In Indianapolis, the athletic elite are gathering to push the limits of speed, strength, and strategy at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. This is where top prospects vie for a shot at NFL stardom, with the event running from Thursday through Sunday.
Since its debut in 1985, the combine has been the premier stage for future NFL draft picks to showcase their athletic prowess. Out of over 3,000 eligible players, 319 have been invited to this year's event, held in Indianapolis since 1987.
NFL teams are on the hunt to confirm their scouting insights and perhaps discover an unexpected gem. The spotlight is on speed, strength, footwork, and ball skills.
Combine Drills
The 40-yard dash is the crown jewel of the combine tests. A skill-position player clocking in at 4.3 seconds or faster can see their draft stock soar, as teams crave explosive talent. Just ask Xavier Worthy of the Kansas City Chiefs, who set the combine record in 2024 with a jaw-dropping 4.21-second run.
The bench press is another fan favorite, where players lift 225 pounds as many times as possible. Linemen often exceed 20 reps, while skill players usually manage 10 or more.
The record stands at 51 reps, set by Eastern Kentucky's Justin Ernest in 1999. Although Ernest was signed by the New Orleans Saints, he never played an NFL snap.
Players participate in drills tailored to their positions, including cone drills, receiving drills, and footwork tests, all designed to showcase speed, agility, and reflexes. Football is a game of precision, and this is where players demonstrate their control and elite footwork.
The combine also provides a platform for formal interviews between NFL teams and select players. Elite prospects projected for high draft picks often skip physical tests but attend for these crucial meetings.
Once a staple, the Wonderlic test, akin to an IQ assessment, was discontinued in 2022 due to controversies surrounding its fairness.
Combine Experience
Reflecting on stories from my father, former Pro Bowler Marvin Powell Jr., I recall tales of Wesley Walker, a second-round pick by the New York Jets in 1977. It wasn't until Walker reached New York that the Jets discovered he was legally blind in his left eye. Despite this, Walker thrived, eventually earning a spot in the Jets' Ring of Honor.
Before the combine's establishment, teams often drafted players with undisclosed injuries. The combine standardized the evaluation process, allowing teams to conduct medical exams and interviews, ensuring thorough assessments of their future investments.
Like many, I wasn't invited to the combine. My chance came during USC's Pro-Day, where I played fullback from 1995-1998.
Pro-days, held in March and April, mimic the combine for draft-eligible players from each school. Teams can interview players on-site or arrange meetings later.
In 1999, my Pro-Day performance caught the Seattle Seahawks' attention, leading to a visit for a physical and meetings with coaches. Although they didn't draft me, I eventually signed with the Saints.
Being invited to the combine is a significant honor and opportunity, considering only 10 percent of eligible players receive an invite. While game film remains the most critical factor in draft positions, a fast 40-yard dash can propel a player up the draft board.
With the NFL draft approaching quickly, set for April 23-25, the stakes are high for these aspiring athletes.