NFL Combine: Does It Really Matter?

         

The NFL Scouting Combine is finally upon us. Potential NFL draft picks take the field in Indianapolis in front of hundreds of NFL scouts in hopes that some of them take notice, and their draft stock rises. Some argue as to why the combine is such a big deal and why so people want to watch it. Football fans want football. It’s that simple. The Super Bowl was two and a half weeks ago and there hasn’t been any football natured to watch. There has been a lot of talk, but no action. The event spans three days and sees the offensive lineman, tight ends, and special teams guys get it started on Friday. Saturday has the running backs, wide receivers and quarterbacks running around. Sunday is more big fellas with defensive lineman and linebackers the capping off the combine on Monday are the defensive backs.

           I couldn’t tell you a specific reason why I watch the combine, but I do. I think it’s kind of unique to see these prospects in a different environment and whether they take it seriously or not. It’s easy to go out and just go through the motions and complete something, but it’s another thing to go out there and actually compete and want to be the best at it. The work ethic some guys show might be the difference between a 1^st round grade and a 3^rd round grade. One of the more exciting events is the 40-yard dash. The event lasts roughly 4.4-5.3 seconds and it doesn’t necessarily mean anything for some guys, but it’s fun to watch. If you watch the combine, the time that is indicated first is the unofficial time based on stopwatches. The official time is what the laser timer will capture. If a player runs an unofficial 4.30, more than likely his official time will be 4.4. In 2008, then East Carolina running back Chris Johnson ran a blazing 4.24 40 and that record time has stood since. Usually it’s the running backs, wide receivers, or defensive backs that run the 4.3 or faster, but don’t be surprised if you see a non-skill player run a quick time. Last years combine saw one of the most anticipated forty times in recent memory, South Carolina defensive end JaDeveon Clowney was looked at by many as a “can’t miss” prospect because of his unique combination of size and speed. Clowney stepped up and ran an amazing 4.53 official forty. If you can’t watch the combine, you can follow here.

           Does the combine make or break a players draft stock? It’s not likely that a subpar performance in Indy will hurt a player. However, there are a handful of players that will sit out of drills and only partake in the off the field events such as the Wonderlic test and individual meetings. Quarterbacks often times will choose not to throw at the combine and wait until their pro day when they’re in a familiar setting and have their own receivers to throw to. When a player doesn’t perform at the combine, unless they’re injured, could raise a red flag for scouts on their work ethic. Although that’s not always the case, players are encouraged to partake in all the drills. 

           The combine is a different type of sporting event, sometimes referred to as the 'Spandex Olympics', but it's still fun to see how high, how fast, and how strong some of the top prospects are. 

              The 2015 NFL Scouting Combine takes place this Friday, February 20^th and lasts until Monday the 23^rd and is live on the NFL Network.