Day two at the combine in Indianapolis is the day we have all been waiting for. Sunday is the day the quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers work out. Sunday is the day we see how fast Johnny Manziel is in shorts, how strong Kelvin Benjamin is, how high Mike Evans can jump, how agile Bishop Sankey is.
Sunday is the day of reckoning for many statistical analysts, and a day of confirmation for those who bury themselves in tape. But, we all agree on one thing: watching these athletes bring awe to our minds is pure entertainment. Watching guys that are "giants" in our world running faster than we could ever imagine. Watching these huge human being bench press our weight 40 times. The combine is one of the best things on television, and Sunday is the height of the event.
On day two, we hope to see some players do certain things, and will be struck if they do not reach what is expected. Here is what we look for at the combine for each position.
Quarterback
Agility
At quarterback, agility is not needed as much as the latter positions, but it still means a lot. The ability to shift in the pocket is the difference between a sack and a first down. Look at the three-cone drill and the shuttle run for agility testing.
Acceleration
As mentioned above, this is not as important as other positions, but definitely a plus when it comes to quarterback play. If a player is able to accelerate quickly, it allows for the quarterback to escape pressure. Look for the shuttle run and the 10-yard splits in the 40-yard dash.
Strength
An underrated trait in a quarterback is upper body strength, not only is the velocity of their arm meaningful, but if their upper body is strong, it allows them to take more hits, and shrug off defenders. Look for the bench press to show this.
Accuracy
Not every quarterback is going to throw at the combine, but those who do have a chance to prove their throwing ability in front of head coaches and scouts. Some guys perform well at the combine, and force coaches to re-evaluate the tape. It cannot be understated that this is a big step for those who throw.
Running Back
Speed
Obviously, speed is one trait that is worth drooling over in potential NFL running backs. Look at Chris Johnson and Jamaal Charles. While slower running backs can succeed at the next level, those backs with breakaway speed will turn the heads of the NFL personnel. Look for the 40 yard dash.
Agility
This may be the biggest test for running backs at the combine, because changing direction is the essence of the running back position. These guys need to be able to stop and start on a dime, and the combine will show their agility in the three-cone drill and the shuttle run.
Jumping
Most running backs do not need to jump high during games, but a good vertical leap shows good lower body strength and good burst. A running back with a strong lower body can do wonders in the NFL.
Acceleration
Along with agility, acceleration may be the most important trait for a running back. The ability to start fast cannot be understated, as it makes a difference between a touchdown and being stopped at the line of scrimmage. Keep an eye on the 10-yard split in the 40-yard dash.
Wide Receiver
Speed
In the last ten years, the projection of a wide receiver has changed rather drastically. Now, everyone wants the big, strong receiver that can go get the ball. But, speed matters nevertheless. Seeing a guy at 6'5 run a 4.45 40-yard dash will do wonders for their draft stock, and if two receivers are even, the faster player always wins.
Agility
The ability of wide receivers to run routes has become increasingly important over the years, because so many NFL teams run their offenses on timing. A receiver's agility is among the most important things, because it correlates directly to the ability after the catch. The more agile a player is, the better off he is running routes, and running after the catch. Look for the shuttle run and the three-cone drill here.
Jumping
With the speed of NFL defenses these days, the ability of a wide receiver to go get the ball is second to none. Most of the touchdowns in the red zone result from mismatches, and if a receiver can catch the ball at its highest point, that is a sure mismatch. Look for the vertical leap to be among the key workouts this weekend. Expect to see some players jumping over 36 inches, and these players will be favored greatly.
Acceleration
As always, the ability to accelerate is huge in football, and especially in the NFL. At wide receiver, coming out of your routes is the difference between being open and being covered. If a player can accelerate well, it allows him to get open faster. The key to playing wide receiver is to get open, so accelerating is a key factor in the NFL. Look at the 10-yard splits for the acceleration numbers.
Strength
As mentioned before, the NFL favors big, strong receivers now, and the bench press can show just how strong some players are. Keep an eye on some of the higher numbers. If a "smaller" player has a good showing in the bench press, it shows that despite their size, they can still be very physical at the next level.
Follow along all weekend with eDraft's live coverage of the combine.