2017 NFL Combine: Practice drills

The most important part of the NFL Scouting Combine is the competition associated with the many drills. What kind of drills should we be expecting to see?

The 2017 NFL Scouting Combine is popular mostly because of the competition that comes with the many drills taking place on the turf of Lucas Oil Stadium. While there are other drills specifically associated with each position group, here are the ones that all players will take part in during the combine.

40-yard dash

The 40-yard dash is the creme de la creme of scouting combine events. Every player participating in the combine gets to showcase their top-end speed in an all-out sprint for 40 yards. The player will be timed at 10, 20, and 40-yard intervals to measure acceleration at different levels of their sprint. This is the drill where perimeter players and some tailbacks end up making their NFL money.

Bench press

The bench press is the first combine measurable that people get excited about. It’s all about how many reps a player can get up at 225 pounds. The key with the bench press is the overall endurance of a player. This is a crucial combine measurable for guys playing in the trenches, especially offensive linemen.

Vertical jump

The vertical jump is a combine drill that is beginning to pick up steam as one of the more popular events from the week. What evaluators are measuring is the difference between an athlete’s height and how high he can jump from a standing position. The differential is key for wide receivers and other coverage players out on the perimeter.

Broad jump

The broad jump is somewhat of the inverse of the vertical jump. From a squatted position, this drill measures how far a player can jump forward without falling over. It is designed to measure balance and athleticism in some combination. Running backs are probably the most scrutinized at this drill over any position group.

Three-cone drill

Of any drill, the three-cone drill may be the most indicative of on-field success. Essentially, three cones are placed on the turf in an L-shape and the players have to run a predetermined route, going back and forth before completion. It measures change of direction and is utmost crucial to linebackers, defensive backs, and other reactionary position groups.

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Shuttle run

While the three-cone measures change of direction, the popular shuttle run measures lateral quickness. Players move back-and-forth in a straight line out of a three-point stance, five yards, 10 yards, then five yards again while being timed. This is the big money winner for offensive linemen. While the bench press is impressive, footwork associated with the shuttle run translates more effectively to playing football.

The 2017 NFL Scouting Combine runs from Tuesday, Feb. 28 until Monday, Mar. 6 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.