The bench reps is one of the most watched tests for players at the combine, second only to the 40 yard dash results. This is especially true for the guys in the trenches, where the bench results can measure how much raw strength a player has available. Strength is absolutely critical in run blocking as well as pass blocking. This test can often make or break an offensive lineman just as a 40 time can make or break a wide receiver.

Offensive Linemen

The big winner of the day was Eric Herman with 36 reps. This is good news for Herman since it may raise his stock slightly, he was listed as a sixth or seventh round pick before the combine. Following Herman closely was Jonathan Cooper with 35 reps. Local hero Travis Frederick was able to lift 21 reps; a respectable amount for a center but not a high number by any means. I wouldn’t expect this to change his stock dramatically; centers are not valued based on their raw power like guards and tackles.

Tight Ends

As the tight end position evolves into more of a pass catching weapon the need for a high bench score has lessened. This does not mean that the score is irrelevant for these players however. The ideal tight end for many teams is one that can block and catch, so a high bench press score and a high 40 time could elevate a tight end into the first round. The two highest prospects of this year’s tight end class, Tyler Eifert and Zach Ertz, each ranked in the top three bench press reps this year with 22 and 24 reps accordingly. The tight end with the most reps though was Vance McDonald with 31 reps. Gavin Escobar, another highly touted prospect, did not lift.

Other scouting combine physical measurements:

Quarterbacks| Running Backs | Tight Ends and Offensive Linemen | Wide Reciever