Things You Need to Know About the NFL Football Combine

Since 1979, the NFL has conducted some testing of players participating in the NFL draft. Later, in 1982, players and team scouts gathered to check the player's prospects and confirm the player's performance. This was the first official combine year. The athletes then received an interview with the team and a comprehensive physical, medical and psychological testing program. This first combine was held in Tampa, Florida, and was attended by 163 players. Two more camps were held from 1982 to 1984.

In 1985, all 28 NFL teams agreed to participate in a single annual combine in Arizona, so the National Invitational Camp [NIC], also known as combine, merged the three camp sites. NIC was renamed NFL Scouting Combine after the merger of the three camps.

In 1987, the combine moved permanently to Indianapolis, Indiana and was held at the Fujame Dome [later called the RCA Dome].

In 2005, the surface of the RCA dome was changed from the AstroTurf surface to the FieldTurf surface, making it 40m faster.

The combine stayed in the RCA dome until 2009 and then moved to the new Lucas Oil Stadium, home to Indianapolis Colts.

The following is a summary of the tests performed on the combine.

Physical test:

physical measurement:

Each prospect has measurements of height, weight, arm length, and hand length. Running back and lineman measurements include body fat percentage measured using a body pod.

40 yards dash:

This is a power and speed test. Starting with a 3 point stance, the player runs 40 yards as fast as possible. The 10 and 20 yard split times are then recorded and the acceleration is measured. The 10-yard dash time is very important for aggressive and defensive linemen. Because they usually do not run longer than when playing in the game.

Bench press:

The bench press is for testing the strength of the promising upper body. The player lifts 225 pounds. As many times as he can. The only players that do not need to participate in this test are the quarterback and wide receiver. This test is most important for aggressive or defensive linemen.

Vertical jump:

Players jump from both feet as high as possible to test for explosion and power. This test is one of the most important tests for receivers and defensebacks who often have to jump for the ball in the game.

Broad jump:

Very similar to a vertical jump, which tests a player's low health, explosion, and power. Broad jump is how high the player can jump. The player jumps 2 feet from the standing position within the range that can jump. This test is most important for testing running backs, linemen, and linebackers.

20 yards shuttle:

Also called 5-10-5 shuttle. This is an agility test such as speed, explosion, or direction change. In this test, technique is very important. The player measures how fast he can move sideways by 5 yards, returns 10 yards in the opposite direction, and finally returns 5 yards to the start line.

Three cone drill:

This tests a player's agility as he runs around three cones arranged in the shape of the capital L. The cones are placed 5 yards away from each other.

60 yards shuttle:

This anaerobic test is a traveling distance ladder shuttle. Players stand on the starting line and go back 5 or more yards, 10 yards or more, and 15 yards or more while touching the line.

Skill test:

Skill tests are position-specific drills. Each player goes through a soccer drill designed for his position. The fact that everyone is interested in fitness test numbers may overlook these drills. An example of a position-specific drill is one-pass coverage.

psychology:

Since the 1970s, the Wonderlic test, an intelligence type test, has been performed on combine players. In 2013, a new 60-minute test was added to the test program. A new and expanded player assessment tool provided a much more robust and comprehensive assessment of player capabilities, suitability, and strength. This test measures a player's ability, such as learning style, motivation, decision-making skills, pressure response, and intelligence.

Medical:

Injury assessment:

All players must undergo an X-ray and physical examination to check the injury and injury history. Players currently injured in the combine will be examined in detail.

Drug screening:

Each player will have a urine test to check for illegal substances not allowed by the NFL. They are primarily looking for marijuana, cocaine, and drugs that improve performance.

Cyber ​​test:

The Cybex test isn't as important to the prospective customer, but the coach looks carefully at the results of injured players and previously injured players. This test checks all prospects for flexibility and joint movement. Connect the prospect to the machine and determine the result.