2018 NFL Combine: How to watch, schedule and more

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How do NFL Combine results impact the NFL Draft?

The results from the NFL Combine are just one piece of a prospects draft portfolio. The majority of the players that go through the process will come away with similar draft outlooks. It’s the outliers that see the most movement. Fringe draft prospects can get themselves on draft boards as a late round flier with a strong set on the bench or a strong performance in the position specific drills. The top prospects can secure themselves a big pay day come draft day.

The outliers are what make this event exciting. Look no further than last year’s NFL Combine darling John Ross. The Washington wide receiver broke Chris Johnson‘s combine record in the 40-yard dash, running a blazing 4.22. Ross was already a highly regarded prospect, but that one run played a significant role in him becoming the No. 9 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Combine results aren’t always positive. Teddy Bridgewater‘s “small hands” scared off several of the quarterback-needy teams in 2014. Rather than being drafted in the top 20, where many experts had him projected entering the combine, Bridgewater was drafted No. 32 overall by the Minnesota Vikings.

Next: Latest pre-Combine first round NFL Mock Draft

There are plenty of what ifs associated with the NFL Combine, but there’s no way of knowing which players and which drills will be the most important when the event is over. That’s what makes it exciting to watch.