Mar 3, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; NFL scouts during the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Any player angling to be the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft should understand how this process works. Production, as in college performance, has already determined the pecking order at the top of the draft.
How can we be so certain?
Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi told us as much Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine. The first-time GM said the Titans, who hold the No. 1 pick but are open to offers if a team wants to make it rain top-100 draft picks, have set their draft board and only “small changes” are likely between the starting point and the finish line in late April.
But can small changes be relative? Most medical evaluations have yet to take place in Indianapolis, and if teams weren’t open to possibilities in the first round and beyond, why would they invest time, energy and eyeballs in on-campus pro days and hosting prospects for the next 50 days? Here are the top prospects to watch in Indianapolis.
OL Armand Membou, Missouri
There are teams that believe Membou could play anywhere on the offensive line in the NFL, but one key confirmation comes this week when official measurements take place. He already scored a win at the Senior Bowl, where his arm length was 34 inches. If the same holds true in Indianapolis — yes, there are instances of Senior Bowl and Combine measurements not being the same — he’s a potential top-15 pick. Bottom line: Membou’s arm length might determine whether some teams decide he can only play the interior offensive line. Membou is a machine athletically, a powder keg with Mizzou weight-room records who could put up a dazzling 10-yard split in the 40-yard dash.
QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama
Nov 30, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) celebrates after defeating the Auburn Tigers at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama won 28-14. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images In the tight, 15-minute window Milroe has with teams in face-to-face interviews at the combine, his first impression is not a concern. Milroe is Jalen Hurts light when it comes to a team-first, mission-focused mindset, and there are no red flags with his character. There are even fewer worries about his athletic profile. Where there are some doubts for coaches and GMs is whether Milroe can read defenses, execute consistently and anticipate adjustments. Teams are likely to give him a few minutes on the whiteboard to test his processing. If he aces that test, he stands to be a winner in Indianapolis.
EDGE James Pearce, Tennessee
Tennessee defensive lineman James Pearce Jr. (27) sacks UTEP quarterback JP Pickles (19) during a college football game between Tennessee and UTEP at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024.PHOTO USA TODAY SPORTS IMAGES With 17.5 sacks combined over the past two seasons, Pearce has excelled in the SEC even against double-team blocking. He’s a speed rusher whose playing weight was closer to a three-down linebacker prototype in the NFL. To avoid being cast as a tweener, Pearce will be watched closely in position drills and for his acceleration and speed scores during on-field testing. From there, teams have to decide not only if he’s capable of bending the edge and beating offensive tackles at the next level, but if there’s more to his game yet to be unlocked.
CB Shavon Revel Jr., East Carolina
Michigan wide receiver Cornelius Johnson makes a catch against East Carolina defensive back Shavon Revel during the second half of U-M’s 30-3 win on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, at Michigan Stadium.PHOTO USA TODAY SPORTS IMAGES Medical evaluations will be massive in the final draft grade from teams for Revel. He’s a first-round talent. The questions arise when dissecting the level of competition at ECU and, to a greater extent, his recovery from a torn ACL. Revel missed most of the 2024 season with the knee injury he suffered in practice following the third game of the year. In total, his body of work isn’t as extensive as others — 21 games, 12 starts — but he was impressive when available.
S Xavier Watts, Notre Dame
Oct 14, 2023; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish safety Xavier Watts (0) scores a touchdown in front of USC Trojans wide receiver Mario Williams (4) after a fumble recovery in the fourth quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame won 48-20. credits: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports The top of the safety class features athletic freaks Malaki Starks (Georgia) and Nick Emmanwori (South Carolina), and Watts is a bit of a forgotten man. That’s despite being the Bronko Nagurski Award winner in 2023 (top defensive player in college football) and an All-American in 2024. Watts had 13 interceptions over the past two seasons and wins with instincts and rapid reaction time. He’ll win over defensive-minded coaches in interviews after passing on the Senior Bowl due to the lengthy season and run to the title game of the 12-team playoff.
