The Combine and why it matters...

[LinvilleGorge]

9 minutes ago, The Huddler said:

gettleman, is that you? 

It won't be a problem having starting WRs that are slower than our LBs...

[Proudiddy]

5 minutes ago, LinvilleGorge said:

I'm just not a big fan of hardline parameters when evaluating prospects. It's a good way to miss out on a good player because he didn't check some arbitrary box.

One scout was quoted regarding Donte Jackson last year that he'd fight for him if he could but he didn't meet his team's minimums height/weight requirements. Imagine if the Panthers had a 5'10" minimum height requirement for WRs in 2001. No Smitty.

Agreed on that.  I just liked how the article laid out the direct correlation between reaching a certain threshold in specific athletic tests and it being a certain indicator of success at the next level.  I'm not a big fan of ruling players out based off of size/body measurements alone, but the idea of knowing that a guy will be good at the next level with certainty based off of specific tests is useful.

[Moo Daeng]

They scoured the combine and found a drill for each position in which they found some good players who scored well.

The offense line list isnt very impressive. Solder isn't that good and neither is Costanzo. Smith is the best tackle from that class and he didnt perform most of the combine drills because it was clear he was the best prospect.

Most of the offensive tackles with any recognition on that list were over drafted based on how they turned out.

[Sub Zero]

7 hours ago, micnificent28 said:

I agree with your premise. The idea that the combine is all that matters isn’t what I’m trying to prove. My point is it works both ways. It can help you find players you wouldn’t have spotted otherwise as well. Before the combine nobody knew who George Kittle was and now he’s breaking league records and is probably the top tight end in the league. His athletic profile or sparq was higher than the 90th percentile.

Yes people can train and prepare for the combine but if I trained 8 years of my life for it I might improve, but I just don’t have the god given ability to run faster than tyrek hill or Boykin. Some people are just born with more. If everyone is preparing for the combine then I don’t get your point such as it levels the playing field and scores such basically stay the same since were all improving.

Then there is the this is just for tv crowd, the combine and all its info was private for the longest. I believe Mel Kiper said this is the first year he has been allowed to even go to the combine in person. If we just went off Tape and production would D.K Metcalf have a shot in hell at being a first rounder? I don’t think Bosa would either.

The tape lets you see where a players strengths are that’s what you look for not just production, the combine verifies those strengths, not just the 40. The other drills are probably more important. The Article is the combine and why it matters. Not why it’s the only thing that’s important.

If you're scouting department doesn't have a write up or report on every eligible player entering the draft especially ones invited to the combine.. Then there needs to be some serious firing going on.. You shouldn't go to the combine looking to find a player you have no info on.. You go to combine to get medicals, confirm some opinions from scouts and finalizing your list of visits..

[micnificent28]

4 hours ago, Proudiddy said:

I dont think many people read through the article.  They found specific drills that were indicators of success from 1st rounders to undrafted guys...  when it came to OLInemen, Matt Paradis is even up there.  It shows that if these guys surpassed a certain number for that drill, they essentially were career-long starters.  Jason Kelce was in the same group.  So, if it was all about whether they produced and the combine didn't matter at all, then why weren't Kelce and Paradis first round picks?

They found similar predictors for edge rushers.

And they also pointed out the case of Julian Edelman - a college QB.  And yet, based off his 40 and vertical, who would anticipate him being a dominant WR in any aspect?  But, when they looked at his short shuttle and 3 cone, it was an incredible predictor of what he became.

It also mentions how some teams have certain criteria they don't compromise which are indicators of success in the pros.  For instance, the Seahawks will not draft any DB with arms shorter than 32".  Look at the never-ending supply of competitive DBs they churn out.

So, there is something to it...

You explained what i ment only so much better thanks lol.

[top dawg]

I don't pay too close attention to it to be honest. To me, it always seems that those in the know magically know who most of the stars will be, but sure they luck up or "bad-luck" on (if you will) players each and every year. The most important thing is the tape, and the ability to see characteristics and traits that they think will translate well to any system, or their system specifically. The Combine will affirm or confirm what some of these guys or thinking, and of course produce a couple of outliers each and every year (particularly from smaller schools) that causes people to go back and watch tape and analyze the entire context of a player's situation.  

Honestly, I pay more attention after the Combine---after the hype, if I have the time and will (especially at our positions of need), and go by my eye test from there [especially with the skill players, and especially with wide receivers @tiger7_88 :)].

On an off note, I also tend to pay some attention to some of the guys that some of the analysts label as dark horses (because I like underdog stories and diamonds in the rough). But again, all of this is predicated upon how much time I have and time I am willing to invest in it. I tend to concentrate on pro players.