NFL Combine. Just the phrase alone is enough to make some people squeal with joy while others involuntarily lash out with rage. The remaining group tends to give you a blank stare wondering when you're going to tell them what the NFL is combining with. It's possible that I'm exaggerating. But in reality, it is that time of year again when NFL-hopefuls strip down to the spandex to run, jump and do backflips for NFL scouts and coaches.
Assuming you already know what it is (if you don't, Google is your friend), I'm going to give you a brief rundown of the how and the why. Mostly the why. There are tons of events to watch throughout the week on NFL Network, but not everyone has the time to devote to that or even wants to. So let's just stick to the big ones.
The 40-Yard Dash
Ah yes, the dash. This is probably the most famous and most over-hyped event of the combine (maybe even the world?). How often do players sprint 40 yards down a football field without being touched? Not very often. So in reality this drill that measures top-end speed doesn't generally hold much weight with scouts - in most cases. While it is sexy and exciting to draft a wide receiver or runningback with 4.30 speed, as we'eve seen in the past, it doesn't always translate to football ability. However, the position this drill matters most to is the defensive backs. Speed is incredibly important here because you cannot cover a receiver you can't catch. It's that simple. Even still, this test used more to weed players out more than it is to move players up the draft board. A bad 40-time will hurt your more than a good 40-time will help you.
The Bench Press
This might be the least applicable event of the entire combine. Once again, it just doesn't translate to the football field - players rarely ever perform this movement. It might be the most relatable test to the public - most of us has bench pressed before in our lives and watching these athletes bench 225lbs 30, 40 or 50 times can really put things in perspective for you. One thing NFL scouts and coaches can take away from a showing in this drill is that an athlete is committed to working out and preparing himself for the next level.
The Jumps
You will see all the athletes perform various jumps, like the vertical leap test and the broad jump test. While these don't translate directly to the field, it gives coaches an idea of the kind of power an athlete can produce. These measurements of explosiveness will help determine if a player has the athletic ability to keep up with players at the next level. This drill can be especially telling for positions involved with catching the ball like receivers and defensive backs. If you're a short receiver with a below-average vertical leap, it's not nearly as easy for the quarterback to get you the ball.
Position Skill Drills
These are drills like quarterback dropbacks/throws, the receivers' gauntlet, lineman mirror drill and the defensive backs' backpedalling. These are some of the most important drills (it really comes down to coach's preference) of the combine. They are not the sexiest or the most heralded, but they tell the best stories. These drills tell coaches how well players are able to execute their jobs, physically. Some quarterbacks look painfully slow when running down the field but move with grace and quickness dropping back to pass. Then there are others who move like Barry Sanders in the open field, but trip over their own feet in the pocket. These position specific drills are the heart and soul of the NFL Combine. Excel here and you're on your way. Fall flat and you may be looking for work this May.
