Katz

Game speed in full pads, knowing your routes, being a student of the game, having teammates on the field who are running plays correctly is all completely different and more indicitive of talent than just running in a straight line for 40 yards at the combine.

Sam Shull

I wouldn't say it's completely pointless. Yes, you are correct in that there's no game situation where a player is going to have to run the typical 40 yard dash, but that doesn't mean it's not still a good indication of foot speed. Like anything at the combine, 40 yard dash times should be taken with a grain of salt, but if you're scouting effectively, there are still things you can learn about a player from his performance.

The Red Pimp

VERIFIED

Agreed, seen plenty of people who have a crappy 40 yd time, but be great on the field. If your going to look at the 40 yd time you also have to look at several other items to make it mean anything.

Derrick McQuinn

Good point. Maybe pointless wasn't the right word, as every piece of information gathered at the combine is valuable in some way. I just think that too much attention and emphasis are placed on the combine drills when game film is a far better indicator of a player's talent.