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5 Rules when Watching the NFL Combine: A Fan’s Guide

By Alan Schechter

Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 23, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive back Trae Waynes runs the 40 yard dash and crosses the finish line with all the stop watch timers during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive back Trae Waynes runs the 40 yard dash and crosses the finish line with all the stop watch timers during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Pay Very Little Attention to the 40 Yard Dash:

I know, it’s a lot of fun. Rich Eisen is funny to watch running down the field in his suit and tie. It’s even funnier to watch big offensive and defensive linemen run it. And even I was impressed when Chris Johnson ran it in 4.24 seconds, in his days before becoming “CJ2K”. However, in truth, it is very irrelevant.

Do players run down the field in a straight line? Not very often. Offensive linemen certainly don’t. They need a quick burst within a five-yard area, to explode into their opponent. Defensive linemen need a quick jump off the line and strength to fight off their opponent. Even wide receivers don’t run that way very often. Typically, they are hand-fighting with opposing defensive backs, and never getting into a full sprint. It happens once in a while, but not enough for it to mean very much.

Oh, don’t get me wrong. Watch it. It’s exciting to watch guys run really fast. But don’t let it impact your judgment of the player. It means nothing.

Next: Position Relevant Numbers

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