At The Combine

[papabear]

Originally Posted by BigBull

I don't think that is a fair assessment of every player who performs poorly at the combine. It could be that their trainer didn't train them properly. Not everyone gets the benefit of training with a trainer like Danny Arnold of Plex. I think nerves play a big role in it too. I mean these young men that mostly come from families with little money know that how they perform could mean millions of dollars in some cases.

It's not just the performance though. Is he in shape? Was he ready for the drills and how they were supposed to be run? If a guy's in good shape and runs a 4.7 then he just runs a 4.7. If a guy is flabby and huffing and puffing through the drills and runs a 4.7....he didn't take it seriously. It's not just the drills either. How do they carry themselves? Do they take the process seriously, or do they just treat it like a vacation.

It's perfectly understandable for a kid to be nervous, but his response to those nerves gives you some idea of how he handles all that pressure.

[Roy P]

Originally Posted by papabear

Was he ready for the drills and how they were supposed to be run?

That is something that frustrates me. When a kid has to be told several times how to get into a stance before taking off on his 40, I just shake my head. I would expect a player to have prepared for his job interview to the point where he wouldn't need any instructions on the day of the Combine. In fact, by that point, he should be able to give the instructions on how to run a 40 as well as every other drill at the Combine.

I'm sitting here watching the NFL Network for the last couple of years and it never fails. Its funny, but I think I could run the drills without instructions and do them correctly. My times would be horrible, but the drill would be run like they are supposed to be.

It reflects a lack of pride in professionalism. I wish I could go back and watch Travis Johnson at the Combine to see if there were any signs to pick up on.