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.
Lee Flowers
"That was nerve wracking. Fortunately I tested pretty good in the Combine. Today you have guys paying trainers to get you ready. I didn't have anybody. I just went outside and did my practice. When you get to the Combine, adrenaline is flowing and you are hoping for the best. Fortunately enough I did enough to where the Steelers thought I was worthy of a fifth-round draft pick.
"It's definitely challenging. It's not the testing because that is what you have always done in your life. It's sitting in front of the owners and coaches telling them why you would be a good fit for their organization. It's a job interview. It doesn't matter if 31 teams don't like you, all it takes is one team to like you. Fortunately enough the Steelers did."
A look at Flowers numbers from the Combine:
Player Info
First Name: Lethon Flowers
Position: CB
College: Georgia Tech
Draft Class: 1995
Player Dimensions
Height: 71.10 inches
Weight: 204 pounds
BMI: 29.06
Arm Length: 30.63 inches
Hand Size: 9.50 inches
Measurables
40 Yard Dash: 4.81 seconds
40 Yard (MPH): 17.01 (MPH)
20 Yard Dash: 2.78 seconds
10 Yard Dash: 1.74 seconds
Bench Press: 14 reps (225 lb)
Vertical Leap: 36.0 inches
Broad Jump: 124 inches
20 Yd Shuttle: 4.25 seconds
Kendrell Bell
"Everything is moving fast. You meet guys you have seen. I was a fan of players in college and you're all in one place together and I remember thinking this is awesome, just to see these guys. And I'm not a guy who gets star struck, but I was somewhat star struck to see all the talent all around.
"You do the physicals, the workouts, you talk to coaches and get to meet the personalities you see on TV with the coaches and everything, and you get a feel for certain coaches, and they'll run you through tests. They draw up plays, schematics and stuff. All the tests they do here, I think it was the Giants who had like 432 questions and I realized it was a psychological test because they ask you the same questions and see if you come up with a different answer.
"You got an opportunity. A lot of guys didn't get a call to even come. And I looked at it positively and took it as it came."
A look at Bell's numbers from the Combine:
Player Info
First Name: Kendrell Bell
Position: ILB
College: Georgia
Draft Class: 2001
Draft Age: 20.9
Player Dimensions
Height: 73.30 inches
Weight: 234 pounds
BMI: 31.36
Arm Length: 32.00 inches
Hand Size: 10.50 inches
Front Shoulder: 20.5 inches
Back Shoulder: 21.0 inches
Measurables
40 Yard Dash: 4.62 seconds
40 Yard (MPH): 17.71 (MPH)
20 Yard Dash: 2.64 seconds
10 Yard Dash: 1.60 seconds
Bench Press: 24 reps (225 lb)
Vertical Leap: 38.5 inches
Broad Jump: 124 inches
20 Yd Shuttle: 4.50 seconds
Shuttle Split: (N/A) seconds
Three Cone: 7.25 seconds
60 Yd Shuttle: 11.61 seconds
