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?