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NFL Draft Combine Testing

As part of the NFL draft camp testing event, the invited-only prospective players have interviews with teams and a comprehensive physical, medical and psychological testing program. It all started in 1977, when workouts were conducted by three separate scouting services National, Blesto and Quadra. In 1984 the system was streamlined when the workouts were moved to one location. The idea to gather all of the draft’s prospects in one place was by past Dallas Cowboys draft braintrusts Gil Brandt and Tex Schramm. For the top score in many of these tests, see the Top NFL Combine Results.

Physical Testing

physical measurements	Each prospect is measured with their height, weight, arm length, and hand length. Also running backs and linemen’s body fat percentage will be measured using the 'bod pod'.
40 yard dash	This is a test of speed and power. From a three-point stance, a player runs 40 yards as fast as he can. split times at 10 and 20 yards are also recorded to test explosion. The 10-yard time is especially important for offensive and defensive linemen because they usually don't run further than that during a play.
bench press	A test of upper body strength. Each player must bench press 225 lbs. as many times as they can. Quarterbacks and wide receivers are exempt from the test. The bench press is the most important for offensive and defensive linemen.
vertical jump	A test of explosion and power. The player jumps straight up as high as he can. The vertical jump is most important for receivers and defensive backs.
broad jump	Similar to the vertical jump, this is a test of lower body strength, explosion, and power. The broad jump measures how far you jump not how high. From a standing position, the player jumps forward off two feet as far as he can. The broad jump is the most important for running backs, linemen, and linebackers.
20-yard shuttle	This is a test of agility including speed, explosion and changing of directions. Technique is also important. Each player will be timed how fast they can go 5 yards laterally, then 10 back in the opposite direction, and finishing 5 yards back to the start line.
Three-cone drill	This is an agility test where the players runs around three cones placed in the shape of an "L". There are 5 yards between each cone.
60-yard shuttle	This is an anaerobic test, a ladder shuttle of progressing distances. From a starting line, a player runs 5 yards and back, then 10 yards and back, then 15 yards and back, touching the line each time.

Skill Testing

position-specific drills: Each prospect must go through football drills designed for their specific position. The results of the drills are somewhat overlooked since the fitness test numbers is what everyone seems to care about. One position specific drill is the one-on-one pass coverage.

Psychology

Wonderlic test: an intelligence type test

Medical

injury evaluation: Each prospect will go through X-rays and physicals to determine their current injuries and their injury histories. Injured prospects coming into the combine will get serious looks. Few prospects really come out of the combine with injuries they did not know they already had.
drug screen: Also each prospect will take a urine test to check for substances that are not allowed in the NFL. They will be looking for illegal drugs such as marijuana and cocaine, and performance-enhancing drugs.
cybex test: The Cybex Test is not the most important test prospects must go through. Although, injured and previously injured prospect’s results in the Cybex Test will get serious looks from coaches. The Cybex Test tests the flexibility and joint movement of each prospect. Each prospect will be hooked to a machine which will determine their results.