We’re just a few days away from the NFL Draft and the prospects are ready to take the skills they’ve built throughout their college careers to the pros. NFL scouts watch these players closely at the collegiate level, but their skills are put on full display every February at the NFL Scouting Combine. I’ve always wondered what it feels like to be there with eyes from all around the league watching every assessment. Last week, along with many of peers, I got a small taste of it at the Chargers Media Combine at Chargers Park.
That’s right; sports anchors, producers and photo-journalists from across San Diego were (voluntarily) put to the test as we ran the 40 yard dash, three cone drill, broad jump, shuttle run and my personal favorite, the gauntlet!
With Chargers scouts and trainers on hand to coach us through each drill, they measured our speed, explosion, lateral quickness and overall athleticism. I’d like to tell you that we’re all on the short list to make the practice squad, but as GM Tom Telesco so eloquently put it, we would barely make the flag football team. I’m always left in awe at the skills displayed at the combine each year. This new generation of athletes is performing at an escalated level and shattering traditional restraints on size and weight in many positions. It’s clear these guys are putting in countless hours of extra training and practice to be in peak physical condition. The media combine lasted about an hour and half. It’s been a few days and my muscles are still sore! At least I walked away as the top ranked female at the media combine, and that will make the extra time on the foam roller just a little less painful.
The NFL Draft starts Thursday April 28th and the Chargers have the third overall pick.
