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The annual NFL Scouting Combine got under way in Indianapolis on Wednesday, and from the moment the players began to arrive at the hotel, there were required activities to which to attend. Arrival day begins with a series of X-rays and Cybex testing (extremities/muscles), followed by a brief orientation and meetings with position coaches. Individual team meetings also get going on the evening of Day 1.
Day 2 brings the medical exam, urinalysis and blood tests, a medical history interview, the administration of the Wonderlic test, taped video interviews and the bench press. Day Three is dedicated to psychological testing, and finally on Day Four, come the workouts, which consist of the 10-, 20-, and 40-yard dashes, vertical jump, broad jump, 20- and 60-yard shuttles, the three-cone drill and position drills.
In order to accommodate all 330 invitees, the National Scouting Group staggers the start of the event for various position groups. On Wednesday, the running backs, offensive linemen, kickers and long snappers reported. Thursday will bring more running backs in addition to the quarterbacks and wide receivers. On Friday, the tight ends and defensive linemen arrive, and Saturday is opening day for linebackers and defensive backs.
The big question at the Combine is who will work out for scouts and who will not. Every year, some of the top prospects forego the running and strength tests. This certainly doesn't endear them to the scouts and NFL staffers, and in most cases seems like an ill-fated decision.
Most players don't understand that the Combine can usually only help and rarely, if ever, hurt a prospect. But what can happen is that a player who runs and runs well can raise his stock and pass higher-ranked players on the board along the way.
Take this year's draft class. USC quarterback Matt Leinart, USC running back Reggie Bush, and Virginia offensive tackles D'Brickashaw Ferguson, short of a major injury, won't all suddenly fall from the top of the draft. Their top-three positions are fairly secure. However, most scouts agree that the value between the fifth overall pick and No. 25 is very similar in the eyes of NFL teams this year. What that means is that there is a large second-tier group, many of whom can slot in anywhere between fifth and 35th. The difference for the players is that if they drop even four or five spots in that range they could potentially cost themselves millions of dollars.
So the question remains, why are there players still skipping the Combine workouts every year? After the regular season and bowl games, there are few opportunities to showcase their skills for scouts. For the seniors, there are the all-star games (some players have the opportunity to play in two but most play in just one), the Combine and campus pro day workouts. For the juniors, there are even fewer chances.
Why wouldn't a player take every opportunity to impress the scouts? Maybe the bigger question is, who is giving these players advice?
Texas quarterback Vince Young has already caused a stir by announcing that he will not work out in Indianapolis. He is planted firmly in that second tier group of 30 players, and has already started to slip down some draft boards. He could be in for more of a slide if he continues to disappoint the NFL community with bad decisions.
But Young probably won't be the only one. Look for workout updates and storylines later in the week.
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Draft Dish: Welcome to the Combine
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