NFL Combine Not Just Physical

Despite the ongoing CBA issue, the NFL Combine commenced today and will be completed on March 1. The Combine is the NFL’s version of an initial job interview. Former college players embark on their NFL journey formally with four days worth of medical exams, interviews, drills, and chalk talk. 

"– Their first day includes preparation for the medical exam, and X-rays. The day also includes an orientation. – The second day includes weigh-in, medical exams and selected psychological tests. Bench pressing is often done this day.   – The third day, they have a meeting with NFL Players Association officials and some additional psychological exams. – The fourth day, they have their workouts, including 40-yard dash and other drills. This is the only day a player does not have interviews with teams because often they are headed to the airport when their workouts are completed. – Jeff Legwold, Denver Post"

For these athletes hoping to make the jump to the pros, a lot rides on their four day evaluation period. It’s the biggest job interview of their lives. For a guy like Cam Newton or Tim Tebow last year, multiple sets of eyes are focused on their performance and whether or not their college success can translate to success at the professional level. These athletes devote their post collegiate training time to training specifically for the Combine. Former Olympic gold medalist Michael Johnson has even opened up his own Combine training center. 

Tim Tebow put up very impressive numbers for a quarterback last year.

40-yard dash – 4.72

Vertical jump – 38.5

Broad jump – 09’07”

20-yard shuttle run – 4.17

3-cone drill – 6.66

Here’s a video of his physical performance.  

Beyond, the physical testing, players must go through psychological testing. They take the Wonderlic test which is a 12-minute, 50 questions test that measures aptitude. Usually, it’s the offensive linemen that score highest on this test.

For more information on the Combine, go here and cruise around. 

While this is not the end-all-be-all to a player’s potential, it gives a good indication for future success in the NFL.

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