The NFL Scouting Combine is an annual event that occurs every year in late February or early March. The three-day
event is hosted at the Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts. 32 NFL teams pay for the event which is
organized by the National Invitational Camp Inc. It is estimated that fees run about $75,000 per team. The venue is
where college football players perform a series of physical and mental tests in front of NFL coaches, General
Managers, Scouts and sometimes Owners. Over the years, the combine has grown in scope and interest as the
combine has shown to either make or break a prospects draft chances. The combine is made up of the following
tests/evaluations:
- 40 yard dash - The 40-yard dash is a test of speed and power. From a three-point stance (varied), a player
runs 40 yards as fast as he can. Split time are recorded at 10 and 20 yards to measure acceleration. The 10-
yard time is especially important for offensive and defensive lineman because they usually don't run farther
than that during a play. The 40-yard holds significance, because this is a true measure of "NFL speed" as
skill players typically run routes/defend for no more than 40-yards.
Breaking down the 40-yard dash:
The 40-yard dash is considered the marquee event. As a player runs the event, scouts and coaches
are breaking down the performance into three stages. First is the 10-yard dash. This portion of the
forty measures explosion and quickness from a static start (three point stance). This is more
accurate for offensive and defensive lineman, as the QB, WR, LB, and secondary positions do not
require players to start from a three point stance. The 10-yard sprint is typically important for
lineman as it can provide an accurate speed for pulling offensive lineman or pass-rushing defensive
lineman. The 20-yard portion of the sprint is important for wide receivers and defensive backs.
Typically, the average route ranges anywhere from 10-20 yards. During this portion of the forty,
scouts and coaches can examine how fast a receiver gets off the line of scrimmage and into his
route at top speed. Lastly, the entire forty yard dash measures a players overall speed.
- Bench press - The bench press test is a test of upper body strength. Each player much bench press 225 lbs
as many times as possible. Quarterbacks and Wide Receivers are exempt from the test.
Breaking down the Bench Press:
Not only is the bench press a test of strength, but also endurance. Players are not required to bench
press their highest weight one time - as simply bench pressing 600 pounds is not an accurate
measure of strength and endurance. Additionally, scouts and coaches can determine which players
have shown dedication in the weight room throughout their football careers.
- Vertical jump - The vertical jump is a test concentrated on explosiveness and power. From a stand-still
position, a player is required to jump as high as he can hitting a marker with an outstretched arm. This
exercise shows scouts and coaches how often a player squats, cleans and performs other power lifts in the
weight room
- Broad jump - Similar to the vertical jump, the broad jump tests explosiveness and power of the lower body.
The exercise measures how far a player can jump as opposed to how high. From a standing position, the
player is required to jump forward off two feet as far as possible. In addition to the lower body power aspect,
this exercise also measures balance. Players can NOT rock back and forth during the start and finish of their
jump. Jumping forward 8-10 feet and landing flush, without rocking is a great indication of balance.
- 20 yard shuttle - The 20-yard shuttle tests both speed and agility. Technique is important for this drill. Each
player is timed on how fast they can go 5-yards laterally, then 10-yards back in the opposite direction, while
finishing 5-yard back to the original start line. Lateral movement and quickness are often measured during
this drill.
- 3-cone drill or "L" Drill - This drill is one of most accurate "football" drills at the combine. A player is required
to burst 5-yards, touch the ground, return to the start, and then run the "L" shaped course from start to finish.
This drill measures how quickly a player can change direction without losing balance or acceleration, while
making high speed turns. This exercise is key for defensive ends, 3-4 outside linebackers and other pass-
rushers. Many times these outside pass rushers are dipping and ripping while moving forward without losing
acceleration. Additionally, this drill is a good indicator for defensive backs as it measures acceleration,
pivoting, and balance while having to mirror a wide receiver.
- Quarterback Drills (Route Tree) - This drill is specifically for quarterbacks. During this time, QB's are required
to go through the route tree which includes throwing the slant, out, in, corner and go-routes. Scouts and
coaches do not typically look for overthrown/underthrown balls and dropped balls. Rather, they look for proper
footwork, a good/natural release, being able to drop back from the center, carriage of the football (placement
before passing), arm strength and quick releases from a 3-5-7 step drop. Once again, scouts and coaches
do not care about dropped passes, but rather the fundamentals of being a quarterback.
- Three-cone drill
- 60 yard shuttle
- Position-specific drills (i.e. Defensive back drills)
- Player interviews
- Player injury evaluations
- Drug screen/tests
- The Cybex Test
- The Wonderlic Test
- Draft Huddle
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