The complete guide to the 2020 NFL Combine

Since 1982 hundreds of college athletes have descended on the NFL Scouting Combine to showcase their size, speed, strength, and intelligence ahead of the NFL Draft.

The first few combines took place in New Orleans and Arizona, but in 1987, Indianapolis became the permanent home of the annual football showcase.

Here we provide a full guide to the 2020 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium, including the schedule, a full list of tests and evaluations, and past record-setting performances.

2020 NFL Scouting Combine schedule

Monday, Feb. 24

• QB, WR, TE physical measurements, initial medical screening, team interviews

Tuesday, Feb. 25

• QB, WR, TE media session (8-11 a.m. ET), medical exams, position coach interviews, psychological testing
• RB, OL physical measurements, medical screening, team interviews

Wednesday, Feb. 26

• RB, OL, specialists media session (8-11 a.m. ET), medical exams, position coach interviews, psychological testing
• QB, WR, TE bench press (2:30-6 p.m. ET)
• DL, LB physical measurements, medical screening, team interviews

Thursday, Feb. 27

• DL, LB media session (8-11 a.m. ET), medical exams, position coach interviews, psychological testing
• RB, OL, specialists bench press (2:30-6 p.m. ET)
• QB, WR, TE on-field workouts (4-11 p.m. ET)
• DB physical measurements, medical screening, team interviews

Friday, Feb. 28

• DB media session (8-11 a.m. ET), medical exams, position coach interviews, psychological testing
• DL, LB bench press (2:30-6 p.m. ET)
• RB, OL, specialists on-field workouts (4-11 p.m. ET)

Saturday, Feb. 29

• DB bench press (3-6 p.m. ET)
• DL, LB on-field workouts (4-11 p.m. ET)

Sunday, March 1

• DB on-field workouts (2-7 p.m. ET)

The Combine will first begin with quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends arriving in Indianapolis for registration, orientation, and preliminary interviews Sunday, Feb. 23. The following day, that group will begin measurements and undergo a pre-exam at a nearby hospital.

More than 300 NFL prospects will participate in the Combine over the next week, with workouts televised in prime time for the first time in the event's history.

On-field NFL Combine tests

• 40-yard dash: Athletes are timed at the 10-, 20-, and 40-yard mark. Determines speed and explosion.
• Bench press: Athletes must complete as many reps with 225 pounds. Determines strength and endurance.
• Vertical jump: Measures an athlete's reach from a flat-footed stance. Determines lower-body explosion and power.
• Broad jump: Athletes begin from a balanced stance, then leap as far as possible. Determines lower-body explosion and lower-body strength.
• Three-cone drill: Athletes must run to and from three cones placed in an L-shape. Determines ability to shift direction at a high speed.
• 20-yard shuttle run: Known as the 5-10-5 (based on yardage), the 20-yard shuttle determines lateral quickness and explosion in short areas.
• 60-yard shuttle run: Similar to the 20-yard shuttle, but athletes run for a total of 60 yards. 
  

40-yard dash record

Since the NFL implemented electronic timing in 1999, no player has run a faster 40 than current Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver John Ross, who recorded a time of 4.22 seconds.

Legendary running back Bo Jackson reportedly ran the 40-yard dash in 4.12 seconds at the 1986 combine. It has also been claimed that former Texas Tech receiver Jakeem Grant was clocked in at 4.10 by a New Orleans Saints scout in 2016.

Following his retirement from professional sports, Usain Bolt—the world record holder in the 100- and 200-meter dash—recorded a 4.22-second 40 while wearing running shoes on grass for a promotional event during Super Bowl week in February 2019.

Bench press record

In 1999 Eastern Kentucky defensive tackle Justin Ernest set the record for the most reps (51) of 225 pounds on the bench press. Of the players who have completed 41 or more reps, all have been linemen, with the exception of linebacker Terna Nande, who cranked out 41 in 2006. Since 1999, 17 men have accomplished more than 40 reps on the bench press. 

The Wonderlic test

One intriguing off-the-field combine evaluation is the Wonderlic test. This tool is used to assess learning and problem-solving aptitude, and is popular not only at the combine, but with many companies, businesses, and colleges.

During the Wonderlic test, a person is given 12 minutes to answer 50 questions. The highest possible score is a 50. A score of 20 indicates average intelligence.

Ahead of the 1975 draft, Harvard punter and wide receiver Pat McInally registered the only perfect score on the Wonderlic. Fellow Harvard product Ryan Fitzpatrick reportedly achieved a 48, but he's never confirmed it.

An average football player typically scores around 20 points. Quarterbacks and offensive linemen usually score higher than other positions.

How to watch the NFL Combine

Now that you're prepared with plenty of info on the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, you can catch all the action on NFL Network, or live stream on your phone or tablet on the NFL app or NFL.com/watch.

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