Now is the time to become an inquisitive fan

[CCBoy]

The Combine is now here...and this year, it is a very significant part to watch for a Cowboys fan.

The money in the NFL, will out bid contract prices for most of the very top notched players that do make it to free agency. Dallas also has a newly installed system by which it just does not over spend for players that would seem an upgrade.

To the point, Dallas as gone the route of New England and insured cap growth and a more natural team depth that is fed each season, by the draft. *(By the way, after a successful Super Bowl season, New England has a ton of cap this season, to do exactly as it so chooses to do.)

Now, to the point...since Dallas still has needs, and it's top priority for this free agency period, is the resigning of Martin, the draft will be very important to the team. Since the team is still in a building mode, the Combine provides a fan insights as to team directions and how things develop around the team. I provides a fan a firm view of talent that will be picked from.

Saturday will be the showcasing of the defensive linemen. Just guess what this fan will be watching?

This is good stuff, and where the value for the future will be found for our Cowboys...enjoy and study.

 

[CCBoy]

5 Things to Know about the NFL Combine (aka ‘The Underwear Olympics’)
by Kristi Scales

http://www.5pointsblue.com/5-things-to-know-about-the-nfl-combine/

Perry Knotts via AP

01.

Over 300 of the top prospects take part in the annual event. Think of the event as one-stop shopping for NFL teams, sort of like going to Sam’s Club or Costco and comparing all the products side-by-side. It’s a week-long meat market, a showcase for players to run fast and jump high and pump weights.

Teams also bring their own doctors and athletic trainers to poke and prod the players, especially those with history of injuries. Give credit to former Cowboys team president and general manager Tex Schramm who in 1982 made a proposal to the NFL Competition Committee to centralize the scouting process, thus pooling resources and sharing the cost of player evaluation. The first ‘National Invitational Camp’ was held in Tampa, Florida in 1982. But in 1987 the event moved to Indianapolis and was called the NFL Scouting Combine.

Julio Cortez via AP

02.

The Combine is not a football practice; there’s no tackling or hitting. They really don’t even play football (yes, quarterbacks throw the ball, and receivers catch the ball, but the players are going through non-contact drills). There are standardized drills which measure size, speed, strength, stamina and agility. One criticism of The Combine is that it looks more like a track meet or weight lifting contest than a football practice. You won’t see players wearing uniforms or helmets. That’s why the event is derisively called ‘The Underwear Olympics’ by critics. They’ll be in shorts and shirts, running a 40-yard dash and doing the broad jump as well as vertical jump. Two years ago a defensive back from UCONN named Byron Jones showcased his athleticism with a broad jump of world-record distance…he was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys two months later in the 1st round. Other drills include the 20-yard shuttle and 60 yard shuttle (running laterally, stopping and starting, showing bursts of speed). There’s also the 3-cone drill (running round cones, showing short bursts of speed rather than just running straight ahead as fast as you can). There are also drills for specific positions. For example, a 300 pound offensive lineman will do different drills than a 180 pound cornerback or 220 pound running back. Quarterbacks will throw multiple routes to demonstrate their arm strength and accuracy...