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

INDIANAPOLIS — Another NFL Scouting Combine is officially 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 still lingers about the athletic freaks we witnessed, the measurements that raised eyebrows, and the interviews that sealed the fate of many young prospects. But reflecting on the past four days, I can't help but draw connections between this incoming class of talent and the crucial lessons we learned from the 2025 season.

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

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

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

Combine Risers: The 2026 Edition

So, who caught my eye this week in Indy? The narrative coming out of the combine always revolves around the workout warriors, and this year was no different. The offensive line group, in particular, put on an absolute show. On Day 4, when the big guys took the field, we witnessed some serious stock movement. I'm talking about seven offensive linemen who genuinely boosted their draft stock. 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 picks.

Of course, the Ohio State contingent was massive. The Buckeyes sent a dozen prospects, and they all seemed to test off the charts. I was jotting down notes furiously during their drills; the wide receivers ran crisp, precise routes, and the defensive backs looked like they were shot out of a cannon. It's no surprise that teams like the Rams, always on the hunt 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 absolutely 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 showcased impressive coverage skills. He's now firmly entrenched in the first-round conversation.
• Stock Down: A highly-touted quarterback who struggled with accuracy during his throwing session. His tape is solid, but now serious questions are being raised.
• Stock Up: The entire Ohio State defensive back group. They were fluid, explosive, and incredibly impressive.

What This Means for the Rams and Falcons

Now, let's talk about the teams that matter most to you: the Los Angeles Rams and the Atlanta Falcons. Both franchises find themselves in fascinating positions 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 believe they'll be targeting the trenches. With Aaron Donald retired (yes, it's still tough to type that), they desperately need to infuse young blood into that defensive line. Those offensive line risers I mentioned? Snead is probably circling their names. The Rams are a quintessential "win-now" team, but they also need to build sustainably for the future. Don't be surprised if they trade back to acquire more picks—they love having draft ammunition.

Atlanta, on the other hand, is a team clearly on the rise. They have a young quarterback, playmakers on offense, and a defense that's finally 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 immediately. And after watching the defensive back drills, they might look to double down on secondary help in the middle rounds.

The Business of the Draft

Here's where the financial lens comes into focus. The combine isn't just about raw athleticism; it's fundamentally about value. Every drill, every measurement, every single 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 arguably the most valuable asset in the entire league. That's precisely 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 unexpectedly falls to them.

And let's not forget the unrestricted free agents who got their start right here as combine participants. The combine is the gateway to the league, and for these young men, 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 now history, the combine is firmly in the rearview mirror, and the draft is on the horizon. For the Rams and Falcons, the real work is just beginning. They've got their draft board set, they've seen the athletes up close and personal, and now it's time to separate the workout warriors from the true football players. One thing's for sure: the NFL never sleeps, and neither do we.