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NFL Scouting Combine 2026 - notes and observations

Featured Replies

41 minutes ago, Dautcom08 said:

I think people forget that Al Golden does like to employ a 3 high safety look. Not as base, but he does utilize it. I don't think Downs is off the boar din any way shape or form.

Fair point and their job as coaches is to find what works best with the talent they have. I’ve gotta believe that if Downs were the guy and Battle was still on the roster, they’d find a way to utilize their strengths.

Downs would still be a great pick. Good that we signed a saftey in FA but we have zero depth and if Downs or another drfated S is better than Battle in a year so be it. Competition is good.

I was not thinking the team would look at CB with pick #10 but with the money thrown at McDuffie there is a possibility we wont look to re-sign both Hill and Turner (given we wont look to do the cap gymnastics other teams do).

On 3/10/2026 at 2:43 AM, T-Dub said:

I hope that's not how they look at it. Their draft board should not be based on their roster. He's either their best option at #9 or he's not. DGAF if they already have Fulcher lining up next to Ed Reed.

Take the BPA or trade down. This drafting for need stuff is a big part of how they dug themselves into the hole in the first place.

I disagree with this approach, unless they have a trade lined up for Fulcher or Reed. Reinforcing the position is great in the abstract but the goal is to build the best possible roster and add the most value. A part time player doesn't add as much value as a starter at another position.

On 3/10/2026 at 8:41 AM, texbengal said:

Fair point and their job as coaches is to find what works best with the talent they have. I’ve gotta believe that if Downs were the guy and Battle was still on the roster, they’d find a way to utilize their strengths.

Downs and Cook are both similar body types. They're going to use Battle as the strong safety but would probably like a Fulcher/Emmanwori/AJ Haulcy sized player.

7 hours ago, sparky151 said:

Downs and Cook are both similar body types. They're going to use Battle as the strong safety but would probably like a Fulcher/Emmanwori/AJ Haulcy sized player.

Isn’t that size/style of safety passé in today’s game? They can no longer tattoo receivers any longer…and other than getting headlong into run support…are no longer even that effective against TE’s

A three-virtual FS backfield would be more effective, one would think

2 minutes ago, Le Tigre said:

Isn’t that size/style of safety passé in today’s game? They can no longer tattoo receivers any longer…and other than getting headlong into run support…are no longer even that effective against TE’s

A three-virtual FS backfield would be more effective, one would think

They need some kind of enforcer back there that gets people on the ground. Not about big hits so much as playing full contact. Anyone that will try to run through a ball carrier instead of the grabbing & shoving stuff we've been seeing from them.

7 minutes ago, Le Tigre said:

Isn’t that size/style of safety passé in today’s game? They can no longer tattoo receivers any longer…and other than getting headlong into run support…are no longer even that effective against TE’s

A three-virtual FS backfield would be more effective, one would think

No, teams are looking for Kyle Hamilton-Nick Emmanwori-Derwin James big bodies who can run and play the position. It gives them flexibility to move around and disguise the coverage better when you have a guy who can both play deep and in the box. Downs is an excellent open field tackler and can play near the line but he's also not very big and it's reasonable to wonder if he'd be durable there. Guys like Haulcy or McNeil-Warren are bigger.

2 hours ago, T-Dub said:

They need some kind of enforcer back there that gets people on the ground. Not about big hits so much as playing full contact. Anyone that will try to run through a ball carrier instead of the grabbing & shoving stuff we've been seeing from them.

The days of “running through a ball carrier” are over. Yes… good solid tackling is still OK, but anything more insistent and it’s

nflflagrules.jpeg?format=1500w

23 minutes ago, Le Tigre said:

The days of “running through a ball carrier” are over. Yes… good solid tackling is still OK, but anything more insistent and it’s

nflflagrules.jpeg?format=1500w

What is this “good tackling” you speak of ?

24 minutes ago, Le Tigre said:

The days of “running through a ball carrier” are over. Yes… good solid tackling is still OK, but anything more insistent and it’s

nflflagrules.jpeg?format=1500w

That's just solid tackling, I don't mean trucking people or deliberately trying to light anyone up.. Across the body, head up, bringing chest & shoulders without leaving your feet.. Do that and the big hits come to you without headhunting. Clean tackling.. Which may still draw a flag, sure, but it beats getting run over week after week. It's a dirty game, have to take a smart foul every so often...

How 'bout them Blue Jackets though eh? Yanno?

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