What to watch for at the NFL Combine, based on these memorable Combine moments
From speedy Chris Johnson to an incredible bench press record
The 2016 NFL combine kicks off this week, and college players are set to show their skills in a variety of exercises, while NFL scouts from each team look on. As the interest in the NFL has grown, so has coverage of the Combine (which you can now watch most of on the NFL Network all weekend).
There are a lot of reasons why football fans would be interested in what happens at the combine — seeing who your favorite team should draft, or some early rookies prep work for fantasy football or daily fantasy. Or, if you’re a part of Project FANchise, which bought a pro football team and is giving all decision-making power to the fans, you can use it as an opportunity to scout future players. So what to look for? Here are some of the most memorable NFL Combine moments ever:
- Chris Johnson’s record-breaking 40-yard dash
Perhaps the most notable Combine workout is the 40-yard dash, a quick burst of running expertise that all participants get a chance (or two or three) to try. So what’s the fastest time ever? That would be running back Chris Johnson, who set the official record at 4.24 in 2008 and hasn’t been touched since. But…even though it’s memorable, is it really the fastest ever? See below:
2. Bo Jackson’s RUMORED record-breaking 40-yard dash time
So Chris Johnson holds the official record, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t some controversy. Two-sport star Bo Jackson was at the 1986 NFL Combine, back before there wasn’t a lot of coverage, and reports are his 40-yard dash time was an insane 4.12 seconds. But because it wasn’t electronically-timed, it technically doesn’t count. But even without Jackson, Johnson’s official ignores reports of Deion Sanders’ 4.21 in 1989.
3. Dwight Freeney’s 40-yard dash time
Defensive lineman Dwight Freeney is 6'1'’ and weighs 268 pounds. And while Freeney isn’t touching Johnson’s 4.24 time, he did record a 4.40 40-yard dash time, best ever by a DL. Freeney’s quickness has led to a long career in the NFL.
4. Byron Jones’ crazy broad jump record
Moving on to other workouts, Defensive back Byron Jones holds the record for longest broad jump ever, with a 12'3'’ leap last year at the Combine. That would be 6 inches better than any other broad jumper that has worked out at the NFL Combine. But that’s not it — that number would be a world record. A broad jump (and vertical leap, of which Jones is #2 of all time) are important for a defensive player in tackling and pass deflecting. Jones was drafted by the Cowboys, and last season had 8 deflections and 66 tackles.
5. Stephen Paea’s bench press record
On another end of the spectrum is a strength workout, the bench press. Each player sits down at a bench press bar and sees how many reps at 225 pounds they can do. Every other player that has appeared in the combine has 45 or less reps. In 2011, defensive lineman Stephen Paea got to 49.
6. Brandin Cooks’ running times
There have been some speed-related additions to the workouts at the NFL Combine in recent years, namely a 20-yard shuttle and a 60-yard shuttle. In the 20-yard shuttle, wide receiver Brandin Cooks shares the record with cornerback Jason Allen. In the 60-yard shuttle, Cooks owns the record himself. Take a look at all the different scores and combinations at the NFL’s searchable Combine site.
7. J.J. Watt’s freak of nature overall performance
J.J. Watt came in to the NFL combine after a very good, not amazing, college career at Wisconsin. But his overall performance may be one credited with the most movement for a player up the draft board. Watt over-performed in every workout, exceeding expectations and drastically increasing his draft stock. Now, he’s arguably one of the greatest NFL players in the league.
