Falling Down the Board

The Scouting Combine is a make or break deal for many players. Their performance can greatly influence where they are drafted. Some think that too much emphasis is placed on tests such as the vertical leap and broad jump. Agility skills and speed are also measured.

RB Vick Ballard of Mississippi State has a strong collegiate resume. His performance in the 40 has become comedy fodder on the internet. A video shows him stumbling from the start and ultimately crashing across the finish line.

"Experts" projected him to be a 4th or 5th round pick. He was considered the 15th best back out of 184 available. Will this effect him on draft day? For some teams it might.

I think the Combine serves a very useful purpose, but I think there is too much emphasis placed on some of the drills. Failure to perform at a high level can cost them money, based on where they are selected in the draft.