What does the Combine tell us? I think Colin's article offers a good appreciation of what the Combine can and can't tell teams about prospects.
On another thread a poster wrote something to the effect that after the Combine we'd all know for sure whether a prospect will be successful in the NFL. And for those of us who've followed many Combines, we know that it doesn't. But still many/most of us get caught up in the numbers. And not just the fans, but teams too.
What the Combine DOES tell us and the teams is how an individual prospect performed specific tests and drills on a given day. And that can be very valuable. But what it doesn't tell us how well THAT prospect can apply what these drills show to playing in the NFL. There are other factors that play a role in determining that.
GBN Article - (
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At the same time, all teams are allowed to interview up to 60 players for 15 minutes over the course of the week. These interviews are key because they may be the only time a prospect actually gets to meet and talk to the various general managers and/or head coaches. Certainly, these interviews are critical for players who have had off-field problems in the past, both legal and character-wise. They are also important because teams like to throw as much as they can at the players in these interviews to test how much information they can absorb in a short period of time because that’s pretty much what they will have to do once the get to the next level.
Every year, you'll have a couple guys fly up the charts due to amazing measureables, but for the most part, teams already have a good handle on the scouting report - they are instead trying to vett the players in different ways.
Very rarely will you have the personnel guys glued to the drills. They're usually networking on the side, reconnecting with old staff or friends, and waiting until they have meetings with players.
Not sure but it sounds like all the QBs and RBs will perform. It sounds like it could be a good year in terms of at least comparing these players on an even playing field.
His game tape against top talent showed a top player and that translated to the NFL.
Where the Vikings earned their $ in picking him was doing that evaluation and determining Cook was worth a 2nd rd pick and taking him.
For other teams, he would have been off certain teams boards. For the Vikings given all the factors at play he was a great pick.
I always appreciate Colin's insights. thanks for sharing