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

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 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Colorado State running back Demetrius Hart runs with the ball in a drill during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Colorado State running back Demetrius Hart runs with the ball in a drill during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Look For Position Relevant Measurables:

What do I mean by “position relevant”? Well, if straight line speed is not what we are looking for, what is? Take a running back, for example. We want him to be able to make quick, sharp cuts, yes? The “3 Cone Drill” is an excellent indication of their ability to shift. At his workout, Doug Martin placed second in that drill with a time under seven seconds, to give you a frame of reference.

We want our wide receivers to have a burst off of the line. Let’s see their explosiveness in the high jump and the broad jump. Several positions give us a lot of information via the jumps. Quick bursts are par for the course in the NFL. Who can give us those bursts? The jump drills will tell you a lot.

How about linemen? They need to be strong, obviously. Let’s take a look at who is ahead of the pack in the bench press. That is as good a way as any to measure strength.

Watch for drills that are relevant to the position of the player.

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