Every year, over 300 of the best college football players in the country gather at Lucas Oil Stadium for a four-day event that can make or break their careers. It’s invite-only, and the stakes are high – this is the NFL Scouting Combine, where NFL scouts and team owners scrutinize every move, every test, and every interview, searching for the next superstar who may propel their team to the top. With millions of dollars and a lifetime of dreams on the line, the pressure is intense and the competition is fierce.

WHAT is the NFL Combine?

The NFL Combine is where the top draft-eligible college players are evaluated on various physical, medical, and mental criteria. The event aims to assess the players’ abilities and help team owners and coaches identify potential top talent for their teams. The NFL hopefuls must prove their physical ability to compete against other players. By conducting a series of interviews, the scouts aim to evaluate the prospects’ football IQ and assess their potential to integrate within a team locker room.

HOW does the NFL Combine work?

The week-long event consists of several physical tests and courses that will be required of them in their desired roles on the team. Additionally, the most exciting events at the NFL Combine include the 40-yard dash, bench press, vertical jump. Besides these tests, teams are allowed a certain amount of interview time to speak with potential recruits. A drug screen and the Cybex test are also administered to the players.

Here is a more detailed list of events:

• 40-yard dash
• Bench Press (225 lbs.)
• Vertical Jump
• Broad Jump
• 20-yard shuttle
• 60-yard shuttle
• 3-cone drill
• Other position-specific drills

WHEN is the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine?

This year’s NFL Scouting Combine is set to begin on February 28 and run through March 6. Here is a breakdown of the various positions and their drill start times:

1. Defensive Linemen + Linebackers: Thursday, March 2 at 2:00pm EST
2. Defensive Backs : Friday, March 3 at 2:00pm EST
3. Quarterbacks + Wide Receivers + Tight Ends: Saturday, March 4 at 12:00pm EST
4. Running Backs + Offensive Linemen: Sunday, March 5 at 12:00pm EST

WHERE can you watch it?

NFL Scouting Combine Live Drills begins Thursday, March 2, with exclusive LIVE coverage on NFL Network starting at 3 pm ET. Additionally, NFL Network is available across multiple devices (smartphone, PC, tablet, and connected TVs) through the NFL app or NFL.com/watch for subscribers of participating NFL Network providers.

BONUS: Michigan Representation at NFL Combine

1. Bryce Baringer, P, Michigan State
2. Ronnie Bell, WR, Michigan
3. Ryan Hayes, OL, Michigan
4. Thomas Incoom, DL, Central Michigan
5. Jake Moody, K, Michigan
6. Mike Morris, DL, Michigan
7. Olu Oluwatimi, OL, Michigan
8. Jose Ramirez, DL, Eastern Michigan
9. Jayden Reed, WR, Michigan State
10. Brad Robbins, P, Michigan
11. Luke Schoonmaker, TE, Michigan
12. Mazi Smith, DL, Michigan
13. Sidy Sow, OL, Eastern Michigan
14. DJ Turner II, DB, Michigan

The Countdown Begins

As we countdown to the start of the 2023 NFL season, the NFL Scouting Combine offers a glimpse of the future stars of the league. The rigorous testing, interviews, and drills give a comprehensive evaluation of each player, leaving nothing to chance. For these young men, the dream of playing in the NFL is within reach. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or a casual spectator, the Combine is an exciting event that you won’t want to miss. Tune in as we witness the next generation of NFL superstars take the field.

Featured Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

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