NFL Scouting Combine - Tests and Evaluations

Tests and Evaluations

Tests/evaluations include:

• 40-yard dash
• Bench press (225 lb repetitions)
• Vertical jump
• Broad jump
• 20 yard shuttle
• 3 cone drill
• 60-yard shuttle
• Position-specific drills
• Interviews — each team is allowed 60 interviews in 15-minute intervals
• Physical measurements
• Injury evaluation
• Drug screen
• The Cybex test
• The Wonderlic Test

Sports writers question whether these tests have any relationship with future NFL performance. Empirical research conducted by Brian D. Lyons, Brian J. Hoffman, John W. Michel, and Kevin J. Williams (2011) found that the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, 20-yard shuttle, and 3 cone drill tests have limited validity in predicting future NFL performance. In fact, the Lyons et al. (2011) study suggests that a prospect's past performance in college is a better indicator of future NFL performance than the aforementioned physical ability tests.