So it’s not everyday I’ve actually had the chance to discuss the NFL combine, I’m absolutely so excited to talk about it since I’m a huge NFL fan. Can you believe that the combine is actually four days long? It’s stands to reason why it would take that long; teams need to evaluate each potential athlete and make sure they’re the right fit–not just athletically, but also on a mental and psychological level. That’s why it’s such a big hefty process.
I’m sure you didn’t know this either; at the combine players are required to take a gigantic urine test. They also must do a forty-yard dash, a pro agility run, bench press, and a vertical leap. For the 40-yard dash they’ll go back and forth along a twenty-five foot track four times. It’s usually what people talk about the most when it comes to the combine.
The agility runs consist of the players executing “L” style drills and weaving through a few obstacles both forward and backward. Good practice for any form of agility skill. And I don’t know if you’ve ever seen or experienced a vertical leap but, it’s truly wild; players jump up as high as they can twice, one with each hand, and measure the vertical distance for each jump.
The bench press portion requires players to lift two 25-pound pieces of metal for as many times as they can. Honestly, that sounds the hardest but I’m betting, that it’s all worth it for the player in the end.That’s why so many players take it to the next level and workout regimen before even attending the combine. The last practicalness of the combine is the physicals; a full body review with a medical staff. Thank goodness.
The combine also takes into account intelligence, reactions and football orientation and expectations. Every NFL team will also get an opportunity to meet the players and ask them various questions. Coaches tend to look for promising qualities they believe the players possess, so it’s very important for them to come off as professional and genuine.
The three most important days, however, are the on-field drills such as the vertical jump, broad jump, 3-cone drill, 20-yard shuttle, bank drill, etc. During the on-field drills scouts get a better look at the player’s style and football skills, such as agility, speed, strength, and technique. They also look for hand-eye coordination and explosive movements from each player.
The NFL combine is a test of physical as well as mental toughness. It’s an intense environment with participants coming from all over the country. There are lots of invited players that never get drafted, and lots of uninvited players that do end up getting drafted. It’s more than just a physical test; it’s a test of the players’ mental and psychological makeup. It takes the gamble out of the draft and sets up each team with the best overall player for their specific program.
All in all, whether it’s the physicality of the test or the mental approach, the NFL combine can be a nerve-wracking event. It’s such a competitive atmosphere and everyone is vying for a spot in the NFL. That’s why it’s important for players to be able to perform at their highest level. It’s definitely not easy, but the hard work and dedication of the players will pay off in the end.