We run through five Big Ten players who have the most to gain from a standout performance.
Welcome to B1G Thoughts, a weekly column for all the B1G news, happenings, and analysis for the Big Ten Conference. Every week, I will bring you some B1G thoughts on the Big Ten Conference, its coaches, players, and administration as it continues to separate itself from the Power Five into the Power Two.
In-season this will include analysis, stats, key players, moments, and more from the previous weekend’s games. Check out the I-80 Football Show for a more in-depth analysis of the Big Ten Conference.
The NFL Combine is one of the marque events of the NFL offseason. There may be debates on how useful the on-field drills are for evaluating prospects or how well they transfer to on-field success in the NFL, but it is still a key week on the calendar. On-field drills, strength testing, and the all-important medical evaluations will take place this week as the NFL descends on Indianapolis.
From interviews with players to backroom dealings with agents and general managers, the NFL offseason really starts this week. With that in mind, here are five players who have the most on the line at this year’s NFL combine.
Abdul Carter, Edge – Penn State
Depending on who you ask, Abdul Carter is one of if not the best prospects in this year’s NFL Draft. He is an explosive pass rusher in the mold of Micah Parsons, and not just because they both wore No. 11 for Penn State.
Carter racked up 12 sacks along with 24 tackles for loss in 2024 and is projected to be a top-five pick. Despite already being a lock to go high in the NFL Draft, this is not the best draft for quarterbacks. With a strong Combine performance and good interviews, Carter could put himself into contention for the first pick.
The No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft carries with it a world of expectations, but it also comes with massive bragging rights. After the weekend, Carter could be a lock if he can separate himself from the quarterbacks.
Will Howard, Quarterback – Ohio State
Instead of entering the 2024 NFL Draft, Will Howard decided to return to college and transfer to Ohio State to win a national championship and improve his draft stock. A month ago, he completed goal No. 1, leading Ohio State to its first national championship since 2014, but goal No. 2 is still in progress.
Under the guidance of Ryan Day, Will Howard had by far the best season of his career with 4,030 passing yards, 35 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Howard, like other Ohio State quarterbacks, may be dinged for the level of talent he played with, but throughout the year he showcased an NFL arm, improved accuracy up 12%, and quick processing skills.
The interviews may be most important for quarterbacks. If Howard can showcase his intelligence on the board in the interview rooms and has a good performance on the field, he could secure himself as an early day two pick.
Josh Simmons, Offensive Tackle – Ohio State
Throughout the 2024 season, Ohio State left tackle Josh Simmons was making a case to be the first offensive lineman taken in the 2025 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, Simmons suffered a season-ending injury that threw his medicals into question.
If Simmons can show clean medicals at the combine and perform well in drills, he will put his name back into the mix. He may ultimately not be the first tackle taken in this draft, but he can lock himself into a first-round pick. A huge accomplishment for a kid who transferred to Ohio State two years ago as the most penalized tackle in college football.
Jordan Burch, Edge – Oregon
Outside of quarterback, the most valuable position in the NFL is probably edge rusher. This year’s draft in particular is strong on the defensive line, but if there is any position that can benefit from the combine, it’s edge rusher.
Teams love potential, and if you’re over 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds and can showcase speed and explosiveness, you can be drafted high regardless of college production. Burch, at 6-foot-6, 205 pounds is an NFL franchise’s dream. Despite battling injuries, he racked up 8.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss in 10 games.
A strong showing from Burch can position him as a late first-round pick for a playoff contender.
Will Johnson, Cornerback – Michigan
Heading into the 2024 season, Will Johnson was considered the best corner and one of the best players in the entire draft. After missing most of the season due to injuries, the door has opened for some teams to question Johnsons’ ability — and more specifically his speed.
If Johnson decides to run the 40-yard dash, his time will be a major factor in him being picked in the top-10 picks or could lead to a minor slide through the first round. The medicals will also be important, as teams will want to make sure he can hold up in the NFL before using a premium pick to make him the face of their defense.
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