The NFL Scouting Combine's shift from early afternoon to prime time led to a ratings spike.
The 2020 event, which kicked off Thursday at 4 p.m. ET, drew an average of 322,000 viewers, making it the most-watched first day and weekday of combine coverage, the league announced.
Thursday's Combine coverage averaged 322K overall viewers & 141K P18-49 viewers -- up +119% & up +71% respectively vs. last year's Day 1 coverage
— NFL Media (@NFLMedia) February 28, 2020
Those numbers came despite top quarterbacks Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa being absent for the individual drills, including the 40-yard dash.
The highlight of Thursday's coverage was Alabama receiver Henry Ruggs III challenging the record for the fastest 40-yard dash, clocking in at 4.27, just 0.05 seconds slower than John Ross' time of 4.22.