SOURCE: ESPN.com
The drills at the NFL combine in Indianapolis really boil down to two questions: Do the measurables mesh with the film? And which players trigger red flags with their results?
From the 40-yard dash to the bench press, here are the numbers to know for each drill.
40 Yard Dash
Why it matters:
For wide receivers and running backs, breakaway speed can be the difference between a modest gain and a game-changing play. A measurable combination that NFL evaluators pay close attention to for cornerbacks is length (height and arms) and 40 speed. Safety is another position to keep an eye on, particularly for players who will be asked to cover a lot of ground in the deep middle of the field. The chart above shows the most desirable times, the average combine times over the past five years and the times that should raise a red flag for evaluators.
Vertical Jump
Why it matters
The vertical can be an important indicator for wide receivers, tight ends and cornerbacks, but don't forget about running backs and defensive ends. This drill is a great judge of a player's lower-body explosiveness and ability to create power from the ground up.
20 Yard Shuttle
Why it matters
It's not a coincidence that most of the positions listed above are on defense. Being an NFL defender is all about reaction: How quickly can you diagnose a play, come to a stop and explode toward the ball? And the 20-yard shuttle showcases a player's body control as he is changing directions.
Broad Jump
Why it matters
I like to see how offensive linemen and skill players perform in the broad jump. You need good lower-body explosiveness, power and flexibility to anchor in the trenches. It's also a good way to separate which offensive linemen have the athleticism to play tackle. The top four broad jumpers over the past five years among O-linemen were drafted to play tackle.
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