2017 NFL Combine: Schedule, Dates, and Impact on the Cowboys
By Reid Hanson
The Dallas Cowboys will be heavily involved in the happenings at the 2017 NFL Combine this March. Here are the dates, schedule, and impact the NFL Combine will have on the Cowboys.
As we all know and appreciate by now, there is no offseason in the NFL. For the Dallas Cowboys and the rest of the NFL, winter is a time to buckle down and do homework. From a roster management perspective, there is no more important time of the year than the months leading up to the draft.
Sure, free agency has an important place in roster-building, but teams win and lose based on the NFL Draft. They do so by not throwing money at expensive expendables.
The NFL Combine
This glorified skills contest (AKA Underwear Olympics) has received its share of scrutiny over the years. And rightfully so. Real players show up on the game film. Not on the turf in Indianapolis. But the 2017 NFL Combine plays an import part in the drafting process and that cannot be ignored.
Players make a name for themselves on the field but prove their ability to take it to the next level at the NFL Combine.
Players prove they have the tangible abilities to compete at the next level.
Dominating in the college ranks is considerably different than the pros and that’s why the Cowboys will be paying extra attention.
Take, for instance, a pass-rusher.
If a productive college pass-rusher accumulates 75% of his pass pressure by means of a speed rush, then speed and burst become the most important measurable at the 2017 NFL Combine. If he’s slow off the snap and lacks short range speed, he will likely struggle with the speed rush at the NFL level. Since it accounted for 75% of his impact in college that could affect his draft stock considerably.
Players make a name for themselves on the field but prove their ability to take it to the next level at the NFL Combine.
The Dallas Cowboys Focus at the NFL Combine
The Dallas Cowboys are looking at multiple positions where these tangible skills are of utmost importance. With pass-rusher, cornerback, and receiver topping their “needs list”, speed, burst, and technique are all paramount.
In a No. 2 receiver the Dallas Cowboys need deep speed to keep safeties from stacking the box against Ezekiel Elliott. They will be watching proven big-play receivers to see if they have next-level speed.
Related Story: What the Cowboys Need in a No.2 Receiver
In a pass-rusher the Dallas Cowboys need to find a player with quick enough burst to man the right defensive end spot on the defensive line. While they could use upgrades across the line, the RDE is particularly bare on the Dallas depth chart.
Related Story: Why right defensive end is the most important position to address
With Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne as likely offseason departures, the Dallas Cowboys are in the market for, not one, but two capable cornerbacks. Speed, fluidity, and change of direction will be important to watch and measure at the 2017 NFL Combine — Especially if the CB in question played in different scheme than the Cowboys.
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2017 NFL Combine (March 3rd – 6th )
Schedule
March 3rd – running backs, offensive linemen, and special teams
March 4th – quarterbacks, receivers, tight ends
March 5th– defensive linemen and linebackers
March 6th– defensive backs
The NFL Combine will have a notable impact to draft boards across the NFL and is sure to shake up even the best made mock drafts.