The NFL Scouting Combine is one of the most critical events for aspiring professional football players. For the 15 Ohio State football players heading to the combine, the stakes are incredibly high. These athletes have spent years honing their skills, building their physiques, and preparing for the possibility of hearing their names called on NFL Draft day. The combine represents a unique opportunity for them to impress scouts, coaches, and front-office personnel from NFL teams, all of whom are looking for the next great talent to help their organizations win championships.
But what exactly is at stake for these Ohio State athletes? From the chance to elevate their draft stock to securing a spot on an NFL roster, the combine is the final hurdle they must clear before entering the professional ranks. This event is not only about physical performance but also about mental acuity, emotional resilience, and the ability to showcase one’s character.
1. The Combine: What Is It?
The NFL Scouting Combine is a week-long event typically held in Indianapolis, Indiana. It is a highly structured evaluation process designed to assess the physical and mental abilities of top college football players eligible for the NFL Draft. The combine includes a series of drills and tests that measure strength, speed, agility, flexibility, and athleticism. The participants also undergo psychological evaluations and sit for interviews with NFL teams.
The combine serves as the first real opportunity for NFL teams to see how a player handles stress, their decision-making abilities, their athleticism under pressure, and their football intelligence. Every aspect of the player’s performance is analyzed, often forming the basis of a team’s decision to draft or pass on a player.
For players coming from prominent college programs like Ohio State, this is a stage to further solidify their reputation and showcase their readiness for the professional level.
2. Improving or Solidifying Draft Stock
The first and most important aspect at stake for the 15 Ohio State players is the opportunity to either improve or solidify their draft stock. The NFL Draft is a multi-round selection process, and teams aim to draft players who can contribute immediately or in the near future. NFL teams are looking for players who have the potential to make an impact, and performance at the combine can go a long way in making or breaking a player’s draft prospects.
Players who perform exceptionally well in drills such as the 40-yard dash, bench press, vertical jump, and shuttle drills can see their draft stock rise significantly. For example, a fast 40-yard dash time can help a wide receiver, running back, or defensive back stand out among a competitive field. A great bench press score shows upper body strength, an important characteristic for linemen, while a high vertical jump showcases explosive power that is beneficial for virtually every position, from receivers to cornerbacks to defensive linemen.
For players who may have had a good but not great college career, the combine is a chance to prove they have the physical tools to succeed in the NFL. A poor performance, on the other hand, could lead to a slide down the draft board or, in extreme cases, not being drafted at all.
For Ohio State players, who come from one of the most well-known and successful college football programs in the nation, the combine provides an opportunity to live up to the program’s reputation. Every year, the Buckeyes are expected to send multiple players to the NFL, and their success at the combine can reaffirm their place as NFL-ready prospects.
3. Position-Specific Impact
The stakes vary by position. Some positions are more reliant on combine results, while others are more influenced by on-field performance during the season. For example:
- Quarterbacks: Quarterbacks are often evaluated based on their on-field intelligence, accuracy, arm strength, and leadership qualities. While combine performance can influence a quarterback’s draft position, their film from college games often carries more weight. For Ohio State quarterbacks like CJ Stroud, a strong combine performance could validate their college performances and help them solidify a spot at the top of the draft board.
- Wide Receivers & Running Backs: Speed and agility are paramount. The 40-yard dash and shuttle drills are crucial for wide receivers and running backs. For wide receivers, things like route running, ability to catch passes, and body control are essential. Running backs, on the other hand, will be evaluated for explosiveness, balance, and speed.
- Defensive Backs: Defensive backs, including cornerbacks and safeties, need to show their speed, agility, and ability to track the ball. They are also evaluated for their instincts, ability to play in various coverages, and their tackling skills.
- Offensive and Defensive Linemen: These players are evaluated based on their strength, power, and footwork. The bench press is crucial for offensive and defensive linemen, along with other drills that test their ability to explode off the line of scrimmage and disengage from blockers.
Ohio State’s players will be scrutinized based on their specific position’s demands and how they compare to other players at their position. A standout performance in position-specific drills can elevate a player’s draft stock significantly.
4. Physical Performance and Mental Toughness
The combine is as much a test of mental fortitude as it is a physical challenge. For many players, this is the first time they will experience the intense scrutiny of NFL scouts, coaches, and executives. A player’s ability to handle the pressure of the moment—remaining calm, focused, and composed under intense evaluation—can be just as important as their athletic performance.
Mental toughness is important for several reasons. Players will face a series of interviews where their personality, work ethic, and character will be assessed. NFL teams want to know how players will handle adversity both on and off the field. Coaches may ask questions to determine how a player responds to pressure, how they handle criticism, and how they deal with success. Mental toughness also plays a role in the physical drills themselves, as players are expected to perform at their highest level, despite fatigue or nerves.
The combine’s psychological tests, which measure things like intelligence, decision-making skills, and personality traits, are used to gauge a player’s ability to learn, adapt, and mesh with a team. Coaches want to know whether players will be able to handle the rigors of the NFL season and the complexity of playbooks, all while being strong locker room leaders.
5. Player Interviews and Character Evaluation
In addition to the physical testing, the interviews and background checks are significant components of the NFL combine. Coaches and general managers use this time to get a better sense of who these players are as people, how well they can handle stress, and how they might fit into a team’s culture.
Ohio State players, particularly those with a high draft projection, will be asked questions that dive into their college career, their motivations, and their goals. Teams want to understand whether a player has the mental makeup to handle the pressures of the NFL, especially in high-stakes situations like playoff games or pivotal regular-season matchups.
These interviews also allow teams to assess the player’s maturity, leadership qualities, and their ability to work within a team structure. Off-field character matters just as much as on-field performance in the NFL. Teams will delve into past behavior, disciplinary actions, and general lifestyle habits to assess how a player’s personality may fit with their program.
6. Securing a Spot on an NFL Roster
For players who may be on the fringe of being drafted or even invited to the combine, this event is a make-or-break opportunity. Some players are already considered elite prospects and just need to solidify their position. Others, however, are battling for a spot on an NFL roster.
For Ohio State players who are on the bubble or who have been inconsistent throughout their college careers, the combine is a chance to prove themselves worthy of a spot in the NFL. A standout performance could lead to late-round draft selection or an undrafted free-agent contract with a team that believes in their potential.
For others, the combine will help to determine their fit within a team’s strategy. Some players may fit a specific team’s needs based on their combine performance, while others may need to adjust their approach to improve their chances of being drafted.
7. Post-Combine Opportunities
For players who perform well at the combine, the next step is the NFL Draft. However, even after the combine, there are still opportunities for players to improve their draft position or earn a spot on a team’s roster.
Ohio State players who perform well may be invited to private workouts or have additional interviews with specific teams. These opportunities can further bolster their chances of being drafted in the highest possible round. Additionally, some players will rely on post-combine evaluations, including pro days and private team workouts, to further refine their draft profiles.
In summary, for the 15 Ohio State players heading to the NFL Scouting Combine, this is the most significant step in their journey toward professional football. The stakes are high—potential millions of dollars, a chance to fulfill lifelong dreams, and the possibility of making an impact in the NFL are all on the line. Through a combination of physical tests, interviews, and psychological evaluations, these athletes will have one last chance to impress and prove they belong among the elite of the NFL. Every drill, every measurement, and every conversation could play a critical role in shaping their future in the league.