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In today’s Cover 3:

This week we’re diving into what QBs go through during Combine Week before the NFL Draft…

• The medical process

• The interview process

• All the physical events

Combine Week: Medical

As the NFL combine kicks off in Indianapolis, we're delving into what really matters for quarterbacks in this Cover 3 series: medical checks, intense interviews, and a physical prowess display.

First up, let's unravel the quarterback's medical assessment.

Past Medical History

The NFL combine's medical check hasn't changed much over the years. Players get shuttled in vans to local hospitals, where they endure a thorough examination by team doctors.

It's a day-long affair, with past injuries revisited, surgeries scrutinized, and some players enduring multiple MRIs. Everyone faces the customary urine test to spot substances of abuse or performance enhancers.

But the real story lies in the tales of players with a history of concussions or surgically repaired ligaments. These stories are more common than you might think.

The medical check exposes players; you can dodge questions, but your injury history is laid bare.

Confront It Head On

Effective draft prep means players with a history of injuries must confront and strengthen those weak spots. Reinforcing the injured area, improving joint mobility, and turning a past weakness into a sign of improvement become crucial.

A Pivotal Role

The medical check, often overlooked, plays a pivotal role in a quarterback's draft story. While a clean bill of health won't skyrocket a player up draft boards, mishandling this aspect or presenting a less-than-stellar medical history can send a player's draft stock tumbling. 

As Combine Week unfolds, our focus remains on the medical evaluations — the silent architects of the journey from aspiring prospect to recognized NFL quarterback.

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Throughout 2024, we’re holding exclusive camps at 7 more different cities for quarterbacks ages 10-18.

If you’re looking to reach your potential and separate yourself from the competition, come join us for a transformational weekend with NFL QB Consultants Jordan Palmer and Mike White.

Our next stop is Salt Lake City, UT this April.

Combine Week: Interview Process

As Combine Week unfolds in Indianapolis, not every player faces the same interview experience.

Yet, for the quarterback hopefuls, this week marks a rendezvous with the better half of the NFL—sometimes all 32 teams—each encounter unique.

Official Visits

The cream of the quarterback crop, those destined for the first few rounds, undergo official visits.

These "officials" take place in a room—sometimes populated by a lone coach, other times a gathering ranging from team owners to assistants. The content of these meetings varies, but there's a rhythm.

A Test Of Mental Agility

Coaches may sketch plays on the board or unveil them on video, probing the quarterback's understanding. The interview becomes a journey through personal history—where are you from, any skeletons in the closet?

They might dissect interception tapes or scrutinize sideline demeanor. Some make it jovial, delving into childhood, school, family, and even personal relationships.

Then comes the kicker: replay that play we discussed ten minutes ago in the next 30 seconds.

It’s In Your Hands

It's a test of mental agility, the ability to switch topics seamlessly, recall information under pressure, and, importantly, handle the unexpected.

Some teams make it tough intentionally, especially if a prospect has a reputation for being confrontational. They might kick off the meeting with a blunt assessment—suggesting they don't think much of the player—to observe how they react.

For teams deciding the fate of top draft picks and shaping their strategy for subsequent rounds, this interview process is paramount.

It's the make-or-break juncture where prospects can climb the ranks or tumble down the draft board. The dance of interviews during Combine Week holds the power to reshape destinies in the NFL.

Combine Week: Physical Events

Combine Week is a bit of a puzzle, especially when it comes to the physical stuff. Some players decide to sit it out, skip the throwing, running, and jumping.

Others choose a smart plan, saving certain things for later in the evaluation process.

If You Can

I've seen all kinds of players at the combine, from the top dogs to rookies who went undrafted. If you're healthy and planning to run the 40, the smart move is to take on all the challenges.

Show you're up for it in Indianapolis and save the special throwing stuff for your pro day in March. That way, you're not putting too much pressure on your pro day.

But not everyone follows that advice. Some top players, dealing with minor injuries like a tweaked hamstring, skip some drills to keep themselves fresh.

But most quarterbacks, they're in for the full package at the combine, showing they're ready to compete.

Not The End-All-Be-All

The throwing part, it's like shooting baskets without anyone trying to block you. By the end of the combine, every quarterback should be able to say, "I threw well today." No excuses when it comes to hitting your targets.

But there are always surprises. I remember Justin Herbert, a top prospect, not starting so hot at the combine, missing two of his first three throws. But look at him now – one of the highest-paid and most promising players in the league. That rough day at the combine didn't slow him down much.

A Bigger Picture

The physical events include running the 40, the Pro agility drill, vertical jump, broad jump (a test of how explosive you are), and, of course, the throwing session.

A really fast 40 can boost your stock, but a bad day can bring it down. For mid to late-round picks, a bad showing could mean dropping a bit. Even a top-rated quarterback having an off-throwing day won't likely see a huge hit in their draft stock.

In the big picture, the physical part of the combine is a big step in figuring out who's who. It's not the end-all-be-all, but it's a pretty cool part of the journey from maybe to the NFL.

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