NFL Combine 2026: Rams, Falcons, and the Echoes of the 2025 NFL Draft

INDIANAPOLIS — Another NFL Scouting Combine is in the books, and if you blinked, you might have missed millions of dollars being made or lost on the Lucas Oil Stadium turf. As I pack up my notebook and head for the airport, the buzz is still going strong about the athletic freaks we saw, the measurements that shocked everyone, and the interviews that sealed some kids' fates. But looking back on the past four days, I can't help but connect the dots between this next generation of talent and the lessons we just learned from the 2025 season.

The Ghost of 2025: How Last Year's Draft Shaped the Season

You can't properly evaluate these incoming rookies without looking at how the Class of 2025 just performed. The 2025 NFL Draft was supposed to be light on quarterbacks, but it ended up producing some cornerstone pieces, especially for teams like the Los Angeles Rams and Atlanta Falcons. The Rams, picking late in the first round after another playoff push, found a gem in an edge rusher from Boston College who gave them 10 sacks as a rotational player. Meanwhile, down in Atlanta, their first-round pick—a wide receiver out of Ohio State—immediately became the WR2 they desperately needed, taking pressure off Drake London. It's that kind of instant impact that general managers are hoping to replicate this April.

The NFL regular season was a grind, and the teams that nailed their 2025 draft classes are the ones who were still playing in January. The Falcons, for instance, rode their rookie class to a surprising playoff berth, fueled by a stifling defence that got a huge boost from a second-round cornerback. It just goes to show: the draft isn't just about the future; it's about winning right now.

Combine Risers: The 2026 Edition

So, who caught my eye this week in Indy? The story coming out of the combine is always about the workout warriors, and this year was no different. The offensive line group, in particular, put on a show. On Day 4, when the big guys took the field, we saw some serious stock movement. I'm talking about seven offensive linemen who genuinely helped themselves. There was a tackle from a smaller school who ran a 4.9 forty at 320 pounds—you just don't see that every day. And a couple of interior linemen from the SEC displayed anchor and agility that have them flirting with the top 15.

Of course, the Ohio State contingent was massive. The Buckeyes sent a dozen prospects, and they all seemed to test off the charts. I jotted down notes on their drills; the wide receivers ran crisp routes, and the defensive backs looked like they were shot out of a cannon. It's no surprise that teams like the Rams, who are always looking for value, were hovering around the Ohio State interviews.

Stock Up, Stock Down

Here's a quick look at some of the movement I observed:

• Stock Up: A small-school offensive tackle who dominated the positional drills. He might have jumped from Day 3 to Day 2.
• Stock Up: An SEC linebacker who ran a 4.5 forty and showed great coverage skills. He's now firmly in the first-round conversation.
• Stock Down: A highly-touted quarterback who struggled with accuracy in his throwing session. His tape is good, but now questions are being raised.
• Stock Up: The entire Ohio State defensive back group. They were fluid and explosive.

What This Means for the Rams and Falcons

Now, let's talk about the teams that matter to you: the Los Angeles Rams and the Atlanta Falcons. Both franchises are in fascinating spots heading into the 2026 draft.

The Rams, as always under Les Snead, are a wild card. They don't have a first-round pick? Wait, check that—they do. And after watching the combine, I think they'll be targeting the trenches. With Aaron Donald retired (yes, still painful to type), they need to inject some young blood into that defensive line. Those offensive line risers I mentioned? Snead is probably circling them. The Rams are a "win-now" team, but they also need to build for the future. Don't be surprised if they trade back to acquire more picks—they love having that ammunition.

Atlanta, on the other hand, is a team on the rise. They have a young quarterback, playmakers, and a defence that's coming together. Their needs are more specific: edge rusher and cornerback. The combine confirmed that this is a deep edge class. They could easily stay put at their spot and grab a pass-rusher who can contribute right away. And after watching the DB drills, they might double down on secondary help in the middle rounds.

The Business of the Draft

Here's where the financial lens comes in. The combine isn't just about athleticism; it's about value. Every drill, every measurement, every interview is a data point that teams use to justify multi-million dollar investments. The rookie wage scale has made the draft a cost-controlled goldmine. A productive rookie on a four-year deal is the most valuable asset in the league. That's why you see teams like the Rams, who are often tight against the salary cap, obsess over finding starters in Rounds 2 and 3. The Falcons, with a healthier cap situation, can afford to take a "luxury" pick if a top talent falls to them.

And let's not forget the unrestricted free agents who got their start as combine participants. The combine is the gateway to the league, and for these kids, the next few weeks will be a whirlwind of visits and pro days. By the time the 2026 NFL Draft rolls around in late April, we'll have a much clearer picture of who's going where.

Final Thoughts

As the college buses roll out of Indy and the scouts head back to their war rooms, the cycle continues. The 2025 season is history, the combine is in the rearview mirror, and the draft is on the horizon. For the Rams and Falcons, the work is just beginning. They've got their draft board set, they've seen the athletes in person, and now it's time to separate the workout warriors from the football players. One thing's for sure: the NFL never sleeps, and neither do we.