The NFL Scouting Combine comes at just the perfect time in the NFL offseason. The Super Bowl is a distant memory and things are starting to grind to a halt on the news front, despite Jonathan Martin and Richie Incognito’s best efforts. But if you were just starting to get bored, mark Feb. 22-25 on your calendar, as some of the top NFL-hopeful talent will descend on Indianapolis to be examined, interviewed, benchmarked and otherwise scrutinized at the 2014 Scouting Combine.
NFL Combine 2014: Schedule and preview
The NFL Combine is set to showcase the top prospects in May’s NFL Draft and test their skills in front of hundreds of scouts and coaches.
Each day, a designated set of positions will perform in several drills that will dictate both athleticism and fundamentals. From quarterbacks to tight ends to cornerbacks to special teams players, 335 players will be tested in front of potential employers. It is the ultimate job interview for players looking get drafted or signed as undrafted free agents in May.
Below are the dates and positions for each of the Combine groups:
Saturday, Feb. 22: Tight ends, offensive linemen, special teams
In attendance will be tight ends Texas Tech’s Jace Amaro and North Carolina’s Eric Ebron, who will try to prove that they can possibly be the next Tony Gonzalez or Jimmy Graham. Texas A&M’s Jake Matthews and Auburn’s Greg Robinson will compete to prove which is the better offensive tackle prospect. Kickers and punters will also look to improve their draft prospects.
Sunday, Feb. 23: Quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers
Quarterbacks like Texas A&M’s Johnny Manziel, Central Florida’s Blake Bortles and Louisville’s Teddy Bridgewater will pass in front of several passer-needy teams. Arizona’s Ka’deem Carey will look to prove he is the top running back in the class, while receivers like Texas A&M’s Mike Evans, Florida State’s Kelvin Benjamin and Clemson’s Sammy Watkins look to improve their draft stock.
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Monday, Feb. 24: Defensive linemen, linebackers
South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney will highlight Day 3 along with fellow linemen like Missouri’s Kony Ealy, Buffalo’s Khalil Mack and Notre Dame’s Louis Nix. Linebackers like Ohio State’s Ryan Shazier, Alabama’s C.J. Mosley and UCLA’s Anthony Barr will look to prove they are the top athletes in their class.
Tuesday, Feb. 25: Defensive backs
Cornerbacks like TCU’s Jason Verrett, Oklahoma State’s Justin Gilbert and Michigan State’s Darqueze Dennard will try to create separation between themselves and their fellow defensive backs. Alabama’s Hasean Clinton-Dix and Louisville’s Calvin Pryor will also look to show off their athleticism.
Drills will include the 40-yard dash, bench press, vertical jump, broad jump, 3 cone and shuttle run.
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