The NFL scouting combine is a valuable resource for talent evaluators, but the most hyped and showcased events — namely the athletic testing portion — often can be overblown.
Still, there’s merit to testing the athletes at each position, apples to apples, and “putting a number” to prospects’ speed, quickness, strength and explosion from those drills.
Evaluators will tell you the medical information and interview process weighs heavier, and they’re probably right. But every year, we see a combine bump (or drop) for players who don’t meet certain athletic thresholds.
Note: You won’t see every great or poor tester.