The NFL Combine started last Wednesday night the 26th with candidates doing the bench press. For the first time it will be broadcast on network TV. This has necessitated some big changes in Lucas Oil Stadium. Why you ask? Because the NFL sees the combine as another major marketing opportunity. As the draft fan interest has increased, the NFL sees that as another chance to make megabucks for its brand. This is the last year for the NFL’s contract with Indianapolis and Lucas Oil to host the event. The new contract has yet to be signed.
The Los Angles Chargers are building a huge 21st-century style stadium and have lobbied heavily to get the event moved to LA, which would draw celebrities. Right now the people that are involved in the event — the coaches, GMs, scouts not to mention the players and their agents — like the location in Indy. It’s compact and every thing is easily accessible — hotels, restaurants etc.
Jim Irsay gave a press conference Monday which, among other things, was a plea for the media to support the idea that the event should remain in Indianapolis. The NFL has a contract option with Indianapolis to remain here through 2025 if they so desire and league representatives have assured city leaders that they will return at least into 2021.
Thursday the 27th, quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends will have their workouts. On Friday the 28th, place kickers, offensive linemen and running backs will do their thing. On Saturday the 29th, it’s defensive linemen and linebackers. On Sunday March 1st, the defensive backs will show their stuff. All participants will be given physicals and take written tests during the proceedings. How the young men perform will determine a great deal on what teams might draft them and what rounds they may go in . . . so let the fun begin.
Colts News
Chris Ballard and the Colts will have to return a 6th round draft pick to the New York Jets that they received for defensive back Nate Hairston last season. It seems that Hairston did not perform up to the Jets’ expectations.
Jim Irsay talked about Jacoby Brissett’s future with the team. He said that we will have to wait and see — which is the same thing that Chris Ballard and Frank Reich said — which probably means we will see if we can find someone better than him either in the draft or through free agency.
Media types have been talking up quarterback Philip Rivers as a possible signee for the Horseshoe. He was let go by the Chargers and has a working relationship with Frank Reich. However, he is 38 years old and while his personal passing stats are impressive in his 16 seasons with the Chargers, he was never able to get them into an AFC Championship Game, let alone the Super Bowl. I think that they will pursue other quarterback options.
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