3 Big Ten players in the spotlight at the NFL combine

Of course, many of these players are from Big Ten school, as many of them have built reputations for producing some of the biggest stars in the NFL. As the new crop of prospects prepares for the 2026 draft, fans can bet at legit online casinos that these three Big Ten stars will be among the names called in April. 

Drew Allar 

For those who are fans of traditional quarterbacks, Drew Allar of Penn State is an intriguing name to watch. He is a throwback to quarterbacks of old, comfortable in the pocket and able to make just about any throw that he wants to. 

That is, when he is not under pressure. When forced out of the pocket, Allar struggles with his accuracy. He also lacks downfield vision when being rushed and is not a threat to take off and run as a dual threat quarterback. 

That being said, he is projected to be selected in the third round of the NFL Draft and could be a high-quality backup as he begins his NFL career. He will need to go a team that can help him fix his footwork and mechanics if he is to someday be a starter. 

Clear Top-tier QB needs 

Las Vegas Raiders: Coming off a 3–14 season and holding the No. 1 pick, the Raiders are described as being in “desperate need of a franchise quarterback” after the Geno Smith move failed, and they are consistently projected to take a QB such as Fernando Mendoza at the top of the draft. 

New York Jets: Slotted at No. 2 in the current draft order, the Jets’ “biggest need” is explicitly listed as quarterback after starting three QBs in 2025, ranking 29th in offensive EPA, and with Justin Fields expected to be released. 

Cleveland Browns: Multiple analyses rank Cleveland among the most QB‑needy teams, noting that previous mid-round swings (like Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders) have not produced a clear solution and projecting them to target a passer early in 2026 mocks. 

Pittsburgh Steelers: With a depth chart built around 41‑year‑old Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, and no clear young franchise option, Pittsburgh is flagged as “most certainly” needing to add a quarterback early in 2026 if a top prospect is available. 

Marlin Klein 

Given how successful former Michigan tight end Colston Loveland was as a rookie with the Chicago Bears in 2025, many teams and fans will want to keep their eyes on Marlin Klein, who became TE1 when Loveland left for the NFL. 

A native of Germany, Klein is relatively new to the sport of football, and only played 12 college starts. That being said, he is a natural leader, was voted team captain in 2025, and has all the physical tools he needs to be successful in the NFL. 

That being said, if he is drafted, it will not be until the third day. Because he is German-born, teams may also pass on him in the draft altogether and instead sign him as an International Pathways Player. He may need some time on a practice squad/scout team to further refine his skills while also adding mass and muscle to his frame. 

Teams with TE as a Primary or Secondary Need 

Washington Commanders: Washington is one of the few teams whose top‑five needs list explicitly includes tight end, alongside edge, corner, receiver, and linebacker, making TE a realistic early‑round priority if value aligns with their pick.​ 

Atlanta Falcons: Although they do not own a 2026 first‑rounder, their listed top needs start with tight end, suggesting that if they reacquire a Round 1 pick via trade, TE would be high on the board. 

Philadelphia Eagles: In one major 2026 mock, Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq is projected to the Eagles late in Round 1, explicitly tied to the possibility that they do not re‑sign veteran Dallas Goedert. Analysts note that Jalen Hurts leaned heavily on Goedert in the red zone, making a “top‑end replacement” at TE a logical first‑round target if that vacancy opens. 

Mason Reiger 

Every year, it seems, the Wisconsin Badgers have a defensive player at the NFL combine that catches the attention of scouts and fans. This year, it could be defensive lineman Mason Reiger, who packs a big punch in his otherwise undersized frame. 

At six-foot-four and 245 pounds, Reiger will need to add some weight and muscle before he becomes an every-down pass rusher in the NFL. However, he has shown flashes of explosiveness and brute strength that could have some franchises looking at him as a great developmental project. 

While not projected to be an NFL Draft Day One pick, and potentially not a Day Two pick either, there are still some teams that might look to Reiger. 

Teams That Might Look to Reiger in Later Rounds 

Washington Commanders: Top-5 draft position with edge listed as their No. 1 need; Reiger's size and sack totals align as a rotational fit if elite EDGEs like Fernando Mendoza are gone.​ 

Philadelphia Eagles: Already mocked Round 1 TEs but have pass-rush depth concerns post-Goedert scenarios; Reiger could pair with their front if they double-dip defense.​ 

Kansas City Chiefs (9th): Andy Reid's scheme thrives on versatile OLBs; with RB focus in mocks, they might pivot to edge depth if Pacheco concerns ease. 

Los Angeles Rams (13th): Trade rumors around vets make them active on the edge market; Reiger's Big Ten tape fits Sean McVay's preference for athletic pass specialists.