The Husky Haul
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7 Washington Huskies Prepare For NFL Combine

By Bret Stuter

Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; The Washington Huskies mascot and band run onto the field prior to the 2016 CFP semifinal against the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; The Washington Huskies mascot and band run onto the field prior to the 2016 CFP semifinal against the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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The 2017 NFL Combine is the make or break hurdle for many young men’s dreams of playing professional football. This year, seven Washington Huskies will showcase their wares on the national stage.

On one hand, the 2017 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching. But on the other hand, before that happens, there is the National Combine. This year that national invitational camp occurs in Indianapolis Indiana from February 28 through March 6.

In summary, over 300 of the top football prospects will attend the event which is closed to the general public. It is a gathering designed to place the nations top prospects in front of the representatives of all 32 NFL team.  Those representatives include top executives, coaches, player personnel  and medical staff, each intending to spend time with and evaluate NFL hopefuls from their area of expertise.

UW Combine Attendees

And so, they will be introducing themselves to seven University of Washington hopefuls:

Safety Budda Baker, tight end Darrell Daniels, cornerback Sidney Jones, cornerback Kevin King, outside linebacker Joe Mathis, defensive tackle Elijah Qualls, and wide receiver John Ross III will represent the University of Washington this year.  As a matter of fact, NFL.com’s Mike Mayock has already named Ross, Baker and Jones in his Top-5 list for positions heading into the 2017 NFL Draft.

Combine Schedule

The National Combine is not one huge event. Rather, the national combines hosts a series of events designed to feature similar football positions. The event can process up to 335 players in a week, and with so many statistics, measurements, and competitions, it’s all happening very rapidly and simultaneously.

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The week long process actually begins on February 28. While the combine actually segregates groups into 11 different assemblies, I will treat each wave as one group only.  Once there, each wave will engage in a four day schedule:

Routine

Day 1 – Registration ~ hospital pre-exam & X-rays ~ overflow testing ~ orientation ~ interviews
On Day 2 – Measurements ~ medical Examinations ~ overflow testing ~ interviews
Day 3 – Psychological Testing ~ NFLPA Meeting ~ group  Workout ~ media ~ bench press ~
interviews
On Day 4 – On-Field Workout (timing, stations, skill drills) ~ departure from Indianapolis

Group One (placekickers, special teams, running backs, offensive linemen) begin their cycle on
February 28.
In Group Two (wide receivers, tight ends, quarterbacks) begin their cycle on March 1st
Group Three (defensive linemen and linebackers) begin their cycle on March 2nd.
In Group Four (defensive backs) begin their cycle on March 3rd.

Combine Impact

While the results of the national combine serves to ignite public interest in the NFL draft process, much of the real ranking and decision making process has already concluded.  Film footage of each game has been viewed countless times, by multiple staff from each team.

However, while the combine will not change the outcome of many young men, some are banking on a good showing.  Players who were injured, who come from smaller schools, or who simply did not get much national exposure can line up next to “known” players and benefit by comparison.

Go Go JoJo

Joe Mathis is one such player.  Injured in 2016 after just six games, he hasn’t generated enough film to review to get rave reviews by scouts.  But he had a tremendous showing in the shortened 2016 season.  His combine performance can both serve to confirm his 2016 performance was authentic, and that he has healed from the foot injury that sidelined him for the season.

The NFL Combine is the annual harbinger of the NFL Draft. The NFL Draft is the annual hope of a new group of NCAA football specialists, each hoping to latch onto an NFL team and someday play in the Superbowl.

Next: Why Washington DE/OLB Joe Mathis Will Impress In NFL Draft

Seven Washington Huskies begin that journey in less than two weeks.

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