With the NFL Scouting Combine next week, the league has released the list of players who will attend the event in Indianapolis.
A total of 329 prospects have been invited to participate in this year’s combine, which will be held from Feb. 24 to March 3.
The quarterbacks, as always, will be discussed heavily during this year’s combine. Currently, Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders are the consensus top two quarterbacks among this year’s prospects.
However, other players are hoping to improve their draft stocks. Let’s look at the five offensive players in Indianapolis to keep an eye on.
TYLER WARREN, TE, PENN STATE
After Brock Bowers’ record-setting rookie campaign with the Raiders, teams with a need at tight end are hoping a player like Tyler Warren will fall to them in the draft.
At 6-6, 260 pounds, Warren is a big tight end who uses his versatility and his tremendous hands to make plays in the passing game. He also has the upside of becoming one of the best players in the league at his position.
Warren has the intelligence to play at various offensive spots, including as an H-back. He also has a huge catch radius, which allows him to make dynamic plays against multiple types of defenders and defensives, including finding soft spots in zone schemes.
In 16 games for Penn State last season, Warren registered 104 catches for 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns.
One of Warren’s negatives is that he hasn’t played tight end long and needs to improve his route running. He has only played the position for four seasons after being a high school quarterback in Mechanicsville, Virginia. However, this could also be viewed as a positive because Warren has a lot of room to grow both in the passing game and because of his lack of consistency in blocking.
A team like the Jets, who could use tight end help, makes a lot of sense for Warren. However, Gang Green has a lot of needs entering free agency and may decide to pass on Warren at No. 7 overall. But even if that’s the case, Warren will likely be a top-15 selection in April’s draft.
JAXSON DART, QB, OLE MISS
There are a lot of quarterback-needy teams, and one of them will select Jaxson Dart. It’s just a question of when he goes off the draft board.
Some draft analysts have Dart going to the Jets as early as No. 7. Others have him as a second-round pick. But a lot of that has to do with his uneven play at Ole Miss.
Dart’s above-average arm strength will impress scouts and general managers. He uses that arm talent to identify quarterback-friendly coverages offensively and get the ball to his receivers. Dart also has the athleticism to extend plays and even gain yards outside of the pocket.
For the Rebels last year, Dart passed for 4,279 yards, 29 touchdowns, and six interceptions in 13 games. He also rushed for 495 yards and three touchdowns.
One of Dart’s red flags is that he struggles to make accurate throws when defenders are bearing down on him in the pocket. His passing mechanics break down, and Dart tends to make bad decisions. He also holds the ball too long, and in the NFL, quarterbacks have to anticipate where receivers will be and throw to a spot.
Dart has the tools to be a good starting quarterback. But after running Ole Miss’ offense, which is not a pro-style system, he will need some time to develop as a passer.
MATTHEW GOLDEN, WR, TEXAS
A handful of wide receivers could be first-round picks in April’s draft, and Matthew Golden is among that talented group.
He caught 58 passes and led the Longhorns in receiving yards (987) and receiving touchdowns (9) last season. At 6-0 and nearly 200 pounds, Golden is an explosive receiver who can create explosive plays down the field at any given time. Not only is he an elite athlete with incredible speed, but Golden is also a terrific route runner who can create separation from defenders with his footwork.
Drops have been an issue for Golden throughout his career. With a fantastic week, Golden could improve his draft stock from the end of the first round to the middle of the round.
OMARION HAMPTON, RB, NORTH CAROLINA
Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty isn’t the only running back draft analysts should discuss. Omarion Hampton also has a chance to be a first-round pick because of his hard running style and his ability to find open running lanes.
At 6-0, 220 pounds, Hampton already has NFL running back size. That allows him to break tackles and gain yards after contact. In 12 games for the Tar Heels last season, he rushed for 1,660 yards and 15 touchdowns. Hampton also finished with 1,504 yards and 15 touchdowns during the 2023 campaign.
Questions about Hampton’s lack of speed and explosiveness have been raised, which could keep him from being a first-round pick. But with a tremendous 40-yard-dash time, Hampton could see his stick soar.
ARMAND MEMBOU, OT, MISSOURI
Armand Membou has all the tools to be a first-round pick. It is just a question of where he will play at the next level.
Membou was a two-year starter at right tackle for Missouri. At 6-3, 325, Membou has excellent raw power and range to keep pass rushers in front of him. Last year, he allowed zero sacks. During his three seasons at Missouri, Membou only allowed three total sacks.
Some have projected Membou as a guard at the next level because he has sometimes been slow to react to speed rushers off the edge. But that area could be cleaned up with proper coaching. However, expect teams with offensive line needs at either right tackle or guard to target Membou.