Buccaneers: Three Simple Rules for Watching the NFL Combine

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Feb 27, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Massachusetts Amherst wide receiver Tajae Sharp catches a pass during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Position Specific Drills

If the big drills like the 40 yard dash aren’t what to pay attention to, what is? The drills that are relevant for a particular position are the most important. For example, look at the running backs. We can all agree that they often have to change directions, and do it quickly. Which drill tests that skill? The Three Cone Drill. Take a look at the timings on that. It will give you a bit of insight to the running backs coming out. Who does better, Leonard Fournette or Dalvin Cook? It will be interesting.

Buccaneers fans will be looking at wide receivers. How do they catch the football? Do they let the ball into their bodies or do they catch it with their hands? No matter how fast they are, if the ball gets into their body consistently, it should be a big red flag. Back in 2012, the New York Jets were impressed by a wide receiver out of Georgia Tech that ran a 4.36 forty yard dash. The trouble was he couldn’t make a catch with his hands. The Jets didn’t care and selected him with their early second round pick. His name is Stephen Hill, and he caught 45 passes over two seasons for the team before he found himself out of the league.

If offensive linemen are more your thing, watch their feet when they go through their drills. How is their slide step? Do they move smoothly or do they get tangled up? How does he distribute his weight? Does he get too bent over at the waist, or is his center of gravity good? These are just a sampling of some of the things to watch for as you watch what some call the “Underwear Olympics”. Yes I’m serious.

Next: Bucs Seven Round Mock Draft

Follow these simple rules, and you will enjoy the Combine just a bit more. You too can scout the next Buccaneers star.

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