NFL Draft 2012: How Does the Combine Fit into the Scouting Process?

There are a few different events during the offseason that teams focus on in regards to the draft. It starts with the Senior Bowl, which takes place a week before the Super Bowl. Following that event is the NFL Scouting Combine, which gives scouts much more of an understanding as to how prospects project to the next level.

In short, the combine is probably the single most important event for NFL scouts. It doesn't override what these teams see on tape at their headquarters. Instead, it affirms what they believe in regards to some prospects and gives them the ability to get to know individuals that will be on their roster come training camp.

The measurements as they relate to the combine is what's important. Scouts start to understand how fast prospects are in football situations with different drills, not just the 40-yard dash. Position specific skills give the scouts a better understanding as to how a player will perform and translate to the next level.

For example, the gauntlet gives these scouts a better understanding of the reaction time of receivers and tight ends as well as their fluidity catching the ball mid-route. They get a better understanding if a pass-rusher is better with the bull rush or other techniques utilized in order to get to the quarterback.

We already know the skill set that most top prospects have, especially at skill positions. The combine gives us a better understanding of how players at less heralded positions perform in certain situations. Press or zone coverage for defensive backs, outside linebacker or defensive end for individuals in the front seven and tackle or guard for offensive linemen without a natural position.

While scouts don't get as good of a feel for players at the combine as they do with real game footage, this event does serve as an important indicator of where certain prospects stand heading to April's draft.

Not many of us had even heard of James Hanna from Oklahoma prior to today, but he is now on all of our radars following a stirring performance in Indianapolis. Matt Kalil just affirmed the idea that he is the consensus top tackle in the draft. These two situations are prime examples of just how important the combine is.

After all, there is a reason why every head coach in the NFL shows up for the annual event. They get a better understanding of the fundamentals that each prospect has, or doesn't have. They get to interview prospect after prospect in rounds of 15 minute interviews. This is their first chance to actually get to know prospects on a personal level. That's probably the most important aspect for organizations moving forward in the offseason.

I have been watching the combine since the NFL first started airing the event a couple years ago. While it may seem a little boring at times, the combine is used as a vehicle for scouts of all 32 teams to fully begin their draft season process. I understand that even the most diehard of football fans probably doesn't spend their weekend watching the combine, but I would definitely recommend it. This event enables you to act as an armchair scout, maybe a poor man's Matt Miller.

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