The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine starts this week in Indianapolis, and by the end of the event, the 32 NFL teams will have all the medical data and on-field testing numbers for the 319 NFL Draft prospects in attendance. The interview sessions between teams and prospects are a critical element of the evaluation process. The Combine is a big step in the pre-draft process with pro days and player visits to the Meijer Performance Center to follow.
Here's a look at five things to watch as the Lions' front office, coaching and medical personnel prepare for the annual evaluation for most of this year's NFL Draft prospects:
1. Holmes and Campbell availability
Lions general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell will both speak to the media in Indianapolis.
When Holmes last spoke after the season ended, he was confident Detroit could contend for an NFC North title and Super Bowl run in 2026 behind their young core with a few strategic additions in free agency and the NFL Draft to supplement the roster. He said a lot of the changes and adjustments made to the roster probably won't come with a big headline but he didn't entirely rule out the potential for a big splash.
"I don't think that we're that far off," he said. "I personally don't. We have a lot of good players. We have a lot of good young, ascending players. We have a really good quarterback, we have the right coach. I do think that we're very close. We'll be looking at everything, but I do not think that this is a deep surgery overhaul. I don't think that. But obviously, there needs to be some adjustments made, for sure."
Campbell hasn't spoken to reporters since Jan. 5 and that was before some departures and additions to his coaching staff. Why is Drew Petzing a great fit for offensive coordinator? What does he think about some of the other changes to his coaching staff? What is his view of how the offseason has gone so far and what still needs to be done?
2. Hearing from Drew Petzing & Kelvin Sheppard
Petzing and second-year defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard are scheduled to speak to local media down in Indianapolis as well.
Campbell hired Petzing, 38, to be his new offensive coordinator after moving on from John Morton following the season. Petzing spent the last three seasons in Arizona in the same role, and it will be interesting to hear his plans for the offense and how his vision aligns with Campbell's.
Sheppard enters his second season running Detroit's defense. What did he learn the most from his first season on the job? What tweaks could he make to his scheme or personnel? What is his vision for the 2026 Detroit Lions defense?
It's always an informative session talking to the coordinators at the Combine.
3. Where is the strength of this year's draft class?
Most draft evaluators think the strength of this year's class is along both offensive and defensive lines. That just so happens to be two areas the Lions could look to bolster this offseason.
The Lions will be on the lookout for a running mate at edge rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson with Al-Quadin Muhammad and his 11.0 sacks last season headed toward free agency in March. Detroit could also look for depth players at defensive tackle.
Offensively, the No. 1 priority must be bolstering an offensive line that went from one of the league's best in 2023 and 2024 to middle of the pack by most metrics in 2025. Detroit's offense is at its best when they control the line of scrimmage, consistently run the football, and protect quarterback Jared Goff.
Detroit could be on the lookout to fill their center position, add a starter or depth player at tackle depending on Taylor Decker’s retirement decision and create competition at left guard. Which prospects will stand out this week, and could any be in the conversation when the Lions pick at No. 17 in the first round?
View photos of the offensive line prospects who were invited to the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
Memphis OL Chris Adams (61)
Florida OT Austin Barber (58)
Northwestern OL Evan Beerntsen (60)
Miami OL Markel Bell (70)
Texas A&M OL Chase Bisontis (71)
Boston College OL Jude Bowry (71)
Alabama OL Parker Brailsford (72)
Kentucky OL Jager Burton (62)
Texas OL DJ Campbell (52)
Arkansas OL Fernando Carmona (55)
Boise State OL Kage Casey (77)
Indiana OL Pat Coogan (78)
Miami OL Anez Cooper (73)
Texas A&M OT Dametrious Crownover (78)
Illinois OL J.C. Davis (74)
UCLA OL Garrett DiGiorgio (72)
Iowa OT Gennings Dunker (67)
Utah OT Spencer Fano (55)
Georgia OT Monroe Freeling (57)
Michigan State OL Matt Gulbin (51)
Oregon OL Alex Harkey (71)
Kansas State OL Sam Hecht (75)
Maryland OL Alan Herron (71)
Arizona State OT Max Iheanachor (58)
Penn State OG Olaivavega Ioane (71)
Iowa C Logan Jones (65)
Auburn C Connor Lew (75)
Utah OT Caleb Lomu (71)
Miami OT Francis Mauigoa (61)
Clemson OT Blake Miller (78)
Georgia OL Micah Morris (56)
Oklahoma OL Febechi Nwaiwu (54)
Duke OL Brian Parker II (53)
Mississippi OL Diego Pounds (61)
Oregon OG Emmanuel Pregnon (75)
Alabama OT Kadyn Proctor (74)
Texas A&M OG Ar'maj Reed-Adams (55)
Alabama OL Jaeden Roberts (77)
Georgia Tech OL Keylan Rutledge (77)
Notre Dame OG Billy Schrauth (74)
Penn State OT Drew Shelton (66)
Florida C Jake Slaughter (66)
Iowa OL Beau Stephens (70)
Auburn OL Dillon Wade (52)
Notre Dame OT Aamil Wagner (59)
Washington OL Carver Willis (50)
Oregon OT Isaiah World (76)
Auburn OL Jeremiah Wright (77)
Texas A&M OL Trey Zuhn III (60)
4. On-field testing
Xavier Worthy wowed all those in attendance along with the national audience watching on television when he ran 4.21 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the 2024 Combine to set a record. Could anyone challenge Worthy's record this year?
Who will be the fastest in Indianapolis in 2026? Mississippi State wide receiver Brenen Thompson could be a name to watch. Others include Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price, North Dakota State wide receiver Bryce Lane and Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson.
Holmes has always taken the approach of best available player on his board when on the clock. The game film is the No. 1 evaluation tool, but teams are always looking to confirm what they see on the game film in terms of speed, explosion, flexibility, explosiveness, and agility in the on-field testing. If it doesn't align, it's back to the tape to study why not.
The Combine is the place to start checking off boxes on these prospects from the medical evaluations, interviews with teams and on-field testing. Then it's time to set up the draft board so Holmes can have the same kind of success he's had in his previous five drafts.
View photos of Detroit Lions players at the NFL Scouting Combine.
California quarterback Jared Goff runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Iowa State running back David Montgomery runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 1, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Ohio State offensive lineman Taylor Decker runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine on Friday, Feb. 26, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
UTSA defensive lineman Marcus Davenport runs the 40-yard dash during the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine on Sunday, March 4, 2018 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Temple defensive back Rock Ya-Sin runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Monday, March 4, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Ohio State defensive lineman Tyleik Williams runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Kansas State defensive back D.J. Reed runs the 40-yard dash during the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine on Monday, March 5, 2018 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Florida linebacker Alex Anzalone runs a drill during the 2017 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, March 5, 2017 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
LSU defensive back Jalen Mills runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Monday, Feb. 29, 2016. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Arkansas wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Georgia offensive lineman Tate Ratledge runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Georgia wide receiver Dominic Lovett runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Georgia offensive lineman Tate Ratledge runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 2, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
LSU offensive lineman Miles Frazier runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 2, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Ohio State defensive lineman Tyleik Williams runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Georgia wide receiver Dominic Lovett runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Florida linebacker Alex Anzalone runs the 40 yard dash during the 2017 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, March 5, 2017 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Michigan offensive lineman Graham Glasgow runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine on Friday, Feb. 26, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Boston College offensive lineman Christian Mahogany runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 3, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Missouri defensive back Ennis Rakestraw Jr. runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Arkansas wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Alabama defensive back Terrion Arnold runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Utah defensive back Sione Vaki runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Alabama defensive back Terrion Arnold runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
LSU defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Iowa tight end Sam Laporta runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Alabama defensive back Brian Branch runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs speaks during a news conference at the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 4, 2023, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo Erin Hooley)
Mississippi State linebacker Tyrus Wheat runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, March 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Michigan defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (31) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 5, 2022 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, March 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Oklahoma State defensive lineman Tyler Lacy runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, March 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
Illinois defensive back Kerby Joseph runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 6, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Michigan defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (31) participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 5, 2022 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Oklahoma State linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez (28) participates in the broad jump at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
Auburn defensive back Daniel Thomas runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa State running back David Montgomery runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Alabama wide receiver Jameson Williams speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine, Wednesday, March 2, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Pittsburgh defensive back Avonte Maddox participates in the Broad Jump at the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine on Monday, March 5, 2018, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
UTSA defensive lineman Marcus Davenport runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 4, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Memphis defensive back Arthur Maulet runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Monday, March 6, 2017. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
California quarterback Jared Goff runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Miami defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine Sunday, March 5, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
5. Checking in on NFC North
I always like listening to what the general managers and head coaches from Minnesota, Green Bay and Chicago have to say during their media sessions in Indy. There was significant turnover on a lot of those coaching staffs and Minnesota moved on from general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and will not replace the position until after the draft.
What does Chicago have to do to take the next step after winning the NFC North last season? Green Bay's been the No. 7 seed in the NFC playoff picture the last three seasons. What do they believe they have to do to become one of the NFC's elite teams in 2026? How do the Vikings feel about their current quarterback play and could changes/competition be on the horizon in Minneapolis?
It's always good to stay on top of what's happening in the division.
