NFL Combine Buzz: No one knows what to do at quarterback

Some interviews got started on Tuesday, but on Wednesday the NFL officially kicked off things in Indianapolis with a full day at the Scouting Combine. Folks from all 32 NFL organizations are present, and numerous media outlets have sent folks to the house that Peyton Manning build to cover the event.

Once again, KSR is in the house as the Kentucky football program has sent seven players to the event as everyone prepares for the 2022 NFL Draft out in Las Vegas next month. However, we must get through phase two of the draft season to get there.

After taking in everything and drinking tons of coffee at the Indiana Convention Center, we are here to provide the local buzz as the NFL gets ready for another season.

Quarterback is a mystery

When looking into most player rankings by draft pundits, you’ll have to scroll for a little bit to find a quarterback. Overall, Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett appears to be the guy that most feel like is QB1 in this class, but there is a low ceiling and huge questions about hand size for the guy that just led the Panthers to an ACC title.

Elsewhere, Malik Willis has a high ceiling with playmaking traits, but there are consistency concerns. Matt Corral has size issues, Desmond Ridder is likely a second or third round talent in most drafts, and Sam Howell just had a very disappointing junior season.

Due to this logjam that has no one truly sticking out, people are not really sure what to expect at the draft. The Carolina Panthers, Washington Commanders, New Orleans Saints, and Pittsburgh Steelers are all in the market for a quarterback in the first round, but we’re not sure where each stands.

Pickett does feel like the name to follow with Willis being the wild card. How the two do this week in Indianapolis could go a long way. If one impresses enough, we could see a surprise top-10 pick next month. However, others may pass and just try to get a quarterback next season.

Wan’Dale Robinson’s versatility

After a one-and-done season that saw Nebraska transfer Wan’Dale Robinson set program records at Kentucky, the former top-100 recruit is a popular man in Indianapolis. The draft is a bit top-heavy at wide receiver with four or five guys that could go in the first round, but Robinson could easily sneak into the second round on day two.

The versatility is a big reason why.

Robinson took the podium on Tuesday and confirmed that teams are asking about his time playing multiple positions at Nebraska and his ability to help the kicking game on returns. The versatility is something NFL organizations are attracted to and that makes the Kentucky slot receiver a tantalizing prospect in this year’s draft.

To this point, Robinson has had one formal interview and that was with the New England Patriots. Bill Belichick’s team owns the No. 58 picks in the second round. Could Robinson finally play with Mac Jones?

Big day for offensive line prospects

At the end of the day, this draft class could be known for the plethora of talent it has on the defensive front and the lack of quality options at quarterback. Elsewhere, wide receiver has some guys that could turn into true No. 1 threats, and tight end is very deep despite a lack of true star power.

The offensive line class also has a chance to make an impact, but it will be due to the depth of the position.

The day will get started bright and early with both Luke Fortner and Darian Kinnard taking the stand in Indianapolis. Meanwhile, Evan Neal or Ikem Ekwonu could go No. 1 overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars and there could be 11-12 offensive line players taken in the first two rounds.

Every team in the NFL needs good players in the trenches and this year’s group looks to make their mark at the NFL Combine. Athletic testing will be important for these prospects as things are very close after the top tackles — Neal, Ekwonu, Charles Cross, Trevor Penning — go off the board.