Here are a list of the tests that players will take during this week (some players will elect to bypass some, and do them at their campus workout...wienies):
1) Forty yard dash- Although this is the most discussed number at the combine, also critical are the 10-yard and 20-yard intervals. They test how quickly someone gets off the line. A slow 10 yard time is especially bad for a WR.
2) Vertical leap- The benchmark for studhood is 40".
3) Bench press- Anything more than 30 is a terrific number. Shorter-armed guys have a huge advantage over longer-armed players, so sometimes the numbers are a bit skewed. Some WR's and CB's will lift less than 10, which is not good. And, some offensive linemen will only put up numbers in the low twenties, which also looks bad.
4) Broad jump- Shows explosiveness.
5) 20 yard shuttle and 60 yard shuttle- Running back and forth between two lines, touching them along the way. Shows lateral quickness and explosiveness. Great for DL.
6) 3 Cone Drill- Players run through a series of three cones to show their change of direction skills, and ability to cut on a dime.
7) Wonderlic test- Intelligence test. Shows raw intelligence and the ability to problem solve. 50 is the high score. Anything in the 30's is solid. Frank Gore scored a reported 6, which is scary.
8) Physicals- Team doctors twist knees, joints, to see flexibility, and inspect previously injured areas.
9) Weigh-ins for height and weight.
Here is a sample from last year's combine (One note: the person reversed the broad jump and vertical jump columns)
2007 NFL combine sample
