Why Your Athletic Performance At The Combine Shouldn't Be Understated

This week is the NFL draft. Enjoy it because it might be the last NFL programming we will see this year.

On Thursday, I will announce my annual draft predictions based solely on combine performance. That is always interesting. I don't necessarily think that the big studs, prior to the combine, will hurt their chances if they stink up their combine, but some people can really improve their stock if they do well.

I understand that too much might be made of these combines. Football is a game not only about athleticism, but also heart and passion for the game. If a player can play he can play. How many times have you seen someone get an opportunity because they were extremely fast and then completely fizzle in the NFL?? I think the point that is missed is this. Someone who played that same position really well, might have had the heart to play that position. Might have had the know-how to play that position. Probably could have played it real well, if the league he was going to play in was semi-pro ball. Bottom line is he might have just been too slow to play that position.

Doesn't matter if you know how to hit the right angle to get to the play if it takes you forever to get there.

The athletes invited to the combine have played football. They have done something noteworthy to get invited to the combine. So, you know they can play the game. Yes, character does play a roll in that, but their character flaws really have to be major for an athlete who can run a 4.4 40 to drop multiple rounds in the NFL draft. All that being said, the combine shows us several things:

• Who the physical studs are? Something is impressive seeing an athlete run a sub 4.4 40, jump close to 40 inches in a vertical jump, run close to 4 seconds in the 20 yard shuttle. I can get people faster, but it is hard to get someone who runs a 4.7 down to a 4.4, especially if they have already matured physically. 40 inch verticals don't grow on trees. These are rare commodities.
• Seeing the next level players? How all these times compare to each other at the position. This is where some of the other intangibles come in. A comparable 40 time to some of the upper echelon athletes might nudge someone onto a drafting list.
• Honestly, it shows the athleticism these players have. You can tell the explosiveness these people have based on these drills. And unfortunately, it also can show the lack of athleticism someone might have who maybe just played in a good system fit for him.

The combine, if anything, is entertaining. I was watching a half hour of 40 yard dashes on my computer. Comparing the times of the different positions. See who looked like an awesome specimen and who might have already tapped his potential.

Sure there are misfires with this combine thing. But, I'm sure an exec can easily justify drafting someone with a 4.3 40 rather than a 4.6 40 at the same position. The 4.3 guy you can say didn't work hard enough or didn't have the heart. The 4.6 guy people are going to say "you already knew he was slow, why did you pick him?"

On Thursday, I will give you my list of potential draft picks and where I think they will be picked in the draft soley on the combine results. I'll pick one person at most positions (I'll ignore quarterbacks since they are based on skills more than just combine stuff) and tell you where I think they will go. Then we'll see what happens.

Enjoy the draft and we'll talk soon.