As the NFL Draft looms on the horizon, the spotlight turns to Indianapolis where the 37th annual NFL Scouting Combine is about to kick into high gear. From February 26 to March 4, Lucas Oil Stadium will buzz with the energy of 321 college football players, each with aspirations of elevating their draft stock in front of all 32 NFL teams.

The combine is the nexus for football’s future stars. They will undergo a rigorous week of performance evaluations showcasing their talent, athleticism and personality through a series of tests and interviews.

The connections to the State of Michigan are particularly notable, with an impressive roster of talent set to represent the state on the national stage.

Here are all of the details:

Schedule by Position

• Quarterbacks
  • Interviews: Friday, March 1
  • Measurements: Saturday, March 2
  • On-field workouts: Saturday, March 2 (1:00-8:30pm ET)

• Running Backs
  • Interviews: Friday, March 1
  • Measurements: Saturday, March 2
  • On-field workouts: Saturday, March 2 (1:00-8:30pm ET)

 

• Wide Receivers
  • Interviews: Friday, March 1
  • Measurements: Saturday, March 2
  • On-field workouts: Saturday, March 2 (1:00-8:30pm ET)

• Tight Ends
  • Interviews: Thursday, Feb. 29
  • Measurements: Friday, March 1
  • On-field workouts: Friday, March 1 (3:00-8:30pm ET)

 

• Offensive Line / Special Teams
  • Interviews: Saturday, March 2
  • Measurements: Sunday, March 3
  • On-field workouts: Sunday, March 3 (1:00-4:30pm ET)

• Defensive Line
  • Interviews: Wednesday, Feb. 28
  • Measurements: Thursday, Feb. 29
  • On-field workouts: Thursday, Feb. 29 (3:00-8:30pm ET)

• Linebackers
  • Interviews: Wednesday, Feb. 28
  • Measurements: Thursday, Feb. 29
  • On-field workouts: Thursday, Feb. 29 (3:00-8:30pm ET)

 

• Defensive Backs
  • Interviews: Thursday, Feb. 29
  • Measurements: Friday, March 1
  • On-field workouts: Friday, March 1 (3:00-8:30pm ET)

Drills and Tests at the Combine:

• 40-yard dash
• Bench press (225 pounds)
• Vertical jump
• Broad jump
• 3-cone drill
• Shuttle run
• Wonderlic Test

Spotlight on Michigan: A Strong Presence at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine

The 2024 NFL Scouting Combine is set to feature 321 of the nation’s most promising football talents, each vying for their spot in the NFL. Here is a full list of prospects invited to the combine.

This year, the event boasts impressive representation from several top-tier programs, with seven schools sending 10 or more players. Among them, Washington leads with 13 participants, followed closely by Florida State with 12, and both Texas and Georgia contributing 11 each. Alabama and Penn State round out this elite group with 10 invites apiece. Yet, it’s the University of Michigan that captures the spotlight, sending an unparalleled 18 Wolverines to the combine.

Players with Michigan Ties:

• Michigan:
  • QB J.J. McCarthy
  • RB Blake Corum
  • WR Roman Wilson
  • WR Cornelius Johnson
  • TE A.J. Barner
  • OL Karsen Barhart
  • OL LaDarius Henderson
  • OL Trente Jones
  • OL Trevor Keegan
  • OL Drake Nugent
  • OL Zak Zinter
  • DL Jaylen Harrell
  • DL Kris Jenkins
  • DL Braiden McGregor
  • LB Michael Barrett
  • LB Junior Colson
  • DB Mike Sainristil
  • DB Josh Wallace
• Michigan State:
  • OL Nick Samac
• Western Michigan:
  • DL Marshawn Kneeland

Dane Brugler from The Athletic highlights the prominence of Michigan talent, pinpointing six Wolverines among his top 100 prospects. These standouts feature QB J.J. McCarthy at 24th, LB Junior Colson at 39th, WR Roman Wilson at 45th, DB Mike Sainristil at 60th, DL Kris Jenkins at 66th, and RB Blake Corum securing the 73rd spot. Additionally, Western Michigan’s edge rusher, Marshawn Kneeland, earns notable recognition, ranked 51st in Brugler’s assessment.

How to Watch the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine

If a trip to Indianapolis isn’t on your agenda, fret not. You can still capture every moment of the combine from the comfort of your own home. The NFL Network will provide exclusive live coverage all week long.

For fans on the go or those preferring digital screens, live streaming is at your fingertips. The NFL Network’s coverage is accessible across a range of devices — including smartphones, PCs, tablets, and connected TVs — via the NFL app or NFL.com/watch for subscribers with eligible network providers. Additionally, NFL+ offers the convenience of streaming the combine on various devices, ensuring you don’t miss a beat of the pre-draft excitement.

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For more from our Detroit Lions beat writer, Matt Broder, check him out on Twitter here: @mattbro21

Contact: Broder@woodwardsports.com

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Original Photo Credit: © Kirby Lee – USA TODAY Sports