Breaking down the events at the NFL combine

The NFL scouting combine features a number of tests draft prospects complete to display various skills to potential suitors. But why are these drills important to scouts?

Here is a brief breakdown of the key events that will feature at Lucas Oil Stadium:

40-yard dash

The 40-yard dash is the combine's marquee event. Fans and evaluators alike tune in to see how fast prospects will run, as all position groups (aside from special teams) take part in this drill. The player begins in a three-point stance, and must hold their position for at least two full seconds. A rolling or quick start will result in a redo. The clock will start when a player’s down-hand leaves the ground, and they are timed at 10-, 20-, and 40-yard intervals. It's a simple drill, but a prospect's 40 time can drastically affect their draft stock. Scouts are not only looking for pure speed, they want to see explosion from a static start.

Bengals wide receiver John Ross currently holds the combine record for the fastest 40-yard dash time - a blistering 4.22 seconds. He broke the record last year after Chris Johnson held the fastest mark since 2008.

Short shuttle

Also known as the 5-10-5, the short shuttle features a number of transferable skills players will use in every pro football game. The drill tests an athlete's lateral quickness and explosion in short areas. Prospects will begin in a three-point stance, run 5 yards to his right, touch the line, go back 10 yards to his left, touch the opposite line, pivot, and run 5 more yards to the finish. This drill is particularly important for receivers, defensive backs and linemen. These positions require short-area burst and lateral movement skills to excel.

Bench press

The bench press is a test of pure strength. Each athlete will bench 225 pounds as many times as they can. NFL scouts are looking for endurance in addition to power in this event. For many prospects, their one-rep max far exceeds what they will be lifting here, but can they pace themselves effectively? This event also illustrates how often the athletes frequented the weight room during their three-to-five years in college. Offensive and defensive linemen are the most entertaining to watch given how strong they are.

Here are the top five combine bench-press performances since the event was introduced:

3-cone drill

This drill tests an athlete's ability to change directions at high speeds. Three cones are placed in an L-shape. The athlete begins by running 5 yards to the first cone and comes back to the start. He then 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 the second cone and finishes. The 3-cone drill is important for offensive-skill position players and defensive backs. It illustrates running backs' and receivers' elusiveness in the open field, while DBs must bend and cut laterally as they react to offensive players.

Vertical jump

Perhaps the best test of raw explosiveness at the combine, the vertical jump displays a prospect's lower-body power. The player stands flat-footed, where an official measures his reach. He'll then jump from his static position and touch the highest "flag" possible. The difference between his reach and the flag he touches is the player's vertical jump measurement. This drill carries value across all positions: It helps illustrate a receiver's jump-ball ability, a lineman's stand-still power generation, and a pass-rusher's initial burst.

Broad jump

Similar to the vertical jump, the broad jump also tests a prospect's lower-body strength and explosion. Beginning from a flat-footed position, athletes swing their arms to generate force and jump as far as they can. They must maintain control upon landing, balancing with both feet planted. A player may fall forward, but not backward. Jumps are measured from the heel of their foot nearest to the initial jump line. The ability to generate lower-body power through the hips is crucial for offensive and defensive linemen, as it illustrates hip flexion and ability rise from their stance with force.

Position-specific drills

Every combine participant will complete the above events, but there are numerous position-specific events that scouts observe closely as well. There are a number of quarterback drills, for example, such as 3-5-7 step drop throws and roll-out passes. Receivers have over-the-shoulder catch drills and specific route-running workouts.

On defense, linebackers and defensive linemen must complete back pedal/movement drills, and defensive backs will participate in closing speed and turn-and-catch events.