Combine

The Draft is quickly approaching as the NFL kicks off it's annual Combine workouts in Indianapolis. The Combine is a tool that scouts use to really judge a player's athleticism. Three cone drills, 40 yard dash, Vertical jumps tests, and bench press is a few of the standard tests used.

Now in my profession these are standard tools to measure certain athletic traits, mainly to work with an athlete and measure progress. These tests have been around since the 50's, and with the national love affair with functional training they are here to stay. The main thing we as fans and hopefully our scouts do is take this and add it to a players portfolio along with personal interviews. The main focus should still be on past play and how that play coupled with measurables, and attitude would enhance the team.

Let's all hope that we can avoid a Jacoby Sheppard situation. He was a player drafted by the Rams in the 2nd round much higher than his play indicated because he had an outstanding combine. You can draft a great athletic athlete but if he is a classic underachiever or average on the field who cares if he's really fast, strong, or agile.