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2017 NFL Combine 101: Explanation of Events, Schedule, and Streaming Links

By Grant Britton

Feb 29, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas A&M defensive back Brandon Williams (C) runs the 40 yard dash during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 29, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas A&M defensive back Brandon Williams (C) runs the 40 yard dash during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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NFL Combine
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The Speed and Agility Workouts

40 Yard Dash (video)

Rarely does a player sprint a straight 40 yards from a stance in the NFL, but this is a useful tool to determine acceleration and top end speed. Players are timed from when they move, so there is no reaction time necessary. In this event, wide receivers are usually king, but there are quite a few DBs who shine as well.

The event itself is not only a test of pure speed and acceleration. It is an extremely technical event. The stance, the start, the running, and even the finish are all important parts. A runner must start low, drive, and finish fully extended and striding out. Chris Johnson has the fastest recent 40 time with a 4.24. Adidas is running a special where if anyone beats that time, they get an island. A whole island.

Shuttle Runs (video)

There are two shuttle runs, of the 20 yard and 60 yard variety. The 20 yard shuttle has three cones, and times in the NFL usually run in the 3 to 4 second range. They test the prospect’s ability to change speed and direction quickly. Corners and safeties own the 20 yard shuttle, with Jason Allen, CB running a 3.81 in 2006.

The 60 yard is familiar to anyone who has ever played basketball, as it’s an old fashioned ‘suicide.’ Times here are closer to 10 to 11 seconds, with the record being 10.72 seconds by Brandin Cooks, Oregon State wide receiver, in 2014

3 Cone Drill (video)

The 3 Cone Drill tests similar attributes to the shuttle runs, but has a few different elements. Prospects maneuver a course of cones, and WRs and DBs again dominate the best times for this event. The best times are in the 6 second range, with the record being set in 2011 by Jeffrey Maehl, WR.