Every February, hundreds of the best college football players prepare to either sink or swim in the National Football League scouting combine. Each year there tends to be a different theme that is consistent among the athletes. This year proved no different, with speed ruling each position.
With the athletes’s impressive times, it confirms that players are more trained for the combine than ever. Prospect after prospect showed notable times, with potential pick Marquise Goodwin, from Texas, turning in the top 40-yard dash time of 4.27 seconds.
Another takeaway from this year’s combine is the overall athletic abilities of the offensive linemen. This category was the talk of the week, and established this group of competitors as the top picks.
The offensive linemen also caught the attention of popular NFL draft analyst Mike Mayock. During the national conference call Mayock suggested four separate top picks for the Kansas City Chiefs, all four were offensive linemen.
Luke Joeckel, from Texas A&M, proved to be the number one consensus pick for offensive tackle, with Eric Fisher, from Central Michigan, right behind him. These two players had impressive performances at the combine, and are in the top five picks for the draft.
Offensive linemen are not measured just by mere strength anymore. These days agility and speed are essential factors that the NFL scouts look for when spotting the top performers for this category.
General managers, coaches and scouts attend to watch as the hopefuls attempt to dominate physical and mental tests. Not only do the results from the combine affect the players’s draft status, but they can also alter a player’s salary and ultimate future career.
This event is annually hosted at the Lucas Oil Field in Indianapolis, Ind. The main measurable drills include the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, bench press, broad jump, cone drills and the shuttle run.
Overall, this year proved to be one of the best in combine history. With records being set in multiple categories, the players did not hold back.
Every year the athletes show up more prepared than before, and compete on entirely new levels.