The NFL combine is here! Every year millions of football fans tune in to watch the “Underwear Olympics” of the NFL to see just how athletic all their favorite incoming rookies are. And every year there’s hot debate as to which metrics matter. The truth of it? Most of the NFL combine metrics generate very little measurable statistical signal in terms of predicting future outcomes for these draft prospects.
But before we dismiss this entirely too much fun event completely, let it be said that there is actually plenty of value to be added for the players who outperform expectations and in turn boost their NFL Draft stock!
Yes, size/speed score has shown to mean something (especially for running backs). Yes, tight ends need to be faster than 4.75 for the most part. And yes, wide receivers sometimes see a boost in projected draft slot when they run sub-4.4. But what specific drills matter? What’s a good time or measure for each key fantasy relevant skill position group? And which players stand to gain or lose the most at each drill? Most all of the answers to those questions can be found below. Enjoy.
