Indianapolis is where it all begins…again

Mike from New Orleans, LA

Laissez les bons temps rouler! Happy Mardi Gras Wes!

One of my favorite days on the calendar. I hope you were all able to enjoy a paczki or four. All right, let’s talk football.

We know combine performance can cause players to rise or fall – sometimes dramatically. If I was a scout (and I’m not), I would base my player evaluations almost entirely on in-game effectiveness. What is the prevailing philosophy on how much weight to put on combine metrics?

Physicals are the most critical part of this process. It’s vital for teams and their doctors to examine prospects and ensure all the medicals are in order before making a huge investment in April. Testing is a key part of the puzzle, too, though I think it’s used more as confirmation for scouts than anything else. For example, Christian Watson‘s speed wasn’t news to the Packers or any other NFL team. Still, there’s no question the stock of some will rise exponentially after a strong combine (e.g. Bryon Jones, John Ross, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Shaq Griffin, Bruce Irvin, etc.).

Drew from Croton on Hudson, NY

Might take getting more draft capital from some dark place, but wouldn’t it be cool to see Bob Skoronski’s grandson being coached by Dick Butkus’s nephew?

Now wouldn’t that be something. Unfortunately, we won’t be in Indianapolis long enough to talk with Peter Skoronski. Offensive linemen don’t speak with the media until Saturday. However, the Northwestern tackle is a blue-chipper who takes pride in his family name. It certainly looks like Skoronski will be one of the first offensive linemen off the board in April.

Good morning, Insiders. I am amazed by the speed today’s athletes are running. A 4.3 forty is now common and only the Lord knows when we see even faster times. My question is when did 40 times change so drastically and to what can you attribute this to.

A lot of it has to do with the training these players do after their college season ends. There are facilities around the country that are tailored specifically to combine prep and it makes sense. A bad 40 time for a receiver can be the difference between being a second-round pick or an undrafted free agent. There have been offensive linemen who have plummeted two days because of a poor performance in the bench press. For prospective rookies, and really the entire NFL, Indianapolis is where it all begins…again. You have to be ready for it.

Dustin from Kansas City, MO

So, I guess the draft is being held here in my hometown this…