With university football competitions concluded, the 2026 National Football League scouting assessment stands as one of the ultimate significant opportunities for draft hopefuls to impress NFL organizations.
Over a span of several weeks, prospective players will engage in interviews and participate in on-field drills, all aimed at persuading an NFL franchise that their selection is warranted. While certain athletes enter this gathering with assured draft positions regardless of their performance, some individuals will witness their standing significantly improve following exceptional physical demonstrations.
For Gridiron enthusiasts who do not follow collegiate football with the same intensity, the evaluation event offers an initial look at future NFL icons. Curious if that promising quarterback truly possesses a powerful throwing arm, or if that wide receiver is genuinely as quick as reported? This serves as the prime moment for both supporters and NFL teams to verify such claims.
Stay updated as reports emerge from the 2026 NFL scouting assessment, encompassing the latest whispers, news, and outstanding achievements during the proceedings. We will also monitor ongoing league-wide developments.
Viewing Information for the 2026 NFL Scouting Assessment
Periods: February 23rd through March 2nd (field activities from February 26th through March 1st)
Venue: Lucas Oil Stadium | Indianapolis
Broadcast Channel: NFL Network
Receive continuous updates regarding the breaking stories from the 2026 NFL scouting assessment.
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Yahoo Sports Staff
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Yahoo Sports Staff
David Bailey, an edge rusher from Texas Tech, intends to engage in all on-field evaluations apart from the short shuttle, as reported by Jordan Reid of ESPN.
Bailey concluded the season leading the Football Bowl Subdivision with 14.5 sacks and ranking second nationally with 19.5 tackles for loss, securing All-American recognition.
Bailey was projected as the seventh overall pick for the Washington Commanders in a recent NFL mock draft by Charles McDonald and Nate Tice.
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Yahoo Sports Staff
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Andy Backstrom
The Chicago Bears have granted permission for linebacker Tremaine Edmunds to explore trade options, as indicated by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Edmunds earned Pro Bowl honors twice with the Buffalo Bills, who selected him 16th overall from Virginia Tech in 2018. He has played for the Bears for the last three seasons.
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Yahoo Sports Staff
OU defensive end R Mason Thomas, often considered a prospect for the late first or second round, confirmed his intention to participate in on-field drills at this year’s assessment, as reported by Dane Brugler of The Athletic on Wednesday.
Thomas achieved second-team All-American status in 2025, accumulating 15.5 sacks and 22 tackles for loss over his previous two seasons at Oklahoma, which included three fumble recoveries – two of which resulted in touchdowns.
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Jason Owens
The Dallas Cowboys have extended a contract offer to Brandon Aubrey that would establish him as the top-paid kicker in the NFL, according to multiple reports on Tuesday.
However, that proposal is seemingly insufficient. As per Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News, the Cowboys are presenting Aubrey with a multiyear agreement valued near $7.5 million annually. Watkins states that Aubrey is seeking closer to $10 million per year, a deal that would significantly reshape the financial landscape for kickers in the NFL.
Harrison Butker of Kansas City holds the title of the highest-paid kicker in professional football with a four-year, $25.6 million contract (equating to $6.4 million per year).
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Frank Schwab
When Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese appeared for his NFL scouting assessment media session on Wednesday morning, the tag on his stand displayed his first name as “Vell.”
This came as a surprise to him.
“No, no, no. You can stick with Arvell,” Reese clarified at the podium, according to Chat Sports.
It is evident that all NFL enthusiasts unfamiliar with Reese’s identity will soon know it, likely by the close of the current week.
In an NFL Draft where only one quarterback is projected to be selected within the initial few choices, Reese could potentially become the second overall pick, following Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Reese’s athletic prowess, adaptability, and performance will undoubtedly appeal to teams holding top-five selections.
Reese confirmed on Wednesday that he has already held discussions with the Jets, who possess the second pick in the draft. While interviews at the assessment do not inherently reveal a player’s eventual team destination, it is unsurprising that teams drafting early in the process are keen to familiarize themselves with Reese. He represents one of the most compelling talents available in the draft.
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Yahoo Sports Staff
Lions General Manager Brad Holmes verified that the organization has communicated with seasoned running back David Montgomery after his age-28 campaign.
Despite achieving the second-highest average yards per carry of his career (4.5), Montgomery recorded a career-low 9.3 carries per game and did not begin a single contest. In 2025, Montgomery’s role was reduced to a more supportive capacity alongside starting player Jahmyr Gibbs, following their partnership since 2023.
Montgomery’s contract has two years remaining, and he is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in 2028. He secured a two-year, $18.25 million contract extension with the team in 2024.
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Andy Backstrom
Kyler Murray and Arizona Cardinals General Manager Monti Ossenfort have not communicated since the conclusion of the 2025 season, according to an ESPN broadcast Tuesday.
Adam Schefter of ESPN previously disclosed this month that the Cardinals have been searching for a trade partner to acquire Murray, 28, and his substantial contract.
Ossenfort stated Tuesday at the NFL assessment that “all avenues are being considered” for the Cardinals at the sport’s most critical position, noting that Murray and fellow quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett — who initiated Arizona’s final 12 games of its 3-14 season after Murray sustained a foot injury in Week 5 — and Kedon Slovis are all under contract through 2026.
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Ryan Young
Drew Allar is indeed expected to throw this week, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Allar suffered an ankle injury at Penn State last season that ended his year, but he has now recovered and is prepared to participate.
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Jason Owens
Trent Williams is recognized as one of the San Francisco 49ers’ most essential athletes.
Nevertheless, the All-Pro left tackle faces a substantial salary cap impact in 2026 as he approaches the final season of his agreement without any further guaranteed compensation. As reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN, both parties are “finding it difficult to reach a contractual resolution” to lessen his projected $38.8 million salary cap charge for the upcoming season.
Should a compromise not be reached between the two sides, Williams could ultimately face release and enter free agency, according to the report.
Trent Williams and the 49ers could be headed for a breakup.
(Cooper Neill via Getty Images)
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Ryan Young
The 49ers have successfully negotiated an agreement to onboard former Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah as a new personnel director.
The Vikings terminated Adofo-Mensah’s employment after four seasons late last month, a decision that was reportedly unforeseen despite some organizational “strain.”
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Criss Partee
The Dallas Cowboys are reported to have a proposal on the table for Brandon Aubrey that would position him as the highest-compensated kicker in the league, according to Clarence Hill of All City DLLS. Per Hill, Aubrey is seeking a higher amount than what Dallas is currently proposing, which is why the agreement has not yet been finalized.
Aubrey has been recognized as a Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection in each of his initial three seasons in the NFL.
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Criss Partee
Detroit Lions defensive coordinator expressed considerable commendation for his All-Pro linebacker Jack Campbell, stating that “This is Jack Campbell’s defensive scheme, and every individual in that locker room recognizes this.”
In merely three seasons within the NFL, Campbell has solidified his position as a definitive leader in the Lions’ locker room. In 2025, Campbell achieved Pro Bowl status for the first time by accumulating 176 total tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 4 passes defended, 3 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries.
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Andy Backstrom
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton informed reporters Tuesday at the NFL Assessment that he is entrusting play-calling responsibilities to the newly appointed offensive coordinator, Davis Webb, whom he promoted earlier this offseason.
“I would only engage in such an action if I believed it would benefit our squad,” Payton declared.
He further commented: “I genuinely believe he possesses a unique talent.”
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Andy Backstrom
Detroit Lions left tackle Taylor Decker declared on Tuesday his intention to play in the 2026 season.
Decker, a 32-year-old and former Pro Bowl player, had been contemplating retirement during the current offseason.
His decision to return holds considerable weight for a Lions offensive line group that has already seen veteran Dan Skipper step away from the sport.
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Criss Partee
The Atlanta Falcons have reportedly applied the franchise tag to tight end Kyle Pitts, as conveyed by Tom Pelissero. Pitts recently finished his fifth year in the NFL, establishing new personal bests with 88 receptions and 928 receiving yards, which marked his second-highest career total, along with five touchdowns, also a career high. He was additionally named second-team All-Pro for the inaugural time.
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Criss Partee
Buffalo Bills General Manager and President of Football Operations Brandon Beane engaged in discussions at the assessment regarding his and the coaching staff’s methodology for evaluating talent in the draft.
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Criss Partee
Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Mike LaFleur conversed with reporters at the assessment on Tuesday and elaborated on his strategies for deploying his wide receivers, including Marvin Harrison Jr.
“Our approach is to position them for optimal achievement.”
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Jason Owens
Seahawks General Manager John Schneider informed journalists Tuesday that the organization aims to keep running back Kenneth Walker, who achieved Super Bowl MVP honors in Seattle’s victory against the New England Patriots.
Walker is slated for unrestricted free agency. He recently completed the final year of his four-year, $8.4 million initial contract.
“Undoubtedly, we would be pleased” to secure Walker again, Schneider commented at the NFL assessment.
When questioned further, Schneider chose not to confirm whether the Seahawks would contemplate applying the franchise tag to Walker.