The NFL Scouting Combine is the ultimate job interview for more than 300 of the top college players. It's an opportunity to prove yourself in front of every NFL head coach, assistant coach, general manager, scout and just about everyone else involved in NFL football operations who descend upon Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Throughout the next week, while all of the prospects are in Indianapolis, current and former Steelers are sharing their thoughts on what their Combine experience was like. Everyone has a different take on it, what they liked, or didn't like, and it definitely gives insight into what the experience is about.
Bud Dupree
You hear the Combine described in many ways, but Bud Dupree might have come up with a new one.
"The Combine was dreary," said Dupree. "It was long. For me it was a bad process because I had a groin injury I didn't think was going to linger, but it did. It kept me having to do MRIs. Then they wake you up for drug tests. Then you get up in the morning and have to run 40s, do jumps. It was dreary."
Dreary yes, but something Dupree and others know is one of the most valuable experiences they will ever have.
"I think the Combine is a big mental game to see how people react to things and adversity," said Dupree. "It's more mental. The only physical thing is lift weights. The other things we wake up doing. We can wake up and run the 40, or do the shuttle. It's because we love doing it. It's the want we have. The weight lifting part you have to train for and have the strength for. The same people that lift the weights can't do all the drills.
"It's a great experience to go to it and know it's the last step before you go to the NFL."
A look at Dupree's Combine numbers:
Player Info
Name: Alvin Dupree
Position: DE
College: Kentucky
Draft Class: 2015
Player Dimensions
Height: 76.00 inches
Weight: 269 pounds
BMI: 33.53
Measurables
40 Yard Dash: 4.56 seconds
40 Yard (MPH): 17.94 (MPH)
20 Yard Dash: 2.65 seconds
10 Yard Dash: 1.60 seconds
Vertical Leap: 42.0 inches
Broad Jump: 138 inches
Arthur Moats
Arthur Moats liked the opportunity the Combine provided, especially being from a smaller school like James Madison.
"It's the biggest job interview you will ever have," said Moats. "It's what you work for. It's all about the process of your senior year. It's your chance to show the physical side of your measurements, the 40-yard dash which is the big thing, your strength, everything.
"The most important part is your interviews. You have your formal and informal interviews there. The informal ones you are in a ball room with all of the scouts. You answer any type of question, literally. The formal interviews you are in a private room with coaches and general managers and it's more intense. Those are the ones that can really help you out."
A look at Moats Combine numbers:
Player Info
Name: Arthur Moats
Position: OLB
College: James Madison (VA)
Draft Class: 2010
Draft Age: 22.1
Player Dimensions
Height: 72.25 inches
Weight: 246 pounds
BMI: 33.93
Arm Length: 33.75 inches
Hand Size: 8.63 inches
Measurables
40 Yard Dash: 4.64 seconds
40 Yard (MPH): 17.63 (MPH)
20 Yard Dash: 2.63 seconds
10 Yard Dash: 1.58 seconds
Bench Press: 24 reps (225 lb)
Vertical Leap: 36.5 inches
Broad Jump: 122 inches
20 Yd Shuttle: 4.37 seconds
