It is time for everyone’s favorite offseason spectacle, the NFL Combine.

Hundreds of NFL hopefuls will assemble in Indianapolis, where they work out with their future football careers on the line but will not play any actual football. Instead, they will run, jump and try not to hit cones to prove they are worthy of being drafted.

It’s become more of a TV show than an assessment of talent. We’ll see a few seconds of actual players doing these tests, but it’s more of watching analysts judge whether or not a player will get a gold jacket and their name in Canton because of their shuttle time.

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Then, of course, someone has to do the 40-yard dash in their designer suit and Cole Haan dress shoes.

Still, we will tune in and look for that next stud like Vernon Davis or an overhyped player like Darrius Heyward-Bay. Yes, Heyward-Bay will forever be the benchmark of an excellent Combine performance that turned into an NFL bust.

Last year, we paid close attention to the most mid-quarterback competition in recent history. We questioned whether or not Kenny Pickett should be drafted, thanks to the most memorable hand measurement in history. And we were floored by a video of Malik Willis making throws in a ballroom and thought he was a top-five pick.

Although, it was the Georgia players who stole the week last year. This led to the now back-to-back National Champions having the most players picked in modern draft history.

Let’s look at what drills these players will do in those spandex suits.

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2023 NFL Draft Scouting Combine Primer

40-yard dash

Record: John Ross – 4.22 seconds (2017)

We have used running as a test of athletic prowess since the beginning of time. Olympic runners have been revered, marathon runners have been cheered and we’ve all watched the two fastest kids at recess race each other.

Last year we saw a couple of players get close to John Ross’ record with Kalon Barnes (4.23), a new record for cornerbacks, and Tariq Woolen (4.26), which is now second.

For several positions, their 40-time doesn’t matter: Running a sub-five isn’t going to drop an offensive or defensive lineman’s draft stock. Other tests will help them.

For quarterbacks, if they are known for their mobility, then they need an impressive 40 time. Scouts will be looking at Bryce Young, Will Levis and Anthony Richardson, who each frequently like to run. Then you have CJ Stroud, who is more pass-centric, so an uninspiring 40-time will not hurt him.

An edge rusher’s 40-time could only help their stock. They are evaluated higher on the explosive tests. For the defensive backs, this one is important. An unknown cornerback that runs a sub 4.30 can elevate them multiple rounds ahead, while a slower time could push them further back.

It’s also important for the non-power running backs and wide receivers that stretch the field to show that they have quick burst.

Vertical Jump

Record: Gerald Sensabaugh – 46 inches (2005)

Like you and your friends used to have races in the schoolyard, you also challenged each other to jump and touch stuff. When my friend Danny challenged me to jump and touch an exit sign, I spiked it like a volleyball, crashing it into pieces.

NFL hopefuls will do the same as they try to jump as high as possible and smack specific markers. This is another drill that doesn’t matter for a quarterback. Besides Tim Tebow and his jump throws, most scouts want their quarterbacks to have their feet on the ground.

Defensive front players can only benefit from a good vertical. Teams love big guys who can get high and attempt to block a pass. Same with running backs. Having a fantastic vertical shows lower body explosiveness, but it isn’t crucial.

For wide receivers, the vertical is just as important as the 40. Jumping is an integral part of the position because you need to out-leap your opponent when going for a pass, especially the 50/50 ball.

The 20-Yard Shuttle

Record: Jason Allen – 3.81 seconds (2006)

The shuttle is all about quick reactions and being able to show your footwork. In what’s sometimes known as the “5-10-5 drill,” the player starts in a three-point stance, then explodes up five yards, back 10 yards, then returns another five yards to the start line.

This is an excellent way for defensive players to show how well they can change direction. During this drill, analysts will discuss these players’ “quick twitch muscles.”

This shows whether or not a defensive player can make split-second adjustments and change direction with their assignment. Keeping them close in coverage is essential in the NFL.

Broad Jump

Record: Bryon Jones – 12’3″ (2015)

The NFL combine is like House of Pain and makes you jump around for a few days. The broad jump is another test to show off a player’s lower body strength. Unlike the vertical, this showcases their hip flexor muscles.

This drill is essential for offensive linemen. A strong core and hip flexors are vital when twisting and shuffling with a defensive lineman, and the players that show off well in this drill are usually slated to play tackle.

Bench Press

Record: Justin Ernest – 51 reps (1999)

Every high school and college locker room love to have this competition. This isn’t about a player’s strength but more about their endurance. A player will attempt to do as many reps with 225 pounds as possible.

This is another drill where the players in the trenches are evaluated closely. For offensive linemen, teams want to know if they can push away another grown man continuously for 60 minutes. For defenders, it’s about whether they can push those large men back.

Smaller players who are more known for their speed usually skip this drill. Don’t be surprised if defensive backs don’t have a recorded bench press number.

Three-Cone

Record: Jordan Thomas – 6.28 seconds (2018)

The three-cone is another drill that shows off the player’s ability to change direction. The cones are set up in an L shape. They go five yards to the first cone and back. Then they turn, run around the second cone, run a weave around the third cone, change directions, come back around that second cone and finish.

Confused? Just watch the video on it.

This is an excellent drill for defensive linemen, especially edge rushers, to show their ability to shuffle and maneuver when getting through the pass protection. Smaller running backs that are great in the open field like to show off in this drill. The same goes for wide receivers that are known for their route running.

The Combine is just one aspect of the pre-draft evaluation. It’s not the end, but a stellar performance at this event can boost their stock.

A big example is UConn’s Byron Jones. He posted a top-10 40-time (4.38) and, as mentioned, holds the record in the broad jump, which propelled him into a first-round pick.

A terrible showing can plummet you. Maurice Clarett comes to mind because of the spotlight to which he had that chance to become NFL eligible. He started the combine with a 4.72 40-yard dash and didn’t participate in another drill. Another well-known recent Combine faller was Isaac Nauta. Considered a possible first-rounder, he had an abysmal combine which could be why he dropped to the seventh round.

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