Steelers NFL Combine 2015: Take With Grain Of Salt
The NFL Combine is almost upon us, and the Steelers brass will be in full attendance.
The combine has evolved from a much smaller and private gathering of players, coaches, and heads of football operations to a national minor spectacle and Rich Eisen (need something here). Hey, running a 40 in a suit and loafers is funny, ok?
The future of the NFL gathers and performs tests of speed, strength, agility, and “Football IQ.” Through it all you’ll be able to track players from your alma mater, your favorite, or what you think your team’s needs are for the upcoming draft. There will be plenty of Mike Mayock and his breakdowns of each player – or at least the Top 50.
More from Still Curtain
- Steelers news: Rashard Mendenhall calls out Big Ben, Brian Flores interviews for HC job, and more
- Steelers play it safe in recent 2023 NFL mock draft
- Kenny Pickett gets his guy in latest Steelers mock draft with trades
- Steelers face potentially dark reality if Matt Canada doesn’t pan out
- Senior Bowl sleepers the Steelers must have on their radar
But here’s the thing. As fans, we should all take the combine with a grain of salt.
Sure it’s fun to watch, to debate, and to speculate how the draft will be impacted by the events in Indianapolis. However, what happens in Indy… well… can almost just stay in Indy.
These aren’t the first glances the GM’s and coaches get of the incoming draft class. They’ve been watching film and getting reports back from their own advanced team scouts. If there is a position of need, and a player turning heads, believe me they’ve been keeping a close eye for months if not years.
Which is all the more reason why this week is a bit more about the push of the NFL brand in terms of marketing and less about a good hard look at a players potential in the NFL. Otherwise, there would be no reason for the NFL to expand media coverage every year.
It’s a tool among the workbench and nothing more for coaches and GM’s. Combine results and scouting are a hit or miss each year. Let’s take Steelers WR Antonio Brown for instance.
Aug 28, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) reacts on the field before playing the Carolina Panthers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Behind the Steel Curtain did a great breakdown of all the scouting reports that came in of Brown from his 2010 combine. Just looking at those, it’s a wonder he squeaked in even by the 6th round of the 2010 draft. His combine numbers did not help his stock at all. He looked just like your average mid-level wide out.
What folks watching the combine didn’t see, and what could not be ascertained in a combine setting was Brown’s work ethic, dedication, ability to improve, and just how special of a receiver he really is. That all came from two solid years in the NFL and having the Steelers Ben Roethlisberger as your quarterback.
239 receptions, 3,197 yards, and 21 touchdowns since signing his big extension in 2012, it’s easy to see that probably more often than not the combine doesn’t act as a crystal ball. Think of it more as your meteorological attempt at predicting snowfall totals – sometimes you hit the mark and sometimes an inch can turn into a foot.
So, enjoy watching the combine. This is by far a hate post on the event. I know I will enjoy it as well – I love watching some of these young athletes put in impressive numbers.
Besides, it’s watching some sort live football event… in February. And that’s always good.