INDIANAPOLIS — Coaches and general managers took the podium Wednesday at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine alongside prospects, revealing critical intelligence about the league's near future. Here's what emerged from the day's media availability.

Arvell Reese Is Betting Big on Pass-Rushing Upside

Ohio State's Arvell Reese, one of this year's top prospects, spent his college career as a positionless defender—playing both off-ball linebacker and edge rusher. But he made his preference clear at the combine: he wants to rush the passer in the NFL.

The math is simple. Top edge rushers command $46.5 million in average annual value, set by Green Bay's Micah Parsons. Inside linebackers? Less than half that at $21 million per year. Reese watched Parsons' blueprint: the All-Pro transitioned from Penn State's middle linebacker spot to the Dallas Cowboys' edge, where he's thrived.

Last season, Reese logged 6.5 sacks, 69 tackles, and 10 tackles for loss in 14 games. Whichever team drafts him will shape his financial future.

The Titans-Bain Connection Could Be NFL's Next Power Pairing

Miami's Rueben Bain didn't hide his interest in Tennessee. The edge rusher revealed Wednesday that Cam Ward—the Hurricanes' star quarterback now with the Titans—has already pushed Tennessee to draft him if he's available at No. 4.

"Hopefully everything ends up the right way. The interaction with them again was great, had a formal interview. We killed it. Went in and approached everything with the right mindset."

The alignment is striking. All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons has publicly vouched for the move. Titans coach Robert Saleh laid down even stronger language Tuesday.

"His tape is undeniable. He is an unbelievable football player, he plays with great violence. His football IQ is off the charts."

A quarterback knows him and wants him. Your defensive anchor wants him. Your new coach needs foundational pieces on defense. The pairing makes sense on multiple fronts.

Sam Darnold Faces New Offensive Dynamics

Seahawks coach Mike MacDonald confirmed Wednesday that the team's new offensive coordinator, Brian Fleury, will maintain the same scheme principles—but execution details remain unclear.

Fleury, the 49ers' run game coordinator last season, is a first-time NFL playcaller. As recently as 2021, he held a quality control job.

That's a significant shift for Darnold. His recent renaissance has been built on elite playcallers: Klint Kubiak, Kevin O'Connell, and Kyle Shanahan. All were seasoned offensive minds. Now Darnold—a top-10 quarterback and two-time Pro Bowler—may need to take the most commanding role in offense development he's ever had in the NFL.

The Patriots-A.J. Brown Trade Scenario Gains Plausibility

Patriots coach Jerod Mayo fielded questions about A.J. Brown as trade rumors swirl around Philadelphia's star receiver. While Mayo sidestepped direct commentary, his history with the player speaks volumes.

"It has meant a lot. I've watched him grow. I've watched him mature. I'm proud of him, proud of the father that he is. I'm proud of the husband he is."

The relationship between Mayo and the three-time Pro Bowler creates real trade momentum. Brown has posted four straight 1,000-yard seasons. Stefon Diggs' long-term future in New England is uncertain. Brown would be the elite No. 1 receiver Drake Maye needs as he chases redemption after a brutal playoff run.