NFL combine question

[redlinehw]

Is there a reason that the players don't wear pads and helmets when they run drills?

That would be a better gauge of how they will perform in a game than running in shorts and tee shirts.

 

[PaKnight]

Is there a reason that the players don't wear pads and helmets when they run drills?

That would be a better gauge of how they will perform in a game than running in shorts and tee shirts.

They have game film to show how they move in pads and helmets.

 

[RUfaninMIA]

The purpose of the drills is to eliminate as many variables as possible to see how the players compare directly to each other. Every piece of equipment you add to the drill adds the possibility of manipulation--like wearing smaller equipment or ill fitting equipment from a safety standpoint for the benefit of a fraction of a second advantage. The drills measuring strength and explosion are looked at in conjunction with speed drills for many reasons including accounting for players ability to utilize the speed in a game

 

[Beancounter88]

Great exchange a couple of years ago between 2 ex-player commentators (think it was Faulk and Irvin). One says the scouts like to see the player building blocks like size, frame and raw speed thinking that when they dedicate themselves full-time to football they will fulfill their potential. I think it was Irvin that laughed and said "you think these guys haven't been dedicating themselves to football since they got to college? They taking calculus?" It was hilarious.

 

[RBNY87]

I rant every year players should run in pads. I also would have them start from standing position instead of like sprinter as the start can make or break your 40 time.