NFL Combine Preview: What Eagles Fans Need to Watch For in Indianapolis

The NFL Combine is officially underway in Indianapolis, and while the on-field workouts grab the headlines, the real action for Philadelphia Eagles fans is happening behind closed doors.

The combine has evolved into much more than an athletic showcase. It's the NFL's annual convention — a week where every general manager, head coach, and agent in the league converges on one city to do business. For an Eagles team with significant roster needs and potential trades to make, this is the most important week of the offseason so far.

The medical evaluations are the most critical component, and they're the part fans will hear the least about. Teams are examining draft prospects from head to toe, looking for any red flag that could affect their evaluation. For a team like the Eagles, who need to hit on their draft picks immediately, knowing which prospects have clean medicals is worth more than any 40-yard dash time.

The interview process has changed in recent years, with teams getting limited time with each prospect. Don't read too much into reports about which players the Eagles met with — they talk to virtually everyone. What matters is who they bring back for private workouts after the combine.

On-field workouts begin Thursday with defensive linemen and linebackers. For Eagles fans, this is relevant because Philadelphia could be in the market for defensive depth, even though the defense was strong last season. Pay attention to edge rushers who could complement Jaelan Phillips — assuming he re-signs.

The offensive line prospects working out later in the week will be crucial. The Eagles need to identify their Lane Johnson succession plan, and the combine is where you separate the athletes from the football players. Look for tackles who can move well in pass protection — that's the Eagles' priority.

Then there's the convention aspect. The NFL competition committee has already met, and the news on the tush push is significant: there's no real push to remove it from the game. Eagles fans will celebrate that, but the irony is that the play may have already cost Philadelphia more than it gained. Cam Jurgens and Landon Dickerson's injuries can be traced directly to the physical toll of the push, and the Eagles might need to shelve it voluntarily regardless of what the league decides.

The free agency negotiating period begins March 9, with the new league year starting March 11. Expect deals to start taking shape this week in Indianapolis as agents and GMs sit down over dinner at St. Elmo Steak House and hammer out the framework for signings and trades.

For the Eagles, the combine is where the 2026 roster starts to take shape. Watch the prospects, but pay closer attention to the business being conducted in hotel lobbies and restaurant booths. That's where the real action is.