Could the Combine Actually Hurt Rookies?

by Bezekira on Feb 18, 2010 2:22 PM EST

I was listening to some talk radio this morning and I heard a interesting argument as to why the combine actually hurts rookies and basically the argument was that for six weeks or so these prospects train like track athletes instead of football players. For the most part the emphasis is entirely on running well, being explosive and being as fluid/flexible as possible instead of getting stronger or adding bulk that might actually help some guys transition to the next level.

I can remember last off season Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie was quoted in an article talking about how much he was looking forward to his second season because he wouldn't have to spend half the off season training for track. He blamed part of his rookie struggles on being under weight and wearing down as the season progressed (although his stats don't really suggest that he faded down the stretch).

While I'm not really suggesting that the league should ever eliminate the combine entirely, I wonder if some incoming rookies wouldn't benefit more from training for stuff that might actually help them during their rookie season and beyond. Thoughts?

Update: After re-reading my own post, I should probably clarify that I'm not saying that the players shouldn't try to maximize their value or perform as well as possible at the Combine. My main point/question was whether draft "experts" or more importantly the NFL as a whole places too much emphasis on what basically amounts to a track meet.

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Yea, kids spend their whole time training for this, so they succeed,

"Tigers love pepper... they hate cinnamon"- The Hangover

by atlantalove on Feb 18, 2010 2:26 PM EST reply actions

Yes

If a player ends up smaller or slower than expected, they can drop. If there are character concerns and they blow their interview, they can drop. If they show up out of shape and unprepared, they can drop.

The combine isn’t just a glorified track meet. Its a chance to confirm measurables (size, weight, 40 time, splits, cone drills, bench, etc), assay their mental state (interviews, how prepared they are, wonderlic, etc) and get a feel for players (do they have room to grow? how competitive are they? are they taking things seriously?). The combine doesn’t answer all of the questions, but it does a lot to inform the opinions of scouts and coaches who have been following players the whole year (or longer).

by ninjasocks on Feb 18, 2010 3:03 PM EST reply actions

Imagine bolt throwing up 300lbs forty times

that would be cool

by nyjet on Feb 18, 2010 4:06 PM EST reply actions

Yes, they put too much emphasis on it.

and yes, the combine can hurt you as much as it can help you.

I AM SOFA KING!!!

-Wei Todd Ed

by FreeBradshaw on Feb 18, 2010 4:14 PM EST reply actions

I would say

absolutely they do. Way too many examples of guys increasing (i.e. – Jeff George, Cade McNown, etc.) and/or decreasing their draft positions because of what they do at the combine.

To roughly (and cleanly) paraphrase former Pittsburgh Steeler great Jack Lambert, I just want to know if the guy can play football.

by Long Beach on Feb 18, 2010 9:31 PM EST reply actions

There is way too much emphasis put on the Combine/Pro days

Although in some [a lot?] cases the biggest impact to a prospects value may be from the “intangible” aspect of the process. The interviews and observations of a person’s attitude and work habits and how he interacts with coaches and other players. That impact makes much more sense to me than how many jumping jacks someone can do while balancing a book on their head or how fast they run the 40.

by NorthLeft12 on Feb 19, 2010 9:04 AM EST reply actions

Yes

Andre Smith’s stock dropped a lot during the combine because he showed up completely unprepared and didn’t know what he was doing. Oher seemed like a hot prospect, but his interviews/wonderlic probably caused a lot of concern.

You will have guys that will show up smaller or slower than expected (ex: if Clausen shows up under 6’2" or when Jenkins ran a slow 40), but a lot of it is about intangibles.

by ninjasocks on Feb 19, 2010 4:32 PM EST up reply actions

they should just move it up in the schedule

Don’t give the players so much time to train. See what they are like when they are in football shape.

by microwave donut on Feb 19, 2010 12:25 PM EST reply actions

A Different Thinking Process fpr Players

I have never been a college football player. But I imagine that after one declares for the draft and meets with agents, ect that ones perspective changes. The fact that now you are physically inferior to the talent in the NFL hits home. The fact that your body is the special machine that NFL teams want to buy hits home. The fact that your physical performance will be tested and rewarded hits home.
I believe part of the purpose of the combine is to give NFL teams a chance to see what type of bodies these players will grow into when mature, is part of the process. Yes the different measurements tested are important also. But it has to be a difficult transition to go from college life to a NFL daily Athletic life with or without the combine. The combine is just the culmination of what would need to happen anyway.

Winning is not everything but it sure feels like it sometimes

by lifelongvike on Feb 19, 2010 12:55 PM EST reply actions

The NFL needs to change the drills.

Every drill should be done in pads not shorts. Who cares if a cb runs a 4.3 40 in shorts if he runs a 4.5 in pads. Game speed is entirely different than track speed.

by Flounder69 on Feb 19, 2010 4:55 PM EST reply actions