The NFL calendar never ends.
After the Super Bowl, teams go on a reset to initiate the grind once more.
That said, the NFL Combine is one of the events that jumpstart the new season.
It is where teams’ scouts assess draft prospects based on measurable means that could predict their level of success.
Every draft aspirant goes through standard tests such as the 40-yard dash, three-cone drill, broad jump, bench press, and high jump.
Doing well with these activities could help a draftee’s stock elevate.
However, the state of the Combine is in jeopardy after the NFL Players Association reiterated their boycott of the annual activity.
The NFLPA just sent this memo to agents, reinforcing the union’s “long standing opposition to the NFL Scouting Combine” and expressing support for those who don’t attend in light of the “bubble” environment this year. pic.twitter.com/ktjv346B2J
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 20, 2022
In the tweet shared by NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, the NFLPA sent the memo to player agents as part of their support to those who won’t attend the Combine.
The memo reads, “The combination of the NFL’s proposed ‘bubble’ and fact that we still have an antiquated system of every team doctor examining players and having them perform yet again needs serious modification or elimination.”
Putting Importance To Players’ Welfare
The NFLPA need not delve into the Scouting Combine because they’re not the ones participating.
However, they are fighting on behalf of the young studs who will be joining their exclusive fraternity.
The bubble set-up can prolong the time that the prospects have to wait before performing the exercises.
That stall can affect their performance, leading to lower results that could affect their draft stock.
Letting doctors assess the prospects can consume much time, leaving fewer hours for rest.
Repeating drills doesn’t make sense either because they won’t perform at the same level.
The bottom line is that the NFLPA wants to put the Combine participants in the best position to succeed.
They are speaking on behalf of the aspirants because the young ones won’t complain to avoid being tagged as a problem.
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