Welcome to NFL Combine Week

Hey, all you football fans! If you enjoy watching amazing athletes showcase their skills, this week is definitely for you.

Draft season can sometimes feel like it’s dragging on forever. However, with the combine and pro days, it really feels like the end is in sight. This whole event is exciting because it marks the first chance we have to collect new data on the incoming draft classes. While we’ve seen plenty of footage, now coaches, scouts, and fans can start generating some interesting stats to compare with what they’ve observed so far.

This week, RJ Ochoa and I will focus on the major happenings and, who knows, maybe even throw in some light-hearted comparisons of our own athleticism—or lack thereof.

So, welcome to Skinny Post. Let’s jump right in (yes, pun intended).

What position would you like to focus on during the NFL Combine and why?

Honestly, I’ve reached a point where the fastest players really capture my interest more than anything else. Perhaps I’m just going for the obvious choice.

Remember Chris Johnson’s 40-yard dash record? It seemed like an unbeatable feat. He held onto it for nearly ten years until John Ross came along in 2017. Since then, a couple of others have broken Johnson’s record, and one even surpassed Ross (hey, Xavier Worthy).

This is my personal take, and I’m completely on board with it. Please indulge me.

When it comes to positions, I’m all about offensive linemen. Sure, others might lean toward skill positions or defensive players, but I have my own preferences.

There’s just something remarkable about seeing someone who weighs 300 pounds move like they’re much lighter. Watching an offensive lineman run the 40-yard dash in under 4.90 seconds is always mind-blowing. Even more impressive is their lateral movement and explosive jumping capability. In my view, those agility drills and vertical broad jumps are absolutely must-watch TV.

Defensive linemen come in a close second in terms of interest. They’re certainly impressive too, but offensive linemen? They play one of the most crucial yet underappreciated roles in football.

What is your favorite athletic test to see during the NFL Combine and why?

It’s kind of a pity really; not all the tests get the same spotlight. Sure, the 40-yard dash gets all the hype, but if I could pick one test to feature, it would definitely be the agility shuttle or the 3-cone drill. Both of those truly highlight a player’s lateral movement and can be significant indicators of their future success in a specific position.

Let’s face it; most exercise tests are a bit strange. They don’t correlate perfectly with actual football, but they do hold some value.

If I had to choose, I’d pick the three-cone drill. I love the blend of athleticism and precision it demands. It feels sophisticated enough for professional athletes, yet it also brings back memories of gym class when we all thought we could nail it—even though most of us were perhaps a bit off.

Which combination of tests do you think will yield the best performance?

Honestly, the only NFL Combine test I’ve ever done well on is… standing on the podium. Everything else? Not so much.

But really, it’s a fascinating part of the whole ordeal. Watching how players respond to various prompts can be quite revealing. The NFL Combine may not be the Super Bowl, but it certainly can feel a bit ridiculous judging by some of the questions posed to players.

Now, if I think back to when I was still, you know, somewhat athletic, I remember being better at agility drills compared to straight-line speed. Personally, I enjoyed the shuttle runs and the three-cone events. Back in the day, I had a solid showing with the bench press too—think I maxed out around 22-24 reps at 225 pounds. It was always interesting to compare myself to these NFL hopefuls, even though deep down, I knew they could easily outshine me despite how well I was doing.

What questions do you ask NFL prospects in a lightning round style interview?

I really enjoy coming up with pointed questions for prospects, but what I love even more is imagining how I’d reword them if I were the one asking.

Sure, I find typical inquiries like, “Is a hot dog a sandwich?” interesting, but I want to expand beyond that.

I’d be curious to ask prospects, “What question do you wish someone would ask you?” It seems like a clever way to gauge their confidence and how they want to present themselves.

Oh, that feels like a great question, RJ. Wish I had thought of it first!

For me, it revolves around “this or that” questions that pertain to everyday life.

“Mexican food or Chinese food?”

“Is your toilet paper single or double?”

“Coffee or energy drink?”

“Do you sing in the car or the shower?”

You know, anything that helps paint these athletes in a relatable light makes a difference. Fans love to feel a connection, and nothing does that like saying, “Hey, they’re just like me!”