photo credit: Ella Kirk
Sprints. Long jumps. Cognitive tests. MRIS. Those things are not from Navy Seal Bootcamp, but the tests America’s best football players must go through to play on the biggest stage in the world. The NFL combine is held every offseason. Potential draft picks go through vigorous testing to determine if they are ready for the NFL. The tests are intrusive, unforgiving and difficult.
This year, the combine started on Feb. 29th and ended on Mar. 3rd, according to ESPN. The combine is held every year in Indianapolis. Teams descend upon the city, in search of the perfect draft pick. Teams scout players based on their current needs. A team that needs a quarterback will watch QBs, and a team that needs. Better defense will pay attention to defensive ends and cornerbacks. Like every year, there is lots of new talent to see.
“I look for players that have strong skill who are also determined to play the game,” said senior Aparna Metta, a Bengals fan.
Fans have different opinions on which players show the most promise at the draft. Recognizing talent is only one part of deciding which players will stand out in the league. Every fan sees promise in different players.
“This year’s draft class is loaded,” said sophomore Jakob Ames, a Browns fan. “I’m looking forward to watching Caleb Williams, Marvin Harrison Jr, Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, Romeo Odunze, and Michael Penix Jr.”
Other fans have different premonitions about who will be the next big star.
“J.J. McCarthy is definitely someone that most fans are looking at, especially after his incredible season,” said Metta.
The combine started in the 1980s, when scouts looked at players ready for the draft to see what their abilities are. Nowadays, the combine is about physical fitness but also puts a large emphasis on health, according to the NFL. Doctors examine the players’ mental and physical condition. Both are immensely important for men who play at the highest level possible.
“It shows how the players perform under pressure on the big stage and gives you a deeper look at the players’ abilities before draft day,” said Ames.
Over the years, the draft became a televised event. Many fans see it as a showcase for players. They take note of who has the fastest 40-yard dash, the highest jump and the heaviest deadlift. The event attracts a decent number of fans. Taking place a few weeks after the Super Bowl, the combine is a chance for fans to get a sneak peek at the next generation of stars.
“The combine is important to NFL fans because it is a look into how teams are looking into players while preparing for the draft,” said senior Ethan Kuhn, a Cowboys fan.
What happens in Indianapolis is a preview of what will happen in America’s most popular sports league for years to come. It is a glimpse of the talent a fan’s team could be lucky enough to draft, the talent that will one day play in front of thousands of screaming fans. The road to football glory goes through the combine. For players, it is a brutal test to pass before they go to the big leagues. For fans, it is a brief look at real-life superheroes, trying their hardest to get to the next level.
