As Bill Belichick alluded to in his Thursday press conference, the annual NFL Scouting Combine has recently turned into a big media event. In fact, we sent our own team of reporters to Lucas Oil Stadium to cover everything from the weekend in Indianapolis. Day one consisted of press conferences from coaches and general managers of all 32 teams. Pittsburgh Steelers GM Kevin Colbert talked about Emmanuel Sanders and Chicago Bears coach Marc Trestman talked about the possibility of releasing Julius Peppers. Andy Hart and Paul Perillo noted that both these players could be targets for the Patriots if they hit the open market. Before the day's end, Jackie Brittain caught up with Nick Caserio to preview the combine, while Paul Perillo and Andy Hart broke down the tight ends and offensive lineman in this year's draft class.
On Day 2, a lot of the media buzz surrounded Michael Sam as he prepared for his first NFL press conference. One of the hot topics for discussion was in regards to the locker room conduct around the league. In addition to Michael Sam, Johnny Manziel drew a big crowd for his first press conference. On Thursday it was reported that Manziel had reached out to Brady for advice. Manziel talked about all that and more during his Friday press conference. But he wasn't the only one to address the media on Friday, Alabama QB AJ McCarron and others spoke about their NFL future. Later, Jackie Brittain spoke with a Broncos.com reporter about the rivalry that has developed between the two teams, while Paul Perillo wrote that this may be the year to find Brady's replacement.
On Day 3, the offensive lineman took to the field and impressed scouts with amazing speed in their 40-yard dashes. The tight ends were also on display Saturday and the NFL Network's Mike Mayock shared his observations on their performance. One tight end that may be on the Patriots radar is Jace Amaro. In fact, Andy Hart says that Amaro had an interview with the team on Wednesday night.
On Day 4 the wide receivers, running backs and quarterbacks held their tryouts. Andy hart broke the different options at the wide receiver position, while Paul Perillo previewed the DT class before making their appearance in Day 5. After the end of Day 4, the NFL Network's Charles Davis gave his impressions of the combine so far, while Jackie Brittain highlighted the defensive players as they prepare to make their first appearance on the field. One position on defense that the Patriots may target is the safety position. Andy Hart explains that this year's safety class is very deep.
Here is a full breakdown of our coverage of the NFL Scouting Combine:
DAY 1: Thursday, February 20, 2014
Pittsburgh GM Colbert talks up WR Emmanuel Sanders
Combine: Steelers GM Colbert raves about draft depth
Julius Peppers Possibilities
Combine: Cardinals GM Keim never got Fitzgerald call from Patriots
Combine: Bills Marrone talks about Pepper Johnson
Michael Lombardi joins Patriots as assistant to the coaching staff
Belichick reminisces in rare Combine Press Conference
Combine: Deep and talented crop of lineman available for Patriots
Combine: Patriots have plenty of options to restock tight end roster
Thursday Combine Notebook
VIDEO: NFL Up: How to Master the Bench Press
VIDEO: NFL Up: How to Master the Shuttle Run
VIDEO: NFL Up: 3 Cone Drill
VIDEO: New England Patriots Offseason Needs
VIDEO: Belichick 2/20: We have a lot of catching up to do
VIDEO: Johnny Manziel asks Tom Brady for advice
VIDEO: A combine preview with Nick Caserio
VIDEO: Around the AFC East
AUDIO: Belichick 2/20: Combine is now a huge media event
PHOTOS: Patriots at the NFL Scouting Combine
DAY 2: Friday, February 21, 2014
Combine: Love for Logan
Combine: Dimitroff still minds Patriots Way
Combine: Copying Carroll
Combine: Texans O'Brien talks Belichick, Brady
Friday Combine Notebook
Combine: Could this be the year to find Brady's replacement
Combine: Wide Receivers in all shapes, sizes, and speeds
VIDEO: Johnny Manziel: 'I play with a lot of heart, passion that's unrivaled'
VIDEO: One-on-One with Nick Caserio
VIDEO: Tight Ends on Tap
VIDEO: Bill O'Brien talks Patriots
VIDEO: McCarron and others talk Patriots
VIDEO: Chatting with the Broncos
AUDIO: Patriots Roster Report - 2/21/2014PHOTOS: 2014 NFL Scouting CombineDAY 3: Saturday, February 22, 2014
Combine: Texas Tech TE Amaro knows the Patriots well
Combine: Giants Tuck, Nicks likely to hit FA
Saturday Combine Notebook
Combine: Speed and Power Highlight DT Class
Combine: Linebacker Class Brings Immense Athletic Talents
VIDEO: NFL Fan Pass: Combine Experiences
VIDEO: Offensive lineman Show Off Rare Speed
VIDEO: Defense on Deck in Indy
VIDEO: Best of Michael Sam
VIDEO: Talking QBs with Jim Miller
VIDEO: Mayock's tight end impressions
VIDEO: NFL Hopefuls on the Patriots and More
VIDEO: Pondering locker room conduct in the NFL
DAY 4: Sunday, February 23, 2014
Combine: FSU LB Smith has it covered
Combine: Unheralded CB Dixon says he's the best in the draft
Combine: Could Patriots tap into solid safety crop again?
Combine: Confident corners available throughout draft
VIDEO: Setting the scene for DBs
VIDEO: What's cooking on Defense?
DAY 5: Monday, February 24, 2014
VIDEO: Evaluatiing the combine so far
VIDEO: Michael Sam's NFL Counterpart
VIDEO: NFL Scouting Combine: Defensive line wrap up
VIDEO: Talking Patriots with Bill Polian
VIDEO: South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney's outstanding combine performance
DAY 6: Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Combine: Picked Up Pieces from Indy
VIDEO: Chatting with Todd McShay
VIDEO: Talking with Gil Brandt
PHOTOS: Picked Up Pieces from Indy
