The NFL combine may be a divisive part of the league's pre-draft activities, but it can still help or hurt college football players' stock on draft night.
The combine is a chance for college football prospects to put their athleticism on display, but it can also test a young man's intangible, in a way. During the four-day event, scouts, executives and personnel from the league and all 32 teams essentially get to conduct a job interview with potential employees.
The NFL Network will air the combine, beginning on Friday, Feb. 20 at 9 a.m. and coverage starts Saturday, Sunday and Monday at the same time every day. Here is the full list of participants.
Per Bleacher Report, the schedule is as follows:
Friday: special teams, offensive linemen, tight ends
Saturday: quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers
Sunday: defensive linemen, linebackers
Monday: defensive backs
According to NFL.com, these are the following activities prospects will partake in:
The 40-yard dash is arguably the most-watched workout at the combine. It measures straight-line speed first and foremost, but also tests a player's acceleration. But since NFL players very rarely get to run in a straight line with no one in their way, the drills merits are mostly social media hype and bragging rights.
Bench press measures raw strength and endurance, as each player tries to lift 225 pounds as many times as possible.
Vertical jump tests lower body explosion, but scouts also no doubt want to see receivers and defensive backs who can get up higher in going for the ball.
Broad jump also tests lower body explosion, but also balance and strength, as players stand flat footed before jumping as far as possible without wavering upon landing.
The 3-cone drill tests agility and the ability to turn on a dime.
The shuttle run is a similar drill that tests "lateral quickness."
