NFL combine kicked into full gear

February 28, 2012, 8:47 am

With the NFL combine in full swing and seven players from Oregon and one from Oregon State invited to show their wares to the NFL scouts Chad invited some combine experts on to the show to break down the history of the combine, how the combine works and some of the aspects of the combine you may not consider.

David Schuman, from NationalUnderclassmen.com, is a foremost combine expert and joined Chad to share some thoughts on the history of combines and what aspects of the combine he thinks teams are most interested in.

Schuman tells Chad that he feels the combine’s key function since their inception has been to make sure players are as good as their college numbers have shown. Teams want to ensure that potential picks are fast enough and athletic enough for the NFL level. Schuman explains that one of the more underrated aspects of the combine is the interviews and mental tests. All the athletic talent in the world can be useless if you have a player who is emotionally unready for the pressures of the NFL, both on and off the field.

Find out how Dave thinks the combine will shake out and who he sees making a name for themselves listen below.

Next, Chad spoke with former NFL player Marvin Washington about his thoughts on the NFL combine and what players who are not invited have to do to get their break in the NFL. As a stand-out athlete for the University of Idaho Vandals, Washington was able to make it in the NFL but explains that often players from smaller schools have to make their fortunes as walk on players and earn a roster spot during training camps. Washington thinks walk on players often make rosters over combine players because of the chip on their shoulders and the need to prove something and coaches will always take the best available players in to a season.

Marvin Washington has had a career beyond football that has helped young players as they go from struggling college athletes living on a diet of ramen noodles to millionaire athletes able to afford filet mignon. Washington helps young players understand the dangers that can come with a new fortune and the pitfalls they should avoid, from people from the neighborhood looking to cash in or making bad investments. Washington encourages players drafted after the second round to save their money until they get a second contract because there are no guarantees going forward in a career in sports.

Chad being Chad, he couldn’t pass up the chance to chat with Marvin Washington, a former Bronco, about his role in winning a Super Bowl for Chad’s beloved Broncos during the 90’s