It is time for one of the best events of the NFL season — the NFL Scouting Combine.

NFL hopefuls gather in Indianapolis, where they put their future in football on the line without playing any actual football. Instead, they will jump, run and try not to knock over cones to show they should be picked by one of the 32 NFL teams.

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2025 NFL Draft Scouting Combine Primer

In recent years, the NFL has turned the combine into a huge spectacle as they have wall-to-wall coverage. We’ll see moments of players participating in drills, but more of watching analysts scrutinize a player because of their high jump time.

We will tune in and look for potential studs like Chris Johnson or overhyped players like Darrius Heyward-Bey, who will always be the example of an excellent combine performer turned NFL bust.

We’re going to pay attention to the quarterback position because there is a chance we’ll see a quarterback taken with the first two picks. The Titans are at No. 1 and could be ready to move on from Will Levis. The Browns, at No. 2, have had no success with Deshaun Watson.

Two players could have high potential. Two-way star and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter could impact a team as a cornerback and wide receiver. Secondly, Ashton Jeanty is one of the top running back prospects to come into the draft in a long time. He had one of the most memorable seasons for a runner with 2,601 rushing yards — the second-most in a season.

These players and others will have their height, weight, wing span and hand size measured while participating in certain drills.

Some may also perform drills for their specific position, like throwing drills for quarterbacks or catching drills for wide receivers.

Let’s look at the main drills every prospect could participate in.

40-Yard Dash

Record: Xavier Worthy – 4.21 Seconds (2024)

Running has been a test of athletic prowess since the beginning of time. Runners have been celebrated in history, and we’ve all watched the two fastest kids at recess race each other.

Last year, John Ross‘ seven-year record was broken as Xavier Worthy set the new benchmark. This might have helped him get taken in the first round by the Kansas City Chiefs.

The 40-yard dash has no impact on certain positions. Running a sub-five-second 40-yard dash does not impact an offensive or defensive lineman’s draft stock, for example.

A great 40-yard dash time won’t be the definitive factor for a quarterback, but every quarterback is expected to be able to run with the ball.

For the defensive backs, this drill is significant. An unknown cornerback could run a sub-4.30 and elevate their draft stock, while a slower time could push them down draft boards.

It’s also important for the non-power running backs and wide receivers that stretch the field to show they have quick bursts.

Vertical Jump

Record: Gerald Sensabaugh – 46 Inches (2005)

You and your friends probably challenged each other to jump and reach stuff as a kid.

NFL prospects will do the same, jumping as high as possible and hitting specific markers.

Defensive linemen can benefit from a good vertical jump. Franchises love big guys who can get up and block a pass. It’s the same for running backs; having an excellent vertical shows lower body explosiveness, but it isn’t crucial.

For wide receivers, the vertical jump is just as important as the 40-yard dash. Jumping is a vital part of the position because you need to out-leap your opponent when going for a pass, especially 50/50 balls.

Broad Jump

Record: Byron Jones – 12’3″ (2015)

If the players liked jumping once, they can do it again. The broad jump is another test of lower body strength. Unlike the vertical jump, however, it showcases their hip flexor muscles.

Scouts will pay attention to offensive linemen performing this drill. Prospects with strong cores and hip flexors are vital when twisting and shuffling with a defensive lineman. Prospects who do well in this drill are usually slated to play tackle.

On the flip side, those defensive linemen must have the same abilities.

The 20-Yard Shuttle

Record: Jason Allen – 3.81 Seconds (2006) & Brandin Cooks (2014)

The 20-yard shuttle is all about quick reactions and showing off your footwork. In what’s referred to as the “5-10-5 drill,” combine participants start in a three-point stance, run up five yards, back 10 yards, and then return another five yards to the starting line.

This is a fantastic way for defensive players to demonstrate their ability to handle the position’s responsibilities. During this drill, analysts discuss a player’s quick-twitch muscles.

This 20-yard shuttle shows whether a defensive player can make split-second adjustments and change direction with their assignment. In the NFL, keeping them close in coverage is essential.

Bench Press

Record: Stephen Paea – 49 Reps (2011)

Every football locker room from high school to college has this weekly competition. It isn’t about a player’s strength but rather their endurance. Players will attempt to do as many bench press reps of 225 pounds.

This is another drill in which the players in the trenches are scrutinized intensely. For offensive linemen, coaches want to know if they can push off another 270-pound man to ensure the quarterback’s safety. For defenders, it’s about whether they can push those large men back.

Smaller players who are more known for their speed usually skip this drill. Don’t be surprised if defensive backs don’t have a recorded bench press number.

3-Cone Drill

Record: Jordan Thomas – 6.28 Seconds (2018)

The 3-cone drill shows off a prospect’s fast-twitch muscles and ability to change direction.

This is how it works: Cones are set up in an L shape with prospects running five yards to the first cone and back. They then turn, run around the second cone, run a weave around the third cone, change directions, come back around that second cone and finish the drill.

Did you get all that? Don’t worry, just watch this video.

This is an excellent drill for defensive linemen, especially EDGE rushers, to demonstrate their ability to shuffle and maneuver when getting through pass protection. Smaller running backs who are great in the open field also like to show off in this drill. The same goes for wide receivers known for their route running.

The combine is just one part of the pre-draft evaluation process. A good performance can boost draft stocks, while a bad performance can plummet them.

Vernon Davis is one of the most notable players to have had a fantastic combine showing, which paid off with a Hall of Fame-worthy career.

Maurice Clarett comes to mind regarding a bad combine because of the spotlight he was in when he had the chance to become NFL eligible. He started the combine with a 4.72 40-yard dash and didn’t participate in any other drill.

Terrell Suggs is a perfect example of not always making the combine the sole evaluation of a player.

We’ll see who shows up and becomes the standout players of the weekend.