combine since Tuesday, and in between writing and gathering quotes from players at their podiums during media, I’ve spent my time speaking to scouts, agents, and more.

With 2026 NFL Draft prospects filling the city, information was aplenty. So, just like I did last year, it’s time to drop all of the information that I gathered into what is becoming an annual intel piece.

In last year’s piece (here), I hit on Jahdae Barron being locked into the first round; he went on to land with the Denver Broncos at pick No. 20. The off-the-field concerns of edge rusher James Pearce were addressed, quarterback Justin Fields’ contract negotiations (including the Jets’ heavy interest) were discussed, and more.

What did I hear while I walked the streets of Indianapolis this year? Let’s take a walk.