The NFL Combine showcases players. It raises and lowers draft stock, suddenly turning lesser known prospects into the nationwide talking point. There’s a fair argument to be made that the best scouts don’t need the NFL combine. In truth, most of the testing confirms the #tapegrinding.
Indeed, NFL teams have already watched every player attending the combine and have constructed their big boards. But the boards are a fluid process right up to draft day. Value is accelerated by measurements and figures.
For us—those not involved in the NFL—we don’t have the chance to watch every single prospect; I certainly couldn’t manage it before the combine and the combine is now over.