Cowboys Draft Chat: Why the NFL Combine is important
By Reid Hanson
The NFL Combine is upon us and once again it promises to wreak havoc on your draft board and birth many questions as to what the Cowboys will do in late April.
The Dallas Cowboys are in full offseason mode. They have assessed their roster, valuated their free agents, and started targeting players both in free agency and in the draft. For a team like the Cowboys, who rarely spend big in free agency, the draft offers the most potential for improvement
While most of the film has been watched and the players have been ranked, one valuable part of the process awaits… The NFL Combine
Q: Is the NFL Combine overrated? Don’t teams relay more on the film than these “underwear Olympics”?
A: It wasn’t too many years ago I thought the NFL combine was indeed overrated. But the backlash has seemingly overcorrected and now many are underrating the “underwear Olympics” and not giving it the respect it deserves. Film is the most important but the combine plays a vital role in valuation.
Q: What’s the most important part of the Combine?
It depends on the individual player. Many say the team interviews are the most important but I think that’s a blanket statement that’s only important in some cases.
If a player has questions about his speed, then the 40-yard dash is important. And if that player is a cornerback it’s more important than if that player is a defensive end.
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If a player has questions about his size and ability to hold up against bigger and stronger competition, then his weight and bench matter more. If a defensive back is particularly long or stiff, position drills that showcase hip fluidity become important.
The NFL Combine is a way to test certain things that you question when watching the film. Teams don’t just show up and watch. They show up with players in mind and questions they want answered. The NFL combine gives them the platform in which to test.
Remember, just because someone was good in the NCAA doesn’t mean they will be in the NFL. Teams need to make sure they have skills and ability that can translate.
Q: Is there a least important part?
A: I’d say the 40-yard dash is one of the most overrated. It’s not in pads and does nothing to show game speed. Game film does a great job of showing game speed. We’ve just seen a ton of players who are lightening on the 40 but seem to run in mud on game day.
With that said, I’m still not sure why we’re testing the vertical of an NFL player. Besides speaking to general athleticism, it really doesn’t mean much at all. Suppose you can throw Byron Jones’ standing broad jump in there as well.
Next: Why Dallas would be in big trouble without Dez Bryant
If you know what you’re looking for, the NFL draft combine is a very important part of the process. It answers questions and us usually the final step in the construction of the Cowboys draft board.