The Combine is the most important event during the pre-draft process.
John Schmeelk: Fiction – I answered “fact” when we had the same statement about the Senior Bowl a month ago, so I am not going to change my mind. You get measurements, meetings, but also real football being played at the Senior Bowl, which is why it is more important than the NFL Combine. The Combine has a good argument given all the key players in the draft are in attendance and are scrutinized to some extent, even if it is just being measured. But it isn’t real football, and that will always take precedence over testing numbers.
Matt Citak: Fact – While I also answered “fact” on that same statement about the Senior Bowl a month ago, that one specifically excluded the Combine. What occurs off the field in Indy holds a ton of importance in the pre-draft process. Between the private meetings between prospects and teams, sessions with the media, and medical evaluations, NFL front offices and coaching staffs really get an in-depth look at almost everything there is to know about the prospects (outside of watching their game film). With the national spotlight that gets put onto everything that occurs in Indy during the week of the Combine, I’m giving it the slight edge over the Senior Bowl.
The thing you are most excited about seeing next week is the quarterbacks throwing.
John Schmeelk: Fiction – Quarterbacks throwing against air to receivers they do not know doesn’t really do much for my evaluation process. It’s nice to see how the ball comes out of their hand on the same field back to back but the accuracy and other more important aspects of quarterback play are seen on the All-22 in games, not in Indianapolis. I am more excited to see if some of the players in these groups can create some separation with one another with their testing. How long the arms of some of the offensive tackles are measured will be vitally important in terms of what position they play. How cornerbacks run will move them around the draft board. How guys on the defensive front test could separate themselves from the pack with their testing. Can a wide receiver emerge in a group that is not considered all that impressive?
Matt Citak: Fiction – I do actually enjoy seeing the top quarterbacks throw at the Combine. Most of the time, the receivers they are throwing to are guys the quarterbacks have never played with. Thus, seeing how quickly they can adjust to these new receivers does hold some value in my eyes. But similarly to John, the thing that excites me the most about next week is seeing which players can boost their draft stock with dominant showings in the on-field drills. Every year, we see some guys put up strong performances in Indy which solidifies their status as a top 5 pick, a top 10 pick, a first-round pick, etc. A few years ago, Anthony Richardson’s excellent outing at the Combine led to him being drafted fourth overall. Even last year, Xavier Worthy was seen as a likely Day 2 pick until he ran a record-setting time in the 40-yard dash, elevating him to the end of the first round. There is a reason why the Combine is considered to be the ultimate job interview.