Do we put too much stock in the combine? (Link to Reiss)

[JSn]

So we all might get glimpses of the next big names in the NFL today. And we might not.

Here's a really good retrospective on Welker and the Combine...

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/2009/02/combine_wes_wel.html

The NFL invites the top 300-plus draft-eligible players to Indianapolis for a weekend of tests and interviews. At least that's what the NFL would have us believe.

But if the best players from college football are indeed gathered under one roof at the RCA Dome this weekend, where's Wes Welker? There weren't 25 seniors more productive than Welker in 2003 and there weren't a dozen who enjoyed better college careers.

Welker left Texas Tech as the school's all-time leading receiver with 259catches and one of the great punt returners in NCAA history. He set NCAA single-season records for punt returns (57) and yards (752) in 2002 and also career marks for punt-return yards (1,771) and touchdowns (eight).

With NFL special-teams play at a premium in a salary-cap world and playmakers always at a premium at any position, Welker certainly deserved an invitation to Indianapolis this weekend. But none was forthcoming.

 

[PatsChamp88]

PFT: IS THE COMBINE OVERBLOWN?

Yes it's true "certain teams" put too much into the combine when drafting and scouting players but I think it is a good way to weed out some players that are iffy.

 

[JSn]

PFT: IS THE COMBINE OVERBLOWN?

Yes it's true "certain teams" put too much into the combine when drafting and scouting players but I think it is a good way to weed out some players that are iffy.

Dude, you've soured a thread containing legitimate journalism with a link to Florio, a guy who uses google alerts to get the news and a motorcycle to style his hair. For shame, hehe.

But I wasn't implying that teams do (though maybe some do), but if we as fans do it. Especially those of us who don't follow college football. It's interesting that with Welker's production, he was still somehow ignored.

Also, I see the one-star bandit has struck again!

 

[PatsChamp88]

Also, I see the one-star bandit has struck again!

Hey I got this baby up to 3 stars . Hey hey I'm a routine Reiss reader LOL poor Mr. Florio and yeah the average fan probably does put too much stock into the NFL combine but I think people are getting smarter each season. The combine can be a tough call because players can have bad days. EDIT also you will notice now that players that are projected high already skip out on the combine or parts of like Crabtree won't be running a 40 but its obvious this guy is a stud. EDIT2 Yeah it is very interesting that only certain players especially a guy like Welker who did so much as a senior are invited but teams who have players on their boards know who isn't there and definitely make note of that which can lead to some potential late round steals if they fly under the radar too.

 

[xmarkd400x]

For a casual fan, where else can you get a showing of top college prospects?

I'm personally not all up on my college football. I usually can't recall any of the names being drafted after about #5. I can't even list one name from this year's draft class from memory. But I could probably list a good chunk of the Pats roster.

The combine, from my perspective, is a good place for most of the best talent to go. Even if they only get it 60% correct, it's good enough for me because I don't want to do my own research.

 

[WhiskeyBreath]

Vernon Gholston.

Seriously though, I think it is. However, it is a good way for me to be introduced to next years NFL rookies because I don't watch a second of college football.

 

[IcyPatriot]

I don't think Belichick puts much stock in the combine ... except for that 3-cone time ... Belichick loves the 3-cone.

 

[stinkypete]

Vernon Gholston.

Seriously though, I think it is. However, it is a good way for me to be introduced to next years NFL rookies because I don't watch a second of college football.

Can I counter your argument - Jerrod Mayo

Mayo was expected to be a late 1st - early 2nd round pick, he ran a sick 40, climbed up the board to the point where he was expected to be a mid-round pick, except a certain team realized that he was a perfect fit for their system.

While the Combine overvalues players that are unproven or unproductive in college, it also separates the men from the boys when it comes to proven and experienced talent.

 

[SammyBlueCat]

The combine determines if a player can meet minimum physical standards.
Perhaps sometimes the numbers generated there are used tie breakers if a team is torn between drafting two similar players.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

The combine determines if a player can meet minimum physical standards.
Perhaps sometimes the numbers generated there are used tie breakers if a team is torn between drafting two similar players.

And that old Mike Mayock favorite: 'How did we miss him? Best go back and re-check his tape.'

 

[Synovia]

It's interesting that with Welker's production, he was still somehow ignored.

Because for every player like Welker, who produced in college, was ignored, and produced in the NFL, there are dozens of players who produced in college, weren't ignored, and then busted.