- Raiders.com Draft Central
Each February, hundreds of the very best college football players are invited to the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis where executives, coaches, scouts and doctors from all 32 NFL teams conduct an intense job interview in advance of the NFL Draft.
The 2010 NFL Scouting Combine concluded March 2 at Lucas Oil Field in Indianapolis.
Measurements, exams, media sessions, psychological testing and interview took place in-between check-in and workouts.
The NFL draft will kick off in prime time for the first time in 2010. The first round of the 2010 NFL Draft will start on Thursday, April 22 at 4:30 p.m. PT, with the second and third rounds on Friday, April 23 at 3:30 p.m. PT, followed by Rounds 4-7 on Saturday, April 24 at 7 a.m. PT.
The Oakland Raiders currently hold the 8th overall selection in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft.
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](http://www.nfl.com/combine/workouts)
NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock guides you through the drills with an interactive tutorial. Click on the graphic to learn more about the Combine. NFL.com
Here is a brief breakdown of the measurable drills:
40-yard dashThe 40-yard dash is the marquee event at the combine. It's kind of like the 100-meters at the Olympics: It's all about speed, explosion and watching skilled athletes run great times. These athletes are timed at 10, 20 and 40-yard intervals. What the scouts are looking for is an explosion from a static start.
Bench pressThe bench press is a test of strength -- 225 pounds, as many reps as the athlete can get. What the NFL scouts are also looking for is endurance. Anybody can do a max one time, but what the bench press tells the pro scouts is how often the athlete frequented his college weight room for the last 3-5 years.
Vertical jumpThe vertical jump is all about lower-body explosion and power. The athlete stands flat-footed and they measure his reach. It is important to accurately measure the reach, because the differential between the reach and the flag the athlete touches is his vertical jump measurement.
Broad jump
The broad jump is like being in gym class back in junior high school. Basically, it is testing an athlete's lower-body explosion and lower-body strength. The athlete starts out with a stance balanced and then he explodes out as far as he can. It tests explosion and balance, because he has to land without moving.
3 cone drillThe 3 cone drill tests an athlete's ability to change directions at a high speed. Three cones in an L-shape. He starts from the starting line, goes 5 yards to the first cone and back. Then, he turns, runs around the second cone, runs a weave around the third cone, which is the high point of the L, changes directions, comes back around that second cone and finishes.
Shuttle run
The short shuttle is the first of the cone drills. It is known as the 5-10-5. What it tests is the athlete's lateral quickness and explosion in short areas. The athlete starts in the three-point stance, explodse out 5 yards to his right, touches the line, goes back 10 yards to his left, left hand touches the line, pivot, and he turns 5 more yards and finishes.
