2022 NFL Scouting Combine: Highlights from Day 1

After a weird 2021 NFL Draft cycle, we are back to normality in Indianapolis at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine. With Ian Rapoport roaming the halls, all is well at Lucas Oil Stadium. NFL head coaches and general managers spoke to the media Tuesday and Wednesday, and there was plenty of information to glean about some quarterback situations and new faces around the league.

Make sure to check out all of our other NFL Draft Scouting Reports.

The Latest on the Reigning MVP

On the quarterback front, everyone wanted to talk about Aaron Rodgers. Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst did speak to the media on Tuesday afternoon, saying there were “no new updates” on the veteran quarterback. Gutekunst did however say that the Packers expected a decision from Rodgers before the new league year began on March 16.

Packers GM Brian Gutekunst on if Aaron Rodgers would make a decision by 3/16 (the start of free agency):

“I would hope so. A lot decisions have to be made before that.”

The financials with Rodgers are “part of that process” and not something done and awaiting a decision.” pic.twitter.com/oVgpTs9Plj

— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) March 1, 2022

Speaking of legendary quarterbacks, Bruce Arians said the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have left the “light on and the door open” if the Hall of Fame quarterback ever wants to return. In the meantime, Arians is comfortable with a quarterback room centered around Kyle Trask and a veteran addition.

In Indianapolis and Denver, both general managers declined to name a starting quarterback. Colts’ Chris Ballard said, “I don’t have a direct answer for you,” when it came to Carson Wentz’s future. Broncos’ George Paton said they are always going to be exploring options at that position and “know we need to play better at the quarterback position moving forward.”

New Head Coaches Full of Energy

Yes, the quarterbacks did take a lot of attention on Tuesday. However, there were a few new faces talking in the Indianapolis Convention Center as well. Jacksonville Jaguars’ new head coach Doug Pederson, Broncos’ new head coach Nathaniel Hackett and Chicago Bears’ new head coach Matt Eberflus all spoke in one of their first national appearances since being hired.

A minute and 25 seconds of pure energy from #Broncos new HC Nathaniel Hackett. #NFLCombine pic.twitter.com/R6gOX1NJS9

— MJ Hurley (@mjhurleytdt) March 1, 2022

Hackett brought the energy with the media, explaining what kind of offense he will run and some of the new additions to his coaching staff. He listed four traits he wants to see in a quarterback, essentially describing Rodgers. Since there isn’t a quarterback in Denver that resembles Rodgers yet, Denver definitely could still be in the hunt for Hackett’s franchise quarterback.

Final Thoughts

For Pederson, it was a lot of reminiscing with Philadelphia Eagles media. After spending 2021 out of football, Pederson said he has mainly been focusing on getting back into the game. Pederson did admit that the focus in Jacksonville will be solely on winning until the Jaguars prove they can win.

Lastly, Eberflus spent plenty of time being grateful for the opportunity to be a head coach. After spending years in Indianapolis, he was “just happy to be here as a head coach,” after many years at the combine as an assistant or coordinator. More NFL coaches and general managers will speak to the media today, including Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley and Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel.