NFL Scouting Combine

The NFL Scouting Combine, formally known as the National Invitational Camp, is organized by National Football Scouting Inc. as an opportunity for NFL teams to scout a large quantity of players in one place. The current NFL Combine is held each February in Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Over 300 draft-eligible players are invited by National Football Scouting Inc.

The first combine was held in 1982 in Tampa, Fla., and was attended by 163 players. However, since not all teams subscribed to National Football Scouting Inc., two other combines were held from 1982-84 and hosted by other scouting organizations.

In 1985, all 28 NFL teams agreed to attend the combine hosted by National Football Scouting Inc. After holding the combine in Florida, Louisiana and Arizona over the first few years, the combine debuted in Indianapolis in 1987.

The original goal of the combine was for teams to obtain medical information on top prospects. It has since evolved into a week-long event featuring multiple opportunities for medical tests, interviews and workouts.

At the Scouting Combine, NFL teams can chose up to 60 prospects at the combine to interview. The interviews are held at hotels, rather than at the combine venue, and can cover any subject. Teams will often ask about a player's personal background to uncover any possible character issues and will also ask questions to evaluate a player's readiness for the NFL.

Players are also given the Wonderlic Test, a written evaluation of a player's intelligence. The version of the test taken at the combine consists of 50 questions and lasts 12 minutes. Players are given one point for each question correctly answered. As of 2009, Pat McInally, a former punter and wide receiver from Harvard, is the only player with a confirmed score of 50.

Each prospect is also measured for height, weight, arm length and hand length and undergoes the Cybex Test, a measurement of flexibility and joint movement. Players will also undergo a physical exam to determine any current injuries and an injury history.

40-Yard Dash

Perhaps the most publicized event at the combine, each participant is given two attempts to run the 40-yard dash (commonly referred to as "the40"). Times typically range anywhere from 4.30 to 5.60. Splits are also recorded at the 10- and 20-yard intervals. This drill is most important for running backs, wide receivers and defensive backs.

Bench Press

Players are tested on how many times they can bench press 225 pounds. The bench press, at a relatively low weight for NFL players, tests each player's strength and endurance. Bench press repetitions can range from zero to 45. This drill is most important for offensive and defensive linemen and linebackers.

Vertical Jump

Participants stand flat-footed and reach their arms above their heads. Once this measurement is taken, the player jumps as high as he can. The player's vertical leap is measured from the initial measurement to the highest point of the participants jump. Vertical jumps typically range from 20 to 45 inches. This drill tests a player's lower body explosiveness. This drill is most important for wide receivers and defensive backs.

Broad Jump

Participants stand flat-footed and jump forward as far as possible. Broad jumps typical range from 6 to 11 feet. Like the vertical jump, this drill tests the participant's lower body explosiveness. This drill is most important for wide receivers and defensive backs.

3-Cone Drill

In this drill, three cones are placed in an L-shape, each five yards apart. The participant starts at the base of the L and runs around the first cone toward the final cone. He then circles around the cone at the height of the L and back to the second cone and finishes where he started. This drill tests the participant's speed in short bursts and his change-of-direction skill. This drill is equally important for all positions.

Shuttle Run

In this drill, the participant starts in the center of two cones placed 10 yards apart. He sprints to his right and touches the first cone, then sprints back to the second and finishes where he started in the center. This drill tests the participant's speed in short bursts and his change-of-direction skill. This drill is equally important for all positions.

Position Drills

Once the workout drills are complete, players are put through a variety of positional workouts simulating the types of drills players may do in a typical NFL practice.

The NFL does not keep official records on performances in drills at the scouting combine. Unofficial records are available since 1999. Full year-by-year results since 2005 are available here.