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NFL combine primer: New Broncos coach set to speak; players to watch; Colorado locals participating

By George Stoia February 28, 2022 | updated 3 years ago

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INDIANAPOLIS — The NFL draft is right around the corner, which means next season’s rookie class has only a few more opportunities to impress scouts. And none of those opportunities are bigger than the NFL combine, which is set to take place this week in Indianapolis. 

Here’s what to watch this week, from who the Broncos will be watching to a few locals partaking in the events:

Hackett, Paton take the podium

New Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett will be in attendance for the combine, along with several other staff members including general manager George Paton. Hackett will address the media Tuesday at 10:15 a.m. after Paton at 10 a.m. 

Broncos GM George Paton addresses free agency, futures of multiple players including Melvin Gordon, Bradley Chubb

This will be Paton’s second draft as the Broncos’ GM, after making 10 picks last year in which he found several gems in cornerback Pat Surtain II, running back Javonte Williams and linebacker Baron Browning, among others. Paton and the Broncos are set to have 10 picks again this year, including five in the top 100. 

5 Players to watch

Liberty QB Malik Willis: He is one of the most intriguing prospects participating in the combine and could be a player the Broncos target in the first round. Willis is considered the best athlete of all the quarterbacks and arguably possesses the strongest arm, which he will showcase Thursday. 

Michigan EDGE Aidan Hutchinson: Hutchinson is expected to be the first or second pick in this year’s draft, meaning he won’t be a Bronco who pick at No. 9. But Hutchinson is still worth watching as he intends to partake in all the events and is expected to have one of the best combine performances in recent history. 

Broncos GM Paton, head coach Hackett say ‘everything’s on the table at quarterback,’ including Drew Lock

LSU CB Derek Stingley Jr.: Stingley is one of the top prospects with many believing he’s the top corner in the draft. The Broncos obviously took a corner at No. 9 a year ago, and while it’s unlikely they take another one this year, he could be a surprise pick in the top 10.

Georgia LB Nakobe Dean: Dean could certainly be the Broncos’ pick at No. 9, as he’s considered the top linebacker in this year’s class and the Broncos will likely be looking to solidify that position. Dean was a key part in Georgia winning the national championship, serving as the team’s captain and starting middle linebacker.  

Oklahoma DL Perrion Winfrey: Winfrey is a name that has shot up draft boards the past couple months, after being named the Senior Bowl MVP. He is expected to test well at the combine and many believe he could sneak into the first round with a good performance. He could also be a second-round target for the Broncos. 

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Locals participating 

Air Force DL Jordan Jackson: Jackson is a two-time All-Mountain West second-team selection, finishing his career with 29.5 tackles and 15.5 sacks. Jackson is only the fourth Falcon to earn an invite to the combine. He is a projected late round pick. 

Colorado LB Nate Landman: Landman finished his Colorado career as one of the best linebackers in Buffs history, totaling 347 tackles and 42 tackles for loss in five seasons. He was expected to declare for the draft a year ago before tearing his Achilles. He is a projected middle-to-late round pick.

Woody Paige: Will John Elway add ‘Broncos owner’ to his already concrete legacy in Denver?

Colorado State TE Trey McBride: McBride is arguably the best tight end in the draft after winning the Mackey Award in 2021, totaling 90 receptions for 1,121 yards and one touchdown in his final season at Colorado State. He is projected as a first or second round pick. 

Event schedule

Drills will be televised on NFL Network from 6-10:30 a.m., Wednesday-Friday, 2-9 p.m., Saturday and 12-5 p.m., Sunday. 

Tuesday: Head coach/GM interviews

Wednesday: QB interviews

Thursday: QB/TE/WR drills

Friday: OL/RB/ST drills

Saturday: DL/LB drills

Sunday: DB drills

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