The NFL Scouting Combine is one of the most important events on the NFL calendar. Every year, top college football prospects gather in Indianapolis to showcase their speed, strength, agility, and football skills in front of NFL coaches, scouts, and general managers.
Held annually at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, the Combine plays a major role in shaping draft boards ahead of the NFL Draft.
Here is a complete, SEO-friendly breakdown of every workout and drill performed at the NFL Combine.
What Is the NFL Combine?
The NFL Combine is a week-long evaluation where invited draft prospects undergo:
- Physical testing
- On-field drills
- Medical evaluations
- Team interviews
- Psychological testing
- Official measurements (height, weight, arm length, hand size)
While game film remains critical, Combine results can significantly impact a player’s draft stock.
NFL Combine Speed & Agility Drills
40-Yard Dash
The 40-yard dash is the most famous drill at the Combine.
What it measures:
- Straight-line speed
- Acceleration (10-yard split)
- Top-end speed (20-yard split)
Most important for: Wide receivers, cornerbacks, running backs, defensive backs.
Elite times (sub-4.4 seconds) can dramatically boost a prospect’s draft stock.
3-Cone Drill
The 3-cone drill tests change of direction and body control.
What it measures:
- Agility
- Balance
- Fluidity in tight spaces
This drill is especially important for EDGE rushers, wide receivers, and defensive backs.
20-Yard Shuttle (Short Shuttle)
The 20-yard shuttle evaluates lateral quickness and acceleration.
What it measures:
- Explosive start
- Ability to decelerate and re-accelerate
- Lateral movement
Critical for linebackers, defensive backs, and slot receivers.
60-Yard Shuttle
Less commonly used today, the 60-yard shuttle measures endurance and conditioning over longer distances.
NFL Combine Strength & Explosion Tests
Bench Press (225 Pounds)
Players complete as many reps as possible at 225 pounds.
What it measures:
- Upper-body strength
- Muscular endurance
Most important for offensive linemen, defensive linemen, and linebackers.
Vertical Jump
The vertical jump tests lower-body explosion.
What it measures:
- Power
- Burst
- Explosiveness
Strong vertical numbers are highly valued for wide receivers and defensive backs.
Broad Jump
The broad jump measures horizontal explosiveness.
What it measures:
- Lower-body power
- Balance
- Explosion off the line
Important for running backs, receivers, and defensive linemen.
Position-Specific Drills at the NFL Combine
After athletic testing, prospects participate in football-specific drills.
Quarterbacks
- Short, intermediate, and deep throws
- Timing routes
- Dropback footwork
Wide Receivers
- Route tree drills
- The Gauntlet (catching multiple passes in stride)
Running Backs
- Pass protection reps
- Route running
- Ball security drills
Offensive Linemen
- Kick slide drills
- Mirror drills
- Hand placement technique
Defensive Linemen / EDGE
- Pass-rush moves
- Hand-fighting drills
- Get-off explosion
Linebackers
- Coverage drops
- Change-of-direction drills
Defensive Backs
- Backpedal and break drills
- Ball tracking
NFL Combine Medical & Interview Process
Beyond workouts, NFL teams heavily evaluate:
- Medical exams and injury history
- Formal team interviews
- Psychological testing
- Film study sessions
Why the NFL Combine Matters
The NFL Combine can:
- Elevate a mid-round prospect into the first round
- Raise concerns about injury or athletic limitations
- Confirm elite athletic traits seen on game film
While workouts don’t replace football production, they provide standardized metrics for comparing prospects across the country.
Final Thoughts
The NFL Combine is more than just the 40-yard dash. From explosive jumps to position drills and interviews, every detail is scrutinized.
For fans and analysts, it offers the first real glimpse of how future NFL stars stack up physically before hearing their names called on Draft Day.
Stay tuned for record-breaking performances and risers that could shake up the NFL Draft board.