How will Scouting Combine changes impact Panthers draft plans?
By Dean Jones
Why is the NFL Scouting Combine so important?
The NFL Scouting Combine has been a pivotal part of evaluating college football hopefuls since the late 1980s. It is a fantastic chance to not only test players’ skills under the spotlight, but the event also gives teams a chance to sit down with certain prospects of interest and get a better feel of what sort of characters they are.
Draft positions can rise or fall as a result of a player’s performance under the watchful eye of NFL scouts. It’s the opportunity for some small school guys to step up and make their presence felt – which is what we saw from Jeremy Chinn last year before the Carolina Panthers moved up to take the Southern Illinois standout at No. 64 overall.
An inspired decision and the combine played a huge part in that.
This is an unprecedented period of disruption, both in NFL terms and in everyone’s day-to-day lives. Extreme sacrifices were made to ensure the successful completion of the league season and if additional measures are what it takes to see the offseason run smoothly, then so be it.
It’s not ideal.
But the bigger picture needs to be kept in mind at all times.
Nobody thought the 2021 preparation period would go off without a hitch. The upcoming decision from the NFL regarding the Scouting Combine could mean plans are altered sooner than expected.