Detroit Lions: Debunking NFL Scouting Combine myths
Myth #3: 40-yard dash times are overrated
This was said a lot last year when general manager, Bob Quinn, selected Jalen “Teez” Tabor in the second round. Tabor ran a 4.62 second forty yard dash, which is more in keeping with a player drafted after the fourth or fifth rounds. It’s often a way of refuting criticism aimed at NFL personnel people. The other common appraisal usually says that, “Plays do not happen in 40 yard chunks”, which is true.
My take
So, fair point, offensive linemen do not run 40 yards on hardly any plays, if any at all. The same goes for almost every player on the field, with the exception of some skill players.
The reason that the 40 yard dash is run, is not solely to force a player into something that they will never have to do, just because it sounds good, though. Each position requires speed in some amount, to do the job.
For many players, a good initial burst is required. For others, they have to sustain the running for longer to perform their jobs. Each player is evaluated based off of the portion of their forty yard dash that applies to what they are routinely asked to do.
Offensive and defensive linemen are usually judged by their ten yard split. Skill players are usually judged more by their twenty yard split. Splits are portions of the run: the first ten yards, the first twenty yards. That’s what a split is.
Why it matters
What you do see in a “40” is the athleticism, body control, how they start, their split times, and whether or not they have extra speed. After all, we’re trying to determine who the best athlete is.
Simply put, no part of the evaluation process should be forgotten. A poor run may indicate some underlying problem that will follow a player into the NFL, it might not. You have to judge each athlete on the total amount of information that you have gathered on them.
The Lions, especially Bob Quinn, are under great pressure to get their picks right. I’m sure they don’t do much else from the end of the season until the draft is over, either.
Next: NFL Mock Draft 2018 Full first round – Who’s the Detroit Lions top pick?
Closing thoughts
The Lions areas of need haven’t changed, but the available options to address those needs will change drastically over the next few weeks and months. The combine will change the value of some players, free agency will move some players around, and the draft will provide an influx of talent that will most likely be the best way to help solve roster deficiencies.
The need areas are: running back, defensive end and tackle, outside linebacker, offensive guard/ tackle, and depth at safety, cornerback, quarterback, wide receiver, tight end.
Many mock drafts have the Lions selecting one of those first few needs that I mentioned early in the order. After the Combine, I’ll give my thoughts about who stood out in the major areas of need.
Follow me on Twitter: Coach Kirk, @mkirk2. Thanks for reading! Go Lions!