Combine Curiosity: Patriots' Top Draft Targets Skipping Drills in Indianapolis
Continuing the growing trend of athletes gaining power and controlling narratives, the NFL Scouting Combine is further diminishing as a marquee event.
In college, players now have the flexibility of the transfer portal and the option to skip bowl games in order to prepare for a professional careers. In the NFL, stars own the power of spreading their message through personal social media and podcasts.
More than ever, football players are in charge of where they play, and how they are perceived.
New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo has a decision to make - keep quarterback Mac Jones, or draft a potential replacement in either North Carolina's Drake Maye or LSU's Jayden Daniels.
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At this week's Combine in Indianapolis, for example, three of the top players will not workout on the field, instead choosing to customize their showcase of skills in front of scouts on their college's "Pro Day." For the New England Patriots, it means this week won't be a chance to see the in-person talent of draft targets Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Marvin Harrison Jr.
The Pats have the No. 3 overall pick in April's draft, and need help at quarterback and receiver to help what was one of the NFL's worst offenses in 2023.
But, as has been the case for top prospects in recent years, USC quarterback and presumed No. 1 pick Williams won't throw at the Combine. Neither will LSU quarterback and Heisman Trophy Daniels. Harrison, considered a "can't miss" receiver from Ohio State, will also skip the event's drills.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that both Williams and Daniels will be in Indy to meet with prospective teams, but will not throw. We still don't know whether North Carolina's Drake Maye, another Pats' target, will get on the field for scouts.
Sports Illustrated, meanwhile, says Harrison is doing his training at Ohio State to prepare for his Pro Day. Harrison also has yet to hire an agent.
Quarterbacks who are expected to throw and participate in measurements and drills this week include
Michigan's J.J. McCarthy, Washington's Michael Penix Jr., Oregon's Bo Nix and South Carolina's Spencer Rattler.
