While all of the vertical jump, broad jump, 40-yard dash and shuttle run drills can be used to measure explosiveness as well as other traits, the three-cone drill is the one that focuses primarily on agility, shiftiness and flexibility. It’s a quick drill, though not as quick as the dash or the shuttle run.
NFL combine drills explained: 3-cone drill
The three-cone drill is a measure of pure agility, unlike the other main drills at the NFL Combine.
The prospect will run 5 yards to the first cone before turning back and running around the second cone. He then goes around the third cone at the top of the “L” and comes back to finish at the second cone. It’s all about a player’s ability to change direction while maintaining speed around the corners.
Defensive linemen and pass rushers in general typically show the most from the other drills, but the three-cone drill is all about wide receivers. Making cuts during their routes to try and shake cornerbacks out of their shoes while keeping speed is a huge deal, and scouts can learn a lot about wide receivers by watching this drill.
The record for the three-cone drill was set by receiver Jeff Maehl out of Oregon. He set the record of 6.42 seconds in 2011, beating the old record held by cornerback Sedrick Curry by just 0.03 seconds. Obviously, the drill is important for cornerbacks as well, since they're the ones who have to deal with the quickness of the receivers.
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