Each year, fans of both college and professional football tune in to the NFL Scouting Combine.
We watch players go through drills like the 40-yard dash, vertical leap and the bench press. All of these drills help show how athletic a prospect is, but it’s time we realize that the combine isn’t everything.
Eddie Lacy didn’t wow anybody in last year’s combine, but he recently took home the trophy for the 2013 Offensive Rookie of the Year. Lacy rushed for 1,178 yards in his first year in the NFL.
If you’re an NFL team looking for a fast running back, the 40-yard dash is a fantastic drill to look at. Chris Johnson ran a 4.24 in 2008, and he has proved to be a star for the Tennessee Titans. But it isn’t a great indicator for every position. It is unnecessary to heavily critique an offensive lineman’s 40 time.
Those who work in the front office for NFL franchises definitely look at a prospect’s athletic measurements, but it’s their work ethic and attitude that truly matter. A guy who runs a 4.3 but has a terrible attitude is worthless to an NFL franchise.
Tom Brady is the greatest example of someone who proved the NFL Scouting Combine isn’t everything in determining how good a football player someone will be. Brady wasn’t physically imposing. He didn’t have the strongest arm. He put up a whopping 5.28 in the 40-yard dash. But he is in discussion as one of the best quarterbacks of all time because of his work ethic and production on the field.
This year’s NFL Scouting Combine features big names from across the country. Former South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney impressed NFL scouts with his 40 time this week with an official 4.53. But how often is Clowney going to run 40 yards in one play? How Clowney tests in the interview and film rooms will be the determining factor in where he goes in the draft.
It’s important that we as fans pay attention to what matters in the combine. These athletes will be wearing a lot more than just Under Armour on Sundays next fall. Coaches want to know what they will be able to get out of these guys come practice time. What will be most important to these coaches are the interviews and conversations with the prospects.
The NFL Scouting Combine is great for testing athletic performance, but it will take a lot more than a strong 40 time for a prospect to be successful in the NFL.
