4 takeaways from day one of the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine

INDIANAPOLIS — Commercial speculation. The rumors. Non-answers. The revelations. One day at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, the buzz is already turning in Indianapolis, where top draft-eligible prospects will conduct interviews as well as physical and medical evaluations with all 32 teams throughout the week. Here are my four takeaways from day one, which featured media availabilities with a wide range of NFL head coaches and general managers: 1. The CJ Stroud rumors symbolize how steep the decline has been. Two years ago at this time, CJ Stroud appeared to be on a superstar trajectory and on track to challenge Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson in the AFC. He was coming off one of the best rookie quarterback seasons in league history, leading Houston to a playoff victory. On Tuesday, we saw Texans general manager Nick Caserio deny rumors that Houston could move the former No. 2 overall pick. “Dumbass,” he said in part. Caserio’s response is justified, of course. But these speculations are emblematic of how much – and how quickly – Stroud’s perception has collapsed. After a disappointing sophomore season in 2024, the former Ohio State star continued his inconsistent play last year, hurting the high hopes of a Texas team that had arguably the best defense in the NFL. Stroud completed 64.5 percent of his passes for 3,041 yards and 19 touchdowns against eight interceptions in 14 games in 2025. He added five interceptions and five fumbles (two lost) in Houston’s two playoff games, including four picks in the divisional round loss to New England. “He’s our quarterback,” Caserio said. “He’s not going anywhere.” As it should be. Stroud’s decline since his remarkable rookie season is alarming, but not so much that the Texans — or anyone — can forget what he showed he could be in his prime. Most importantly, a mega extension doesn’t make sense this offseason (he’s eligible for a second contract, since he’s completing three full seasons). The logical move would be to pick up the fifth-year option on his rookie contract before the May 1 deadline — which would give him $27.249 million fully guaranteed for 2027 — then revisit his future after the 2026 season. 2. The Raiders’ return in a potential Maxx Crosby trade could surpass the Micah Parsons deal. While repeatedly saying he expects Maxx Crosby to become a Raider in 2026, Las Vegas general manager John Spytek wouldn’t go so far as to say the All-Pro defensive end isn’t tradeable. “We’re always listening,” Spytek said. Of course, these remarks will only fuel trade speculation surrounding Crosby. That idea began to gain momentum late last season, when the five-time Pro Bowler became frustrated with the team’s decision to place him on season-ending injured reserve with two games remaining in the year. FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer reported before the Super Bowl that Crosby likely ended up in Vegas. Given the time of year, Spytek’s remark “we’re always listening” could be interpreted as a sign of continuing offers! If you’re a contending team with a pass rush need, it would essentially be malpractice to not at least dig in and call the Raiders. Glazer said that when news of his discontent broke last season, “no fewer than 20 teams” contacted him. In August, the Cowboys traded Micah Parsons to the Packers for defensive tackle Kenny Clark and two first-round draft picks. Parsons is two years younger and Crosby has two fewer All-Pro nominations over the past five seasons, but it’s reasonable to believe that what the Raiders can get for Crosby could exceed what Dallas got from Green Bay for Parsons. For what? Demand, for one. Few, if any, league observers thought the Cowboys would actually trade Parsons, a young superstar passer. Many of Jerry Jones’ previous contract disputes with key players ended with said players remaining in Dallas. This is a big part of why the Parsons trade to the Packers was a seismic shock for the league. In Crosby’s situation, however, his displeasure is well known and has been for months. That means more teams can align, increasing his value to the Raiders, who are in an advantageous position for a quick rebuild. Las Vegas ranks second in cap space ($91.5 million), according to Over The Cap, and holds eight picks in the upcoming draft, including the No. 1 overall pick. And that’s with Crosby still on the roster. 3. Two offensive-minded HCs give up playing games Broncos coach Sean Payton and Panthers coach Dave Canales both announced Tuesday that they will relinquish playmaking responsibilities in 2026 to their offensive coordinators. In Denver, it’s Davis Webb, who was a promising candidate during the last head coach interview cycle. In Carolina, it’s Brad Idzik, who begins his third season as the team’s OC. The most obvious benefit for head coaches is that it allows them to take on more of a CEO role in leading their teams. They spend a lot of time with all three units – not just the phase they specialize in. Non-playing head coaches have had more visible success of late. Mike Vrabel led the Patriots to the Super Bowl in his first year as coach. Nick Sirianni has had the Eagles in two of the last four Super Bowls. I’m not sure this will become a massive trend. After all, the Seahawks’ Mike MacDonald just became the first defensive playcalling head coach to win a Lombardi Trophy. Players like Sean McVay, Kyle Shanahan and Andy Reid continue to call offensive plays. But I think giving up playcalling responsibilities might be more common for teams looking to retain promising assistants. Webb, 31, of Denver, is a prime example. The Broncos’ passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach last season, Webb received several head coaching interviews this offseason before ultimately returning to Payton’s staff. 4. Fewer trades, non-premium position players poised to define first round of draft Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said Tuesday there’s an “old school” atmosphere in this year’s draft class. “You always go to the O line, the D line, those position values ​​are there,” he explained. “You see them in free agency. But at the same time, I mean, arguably, some of the best players in this draft are at maybe non-premium positions. When you look at Ohio State linebacker [Arvel Reese]Notre Dame running back [Jeremiyah Love]Ohio State safety [Caleb Downs]. So they are very, very good players. It’s hard to find fault with their tape. Really solid. But again, some of those more prestigious positions — interior D-line, edge rushers — are hard to come by. » This is just one general manager’s opinion, but many league observers and draft analysts have shared this sentiment. a real priority for NFL teams at the top of the draft this year.