Combine question

How much weight should the combine be given in determining a players worth?

I worry it's not realistic because players have weeks and weeks of nothing to do but prepare for a set of tests. They hire professionals to work with them. Do specific exercises and training routines to prepare them. Day in and day out this is their goal.

But...

Once they are drafted isn't it more likely they go back to the more familiar routines they showed in college? They will be back to living a more normal life but now with a lot of money.

I'm sure my worries aren't justified so I'm looking for some answers to make me smarter on this issue.

I guess to put it simple. Will a guy that runs the 40 in 4.30 be able to perform at that quality during the regular season?

bonus info...

Are there more examples of players going on to be great or busts after their stock rises at the combine?

I'm not sure how much emphasis the combine should have in determining a player's worth, but being able to see these guys up close and personal in a pro setting running pro drills or answering pro questions is part of the information gathering process. Obviously you don't want to fall in love with a guy at the combine and forget all the tape you've watched on him through the year, but if his testing confirms something you've seen on tape, it probably makes you feel more comfortable with him.

For instance, Lineman X just put up 38 reps of 225 on the bench, but if he struggled to hold his ground at the point of attack during the year and couldn't push people around in the running game, you don't want to forget about that because of his lifting results. However, if you liked how quickly Defensive End Y seemed to challenge the edge of the line on gameday, and then he puts up nice numbers in the acceleration and agility drills, then you can probably feel better about what he brings to the table in that regard.

No one area of evaluation should completely make or break a prospect. But there are some guys who have a lot of untapped potential that get to demonstrate that at a place like the combine, and then go on to build on it at the next level.

Thanks. You sir are very wise.

I think the combine is very, very useful.

MOST IMPORTANTLY IT IS USED AS A VALIDATION TOOL.

For example, If you look at Kenny Britt last year he was able to show his speed, size, strength at the combine the bolted him into the first round.

College height and weight is validated.

Secondly, it showed the faults in Andre Smith. It showed his lack of focus and he fell quickly on draft boards by showing he gained weight and is a project.


Many people don't realize that there are only 224 draft spots.

This year there are 332 combine invites.

Most of the top picks work to make money in a camp where they get to drain with the other top picks up too the combine.


The combine also shows how hard you have worked out all year.

Sure a guy may throw up 400+lbs on the bench press with pure power, but its hard to fake repping 225 - 20+ times if you haven't been doing it during your whole college career.


The combine has so many good qualities its importance should not be discounted.

Too often people say don't let the combine take away from what you have seen on tape.

A better perspective would be that both the combine and past experiences together can give you the best possible projection that will show you NFL PLAYING ABILITY.


Joe Flacco may not have gotten a legit chance in the NFL if it wasn't for the combine.

can't wait already..........

Quote:

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Originally Posted by richtree

Sure a guy may throw up 400+lbs on the bench press with pure power, but its hard to fake repping 225 - 20+ times if you haven't been doing it during your whole college career.

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Great point. The bench press is as much of an indication of weight room dedication than it is actual strength.

If you aren't dedicated to the weight room in college, what are the odds you'll become dedicated all of a sudden in the pros? If you show up 30 lbs over weight, it reflects on your commitment. It isn't the end all be all but it shows a dedication to your craft.

Every player knows they face this hurdle before being drafted. If they haven't prepared themselves for it like a professional, it tells a lot about the player (Smith of Alabama anyone?).