Last weekend representatives from all 32 NFL franchises embarked to Indianapolis Indiana for the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. It is the opportunity for NFL Scouts and Front Offices to meet with top NFL Draft Prospects and test their strength and athletic ability. Many NFL pundits and fans take stock in 40-yard dash times and bench press strength with the NFL draft prospects in the upcoming draft. This is an important part of the draft evaluation process. However, it is only a part of that process.

When good NFL organizations evaluate college players, they have an evaluation process in place. If the NFL Combine was the end all be all to that process, there would not be a need for College Pro Days or game films. Many top quarterback prospects don’t even throw or workout until their respective pro days. But they still attend the NFL Combine for other reasons.

The NFL Combine gives the opportunity for in person interviews with NFL teams. We all know the infamous Ryan Leaf no showing his interview with the Indianapolis Colts in 1998. Also, it gives teams a chance to get college players medical information.  Any prior injury concerns can be addressed at the NFL Scouting Combine. Other NFL business can be conducted on that weekend as well.

Not only NFL teams and front offices attend the NFL Combine. The top agents and player representatives are there too. NFL teams that are buyers in the free agent market can speak to the agents of NFL veteran Free Agents. Even though the “legal” tampering period is still scheduled for March 11th. Talks unofficially begin between agents and teams that weekend.

NFL General Managers have the chance to meet with each other too. Many potential trade proposals for draft day or the start of the free agency period are discussed during the weekend. Coin Flips as a tie breaker to determine draft positioning is decided there. Many things happen behind the scenes of the NFL Scouting Combine. Most stories come to light years after the fact. The NFL has done a masterful job of keeping fans interested in their product in the off season. I happen to be one of those many fans. I and many other NFL fans enjoy the NFL Draft evaluation process. The NFL Scouting Combine is a mere part of that process. The more we understand that the more we can enjoy it.