Is the Combine Overrated?

[Harry]

It started several years ago with QBs deciding not to throw. Then a few premier athletes actually held private workouts. The latter gave way to Pro Days. This year a significant number of the first round’s likely selection chose to go the Pro Days route. This makes things tricky as, for example, the surfaces players run on differ. When your speaking of hundredths of a second, that difference can distort results. Most scouts believe small differences in results are insignificant. In many Pro Day cases not all the Combine workouts are executed.

As to the Combine itself there’s typically a great deal more pressure than Pro Days, especially with less competition. I think there’s still some value to the Combine assessing the second level players, many of whom will become major contributors. Still as much as some numbers advance significantly from year to year, not posting those maybe unreachable numbers may cause some evaluators to overrate the Combine competitors. What do you think?

 

[oaken1]

They should make full participation mandatory if you accept the combine invite.
Because they could invite more athletes, some who may not get as many looks if they dont have a chance to showcase themselves.

simple. accept invite = full participation
failure to participate = 8 game suspension in rookie season.

Those guys are just wasting spots that another player could use to jumpstart a career

 

[kerouac9]

Yes

 

[football karma]

getting actual heights and weights still matters, but after that--

it is fun to see guys like Mebou run a 4.91 at 300 lbs. I dunno if it makes him a better football player but it is amazing to see.

 

[oaken1]

getting actual heights and weights still matters, but after that--

it is fun to see guys like Mebou run a 4.91 at 300 lbs. I dunno if it makes him a better football player but it is amazing to see.

It matters more for some guys than others.
If a DT played in a system that required him to stay home and cover his gaps he probably never got many chances to showcase his agility or quickness..combine drills can allow a guy like that to turn heads and garner notice as a possible inside pass rush when he was previously only considered a run stuffer

 

[BACH]

For some positions - yes.
For other positions - no.

 

[Stout]

Oh my, yes, it is.

 

[az jam]

There probably is some value with the measurements and interviews but it is not what it was with so many top players not participating.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

The main thing from the combine is the medicals. The rest is just a TV show. I can see why guys don't participate if they're a 1st round candidate. It seems like, in most cases, they can only hurt their stock. But there are cases like Shermar Stewart this year that really helped themselves. However, I think in most of the time that's fool's gold as well.

 

[Chopper0080]

getting actual heights and weights still matters, but after that--

it is fun to see guys like Mebou run a 4.91 at 300 lbs. I dunno if it makes him a better football player but it is amazing to see.

I think those who understand what the combine is, feel it is appropriately rated. And with any event, it all depends on who is participating in it.

 

[Goodyear Card]

I agree with other posters. If you are not going to be a full participant, then stay home and give someone else a chance. It is more important for second and third level players to show their skills. there is too more focus in the press on the top players who do not fully participate.

 

[cardpa]

I agree, either you are all in or you are out.

 

[BirdGangThing]

it's a scam - anything a potential team wants to see can be asked of and conducted privately which would also give smarter teams an advantage - last time i checked there weren't cones on a football field - wide receivers had to face defenders - don't even get me started on linemen forget about it

 

[Totally_Red]

The combine serves a vital service, even if teams like the Rams blow it off. The big one is bringing most of the top prospects to one location for medicals and interviews. It enables NFL front offices to see and evaluate more players than if they had to travel to dozens of Pro days. And it helps teams decide who to bring to their facilities for visits.

 

[daves]

They should make full participation mandatory if you accept the combine invite.
Because they could invite more athletes, some who may not get as many looks if they dont have a chance to showcase themselves.

simple. accept invite = full participation
failure to participate = 8 game suspension in rookie season.

What if a guy has, say, a hamstring injury.

He shouldn't come to get measured and participate in the bench press and interviews?

 

[Shane]

What if a guy has, say, a hamstring injury.

He shouldn't come to get measured and participate in the bench press and interviews?

I would say no give somebody else a chance he still has a pro day

 

[kerouac9]

They should make full participation mandatory if you accept the combine invite.
Because they could invite more athletes, some who may not get as many looks if they dont have a chance to showcase themselves.

simple. accept invite = full participation
failure to participate = 8 game suspension in rookie season.

Those guys are just wasting spots that another player could use to jumpstart a career

I don’t think there’s any limit to invitees to the combine. I don’t understand the logic in coercing prospects into participating or participating fully.