How NFL draft prospects perform at the combine tells teams a lot.
First, the physical tests can be important — but only if a player surprises a team, either with a superlative workout or one that is shockingly bad.
Player interviews, both with teams and with media, are extremely important. A team must know how a player will handle himself with coaches, but also while addressing reporters at a podium.
The Carolina Panthers are no different. With the No. 16 pick in this year’s NFL draft, they want a player who checks all of their boxes.