The 2018 NFL Scouting Combine is about to get underway in Indianapolis and a ton of prospects are about to poked, prodded and put through all sorts of gauntlets to potve to NFL teams that they have what it takes to succeed in professional football.
There is definitely a lot of hype around this week as teams look to nail down their draft board with the NFL draft now less than 60 days away, but don’t let any record breaking performances in drills make you think that player is the next big star at their respective position. The combine drills are just one piece of the draft puzzle. There are still interviews and perhaps most importantly hours and hours of game film.
All that said, the combine still matters. It’s in those interviews that teams can discern the character of players. They can help separate the Peyton Mannings from the Ryan Leafs. Coaches and scouts also get affirmation of what they see and didn’t see from players in film and during pro days and the collegiate all star games.
The bottom line is the combine is still important. Just don’t overemphasize the results.
Now on to today’s cheese curds where the debate over the significance of the combine brings two different perspectives plus where will Ted Thompson be this week in his new role?
Don’t get caught up in NFL Combine Hype--PackersNews.com
Records will probably fall, but those who break them often don’t go on to have successful pro careers.
NFL Scouting Combine: Why it still matters--Buffalo News
Teams still do get affirmation on assumptions made from tape review when they see players at the combine. Conversely, they also can see some assumptions go up in smoke.
Packers should focus on defense, pass-rushers at scouting combine--ESPN
The Packers obviously plan on upgrading their defense this offseason under new coordinator Mike Pettine. They should begin by looking at the young talent at the combine.
NFL Competition Committee Rules Debated Dez Bryant Play vs. Packers Was Catch--Bleacher Report.
This will certainly embolden Cowboys fans, but no use crying over spilled milk.
Packers won’t have Ted Thompson at the scouting combine--Packers Wire
After it appeared Thompson might go to Indianapolis, team president Mark Murphy sad the former general manager will not be there.