Your Ultimate Guide to Watching the NFL Combine

The NFL Combine is a crucial event for aspiring professional football players and a spectacle for fans, offering a unique glimpse into the athletic prowess and mental fortitude of future NFL stars. This guide will equip you with everything you need to know to fully appreciate the 2025-26 NFL Combine, from understanding the drills to predicting draft impact.

What is the NFL Combine?

The NFL Combine, officially known as the NFL Scouting Combine, is an annual event held in Indianapolis, Indiana, where top college football players participate in a series of physical and mental tests. These tests are designed to evaluate their athletic abilities, football intelligence, and character, providing NFL teams with valuable data to assess draft prospects. It's a vital stage in the pre-draft process, allowing teams to compare players objectively and gather information that goes beyond their college game film. The event is broadcast annually, making it a must-watch for football enthusiasts eager to see the next generation of talent.

History and Evolution of the NFL Combine

The NFL Combine's origins can be traced back to 1982, a collaborative effort by the NFL and its teams to standardize the evaluation process for college prospects. Before its inception, teams relied more heavily on individual workouts and college visits, which could be inconsistent and prone to bias. The initial combine was a much smaller affair, focusing primarily on a few key athletic drills. Over the decades, it has grown exponentially in scope and significance. The number of invited players has increased, and the types of evaluations have expanded to include psychological testing, interviews, and more sophisticated athletic assessments. The broadcast of the combine, which began gaining traction in the late 1980s and early 1990s, transformed it from a scouting operation into a national sporting event. This evolution reflects the increasing importance teams place on quantifiable data and the growing fan interest in the draft process. The 2025-26 combine will continue this tradition, showcasing the latest crop of talent undergoing rigorous evaluation.

Key Events and Drills: What to Watch For

The NFL Combine is a multi-day event featuring a variety of tests designed to measure a prospect's athletic capabilities. Understanding these drills is key to appreciating the performances and their implications for draft stock.

Explosive Power and Speed

These drills focus on a player's ability to generate force quickly and move with speed. They are fundamental to almost every position on the football field.

The 40-Yard Dash

Arguably the most famous drill, the 40-yard dash measures pure linear speed. Players sprint 40 yards, with their times recorded using electronic timing systems. A fast 40-yard dash time is often a significant indicator of a player's potential to break away from defenders or outrun offensive linemen. For wide receivers and cornerbacks, it's a critical metric for speed and separation ability. For running backs, it signifies their ability to hit holes quickly and gain yardage after the catch.

The Vertical Jump

This test measures a player's explosive lower-body power and ability to jump straight up. Players stand next to a vertical measuring device and jump as high as they can, touching a series of vanes or markers. A high vertical jump indicates a player's ability to elevate for contested catches, jump over defenders, or explode off the line of scrimmage. It's particularly important for wide receivers, tight ends, and defensive backs who frequently engage in jump-ball situations.

The Broad Jump

The broad jump, or standing long jump, assesses a player's explosive power and lower-body strength. Players stand with their feet shoulder-width apart and jump forward as far as possible, landing on two feet. This drill tests their ability to generate horizontal force and balance. It's relevant for players who need to explode off the line, change direction quickly, or leap for passes.

Agility and Change of Direction

These drills evaluate a player's ability to change direction quickly and efficiently, a crucial skill for many positions.

The 3-Cone Drill

The 3-cone drill, also known as the "L-drill," measures a player's agility, change of direction, and body control. Players start at a cone, sprint 5 yards to another cone, touch it, sprint back to the start, then sprint around the opposite cone, and finally sprint back to the start. This drill highlights a player's ability to cut sharply and maintain balance. It's highly valued for defensive backs, wide receivers, and linebackers who need to react quickly to offensive plays.

The 20-Yard Shuttle

The 20-yard shuttle, or "5-10-5 shuttle," tests a player's lateral quickness and acceleration in short bursts. Players start at the middle cone, sprint 5 yards to one side, touch the line, sprint 10 yards to the other side, touch that line, and then sprint back to the middle cone. This drill simulates the quick bursts and direction changes needed in coverage or when breaking tackles.

Strength and Power

These tests quantify a player's raw strength and ability to exert force.

The Bench Press

The bench press measures a player's upper-body strength. Prospects attempt to lift a 225-pound barbell as many times as possible. This drill is particularly important for offensive and defensive linemen, tight ends, and linebackers who need to engage in physical battles at the line of scrimmage. A high number of repetitions indicates superior strength and endurance.

Position-Specific Drills

Beyond the general athletic tests, players also participate in drills tailored to their specific positions, allowing coaches to evaluate their technique, footwork, and football instincts in a more game-like scenario.

Quarterbacks

Quarterbacks throw passes to receivers, demonstrating their arm strength, accuracy, touch, and ability to throw on the run. They also go through footwork drills and read progressions.

Running Backs

Running backs run through a series of routes, catch passes, and participate in drills that test their ball security, vision, and ability to break tackles.

Wide Receivers and Tight Ends

These players run a variety of routes, catch passes, and perform drills that highlight their hands, route-running ability, body control, and ability to gain separation.

Offensive Linemen

Offensive linemen participate in drills that test their stance, footwork, pass-blocking sets, run-blocking technique, and ability to handle defensive linemen.

Defensive Linemen

Defensive linemen work on their pass-rush moves, run-stopping technique, and ability to shed blocks.

Linebackers

Linebackers are tested on their coverage skills, ability to diagnose plays, pass-rushing moves, and tackling technique.

Defensive Backs

Defensive backs showcase their coverage skills, footwork in man and zone schemes, ball-hawking ability, and tackling.

Understanding the Metrics: What Do They Mean?

The NFL Combine generates a wealth of data, and understanding what these numbers signify is crucial for any fan or scout. Here's a breakdown of the key metrics and their importance. For the 2025-26 season, these metrics remain foundational.

The 40-Yard Dash

What it measures: Pure linear speed.

Typical times (2025-26 prospects): Elite speed for skill positions often falls below 4.4 seconds. For offensive and defensive linemen, times below 5.0 seconds are considered very good.

Significance: Essential for players who need to outrun opponents or cover ground quickly. A fast 40 can elevate a prospect's draft stock significantly, especially for wide receivers, cornerbacks, and running backs.

The Bench Press

What it measures: Upper-body strength and endurance.

Typical reps (225 lbs) (2025-26 prospects): Linemen and linebackers often aim for 20+ reps. Skill position players might perform fewer, but still demonstrate functional strength.

Significance: Crucial for players who engage in physical battles, particularly offensive and defensive linemen. It indicates their ability to hold their ground, push opponents, and generate power.

The Vertical Jump

What it measures: Explosive lower-body power.

Typical heights (2025-26 prospects): Elite athletes can jump 38+ inches. For most positions, 30+ inches is considered good.

Significance: Important for players who need to elevate, such as wide receivers, tight ends, and defensive backs. It translates to leaping ability for contested catches or to disrupt passes.

The Broad Jump

What it measures: Explosive lower-body power and horizontal force generation.

Typical distances (2025-26 prospects): Elite prospects can achieve 10+ feet. Good marks are generally around 9.5 feet and above.

Significance: Indicates a player's ability to generate power for bursts, change of direction, and explosive movements. Relevant across many positions.

The 3-Cone Drill

What it measures: Agility, change of direction, and body control.

Typical times (2025-26 prospects): Elite times are typically under 7.0 seconds. Many skilled position players aim for times under 7.2 seconds.

Significance: Highly important for defensive backs, wide receivers, and linebackers who need to react and change direction quickly.

The 20-Yard Shuttle

What it measures: Lateral quickness and short-burst acceleration.

Typical times (2025-26 prospects): Elite times are under 4.0 seconds. Many good athletes will be in the 4.0-4.2 range.

Significance: Simulates the quick cuts and reactions needed in coverage or when evading defenders. Valuable for defensive backs, slot receivers, and agile linebackers.

It's important to remember that these metrics are just one piece of the puzzle. A player with average combine numbers but exceptional college film can still be a top prospect. Conversely, a combine warrior might not translate their athleticism to game success.

How to Watch the NFL Combine in 2025-26

Watching the NFL Combine has become easier than ever, with multiple avenues for fans to follow the action and witness the athletic feats of future NFL stars.

Broadcast Schedule

The NFL Network is the exclusive broadcaster of the NFL Scouting Combine. The event typically spans several days, with specific times allocated for different position groups. For the 2025-26 combine, expect coverage to begin in late February or early March. The schedule will be released closer to the event, but generally, the days are segmented as follows:

• Day 1: Defensive Linemen and Linebackers
• Day 2: Defensive Backs
• Day 3: Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers, and Tight Ends
• Day 4: Running Backs and Offensive Linemen

The NFL Network provides live coverage of the drills, expert analysis, and interviews. Make sure to check your local NFL Network listings for the precise broadcast times in your region.

Streaming Options

For those without traditional cable TV, streaming services offer excellent alternatives to catch the combine action.

• NFL+: The NFL's official streaming service often carries live streams of the combine, providing comprehensive coverage directly to your devices. This is usually a premium feature within the NFL+ subscription.
• Other Live TV Streaming Services: Services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and FuboTV typically include the NFL Network in their channel packages. If you subscribe to one of these, you can stream the combine live through their respective apps or websites.

Always verify the specific channel offerings and streaming rights for the 2025-26 season as these can change.

Following Online

Even if you can't watch live, you can stay updated through various online resources.

• NFL.com: The official NFL website will have extensive coverage, including live updates, results, analysis, and video highlights of top performances.
• Social Media: Follow the NFL's official accounts and reputable NFL reporters on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook for real-time updates, breaking news, and behind-the-scenes content.
• Sports News Websites: Major sports news outlets (e.g., ESPN, CBS Sports, Bleacher Report) will provide continuous coverage, analysis, and opinion pieces on the combine's events and their impact on the draft.

Who to Watch For in the 2025-26 NFL Combine

While specific prospects emerge closer to the draft, the 2025-26 NFL Combine will feature a deep pool of talent. Based on early projections and scouting reports for the upcoming draft class, several players are expected to make a significant impact. Keep an eye on highly-touted quarterbacks vying to prove their athleticism and arm talent, explosive wide receivers aiming to showcase elite speed and route-running, and dominant defensive linemen looking to solidify their status as top picks. Running backs with a blend of power and speed, and versatile linebackers capable of excelling in coverage and rushing the passer, will also be key figures. Keep an eye on college football's top performers from the 2025 season; their names will be on everyone's lips as the combine approaches. For instance, if a quarterback from a Power Five conference has a standout senior season with exceptional mobility and arm strength, they will be a prime candidate to impress in the combine drills. Similarly, a defensive end who recorded a high number of sacks and tackles for loss will be scrutinized for their explosiveness in the 40-yard dash and agility drills.

Beyond the Numbers: Interviews and Medicals

While the athletic drills often steal the spotlight, the NFL Combine is much more than just a series of tests. Two critical components that heavily influence a player's draft stock are the interviews and medical evaluations.

Interviews: Each prospect undergoes multiple interviews with NFL teams. These sessions are designed to assess a player's football IQ, leadership qualities, work ethic, character, and how they handle pressure. Coaches and general managers will probe prospects about their understanding of schemes, their decision-making process on the field, and their personal background. Teams want to gauge if a player is coachable, resilient, and a good fit for their team culture. A strong interview can elevate a player who might have had a less-than-stellar combine performance, while a poor interview can cause a highly-rated prospect to slide down draft boards.

Medical Evaluations: This is arguably the most critical aspect of the combine. Every invited player undergoes a comprehensive medical examination by team physicians and trainers. They will review a player's injury history, conduct physical assessments, and potentially perform diagnostic tests. Teams are looking for any underlying medical conditions or chronic injuries that could affect a player's long-term durability and performance in the NFL. A history of significant injuries, such as multiple knee or shoulder surgeries, can be a major red flag for teams, even if a player performs exceptionally well in the athletic drills. The medical staff's findings can lead teams to remove a player from their draft board entirely or significantly lower their draft grade.

These non-athletic components provide a holistic view of a prospect, ensuring teams are not just drafting an athlete, but a reliable and valuable member of their organization.

Impact on the NFL Draft

The NFL Combine has a profound impact on the NFL Draft. While it's not the sole determinant of a player's draft position, exceptional performances can significantly boost a prospect's stock, while disappointing showings can cause a slide.

Elevating Prospects: Players who excel in their drills, especially those who outperform expectations, can move from being mid-round projections to first-round consideration. For example, a running back who runs an elite 40-yard dash and shows surprising agility in the cone drill might catch the eye of teams looking for explosive playmakers. Similarly, a quarterback who demonstrates strong arm talent and accuracy in passing drills, coupled with good interview results, can solidify their status as a top-tier signal-caller.

Revealing Weaknesses: Conversely, players who underperform in key drills might see their draft stock fall. A wide receiver expected to have blazing speed might run a disappointing 40-yard dash, leading teams to question their ability to create separation. A lineman who struggles with the bench press might raise concerns about their strength at the next level.

Shaping Team Boards: General managers and scouts use combine data to refine their player evaluations and finalize their draft boards. The objective metrics provide a standardized comparison point for players from different college programs. Teams might adjust their rankings based on a player's combine performance, especially if it confirms or contradicts what they saw on film. For instance, if a player's film shows great agility but their combine times are average, teams might temper their expectations. If a player's film is solid but they blow away scouts with their athletic testing, their draft stock can soar.

The "Combine Warrior" Phenomenon: Sometimes, players who test exceptionally well at the combine but have less impressive college production are referred to as "combine warriors." These players present a dilemma for teams: do they trust the raw athletic traits and potential, or do they prioritize proven college production? The 2025-26 combine will undoubtedly feature several such prospects.

Ultimately, the combine is a critical checkpoint. It's a chance for players to showcase their physical gifts and for teams to gather more information to make informed decisions in the NFL Draft.

Tips for the Casual Viewer

If you're new to the NFL Combine or just looking to enjoy the spectacle without getting lost in the weeds, here are some tips to enhance your viewing experience:

• Focus on the Big Names: Follow the projected top prospects, especially quarterbacks, running backs, and star defensive players. Their performances will generate the most buzz.
• Watch the 40-Yard Dash: This is the most iconic drill. Look for players who seem to explode off the line and maintain their speed. Compare times across positions – what's fast for a lineman is different from a receiver.
• Observe Body Language: Pay attention to how players react after their drills. Do they look confident? Disappointed? Their demeanor can tell you a lot.
• Listen to the Analysts: The NFL Network analysts are experts. They'll explain what the drills mean, highlight standout performances, and provide context for the numbers.
• Look for Surprises: Sometimes, players you've never heard of put up incredible numbers and become breakout stars. Keep an eye out for these unexpected performances.
• Enjoy the Spectacle: The combine is a preview of the future. Appreciate the raw athleticism and the dreams of these young men. It's a fun, albeit analytical, part of the NFL calendar.
• Understand the Context: Remember that combine numbers are just one part of the evaluation. A player's college film and interviews are equally, if not more, important.

By following these tips, you can enjoy the NFL Combine as a fascinating showcase of athletic talent and a key event in the journey to the NFL Draft.

Advanced Viewing Strategies for Die-Hard Fans

For the dedicated fan who wants to dissect every aspect of the NFL Combine, a more strategic approach can be rewarding.

• Track Position-Specific Benchmarks: Understand what constitutes an elite, good, and average performance for each drill *within* a specific position group. For example, a 4.5-second 40-yard dash is elite for a tight end but merely good for a wide receiver.
• Compare Athleticism to NFL Success: Research historical combine data. See which players with similar athletic profiles have succeeded or failed in the NFL. This helps contextualize current performances. For instance, if a wide receiver has elite speed but below-average agility, you can look at past receivers with similar traits to gauge their potential success rate.
• Analyze Footwork and Technique: Beyond raw numbers, watch the technique in drills like the 3-cone or position-specific drills. A player with slightly slower times but superior footwork and body control might be a more polished prospect.
• Scout for Traits, Not Just Numbers: Look for players who demonstrate traits like competitiveness, explosiveness, and fluidity, even if their numbers aren't record-breaking. These are often harder to quantify but crucial for NFL success.
• Follow Scouting Reports: Read detailed scouting reports from reputable sources. These reports will often highlight specific strengths and weaknesses observed during the combine that might not be immediately apparent from the raw data.
• Monitor Interview Buzz: Pay attention to reports about how players are performing in interviews. While often kept confidential, leaks and general sentiments can provide insights into a player's character and football intelligence.
• Consider Medical Red Flags: Understand that a seemingly minor injury from college could be a major concern for NFL teams if it's chronic or requires ongoing management. This information, though not always public, heavily influences draft decisions.
• Look for Positional Versatility: Prospects who can effectively play multiple roles within their position group (e.g., a cornerback who can play outside and in the slot, or a linebacker who can rush the passer and cover tight ends) often have higher value. Observe how they perform in drills that showcase these different skill sets.

By employing these advanced strategies, you can move beyond simply watching the combine and begin to truly evaluate prospects like a professional scout.

Common Combine Myths and Misconceptions

The NFL Combine, while valuable, is often surrounded by myths and misconceptions that can lead to skewed perceptions of prospects.

• Myth: A great combine performance guarantees NFL success.

  Reality: The combine measures athletic potential, not necessarily football skill or production. Many players who test exceptionally well don't pan out in the NFL, while others with average combine numbers become stars. College film and game performance remain paramount.

• Myth: The combine is the most important factor in the draft.

  Reality: It's a significant piece of the puzzle, but not the only one. Team needs, college production, character, interviews, and medical evaluations all play crucial roles. For some positions, like offensive line, game tape often outweighs combine numbers.

• Myth: All drills are equally important for every position.

  Reality: The importance of each drill varies by position. A fast 40-yard dash is critical for a wide receiver, but less so for a nose tackle. Understanding positional value is key.

• Myth: Combine numbers are always accurate and unbiased.

  Reality: While electronic timing has improved accuracy, human error or variations in measurement can still occur. Furthermore, a player's motivation and preparation for the combine can influence their performance.

• Myth: "Combine warriors" are always busts.

  Reality: While some players who excel at the combine but lack college production struggle, others leverage their athleticism and develop into solid NFL players. It's a risk/reward calculation for teams.

• Myth: The interviews are just a formality.

  Reality: Interviews are a critical opportunity for teams to assess a player's football IQ, leadership, and character. A poor interview can derail a prospect's draft stock, regardless of athletic ability.

Understanding these misconceptions will help you critically analyze combine performances and avoid making definitive judgments based solely on a few days of testing.

The Future of the Combine

The NFL Scouting Combine has evolved significantly since its inception, and its future will likely see further adaptations to meet the changing landscape of player evaluation and the league itself.

One potential area of evolution is the expansion of technological integration. We might see more advanced biomechanical analysis, wearable technology to track movement patterns with greater precision, and even virtual reality simulations to test a player's cognitive abilities and decision-making under pressure. This would provide even more granular data for teams to analyze.

There's also ongoing discussion about the format and location of the combine. While Indianapolis has been its home for decades, proposals for rotating the event to different cities or even integrating it more closely with college all-star games could be explored. The goal would be to create a more efficient and potentially more engaging experience for both players and fans.

Furthermore, the emphasis on player wellness and mental health is likely to grow. The combine could incorporate more comprehensive mental health assessments and resources for players, recognizing the immense pressure and transition they face. The combine might also see a greater emphasis on character assessment and off-field behavior evaluation, reflecting the league's increasing focus on social responsibility and community impact.

The core purpose of the combine – to provide a standardized evaluation of athletic talent and character for NFL teams – will remain. However, the methods and the overall experience will undoubtedly continue to adapt to ensure its relevance and effectiveness in identifying the next generation of NFL stars. The 2025-26 combine will be a snapshot of this ongoing evolution.

Conclusion

The NFL Combine is more than just a series of athletic tests; it's a pivotal event that shapes the trajectory of aspiring professional football players and provides invaluable insights for NFL teams. By understanding the history, the key drills, and the meaning behind the metrics, you can fully appreciate the talent on display and the strategic importance of this annual spectacle. From the explosive 40-yard dash to the nuanced position-specific drills, each performance offers a piece of the puzzle that teams use to build their rosters. Remember that while the combine numbers are significant, they are just one component of a comprehensive evaluation that also includes college film, interviews, and medical assessments. Whether you're a casual fan or a die-hard analyst, this guide has equipped you with the knowledge to navigate the 2025-26 NFL Combine with confidence. Tune in, observe, and enjoy watching the future stars of the NFL showcase their abilities.