Position Specific Drills: How does it help us?

[Dutch]

I spent some time today, looking over the amateurs in one of my MP leagues. I'm not really sure how the Position Drill helps identify anything negative or positive.

Has there been any discussion on how to read that test?

The only thing I know is that offensive and defensive lineman, punters, and kickers are excluded. For my part in assuming it's meaning, I rely on the basic nature of the number itself; that a higher score is a better score and less likely to bust. Other than that, I have no idea what I'm gauging.

FWIW, two running backs in the MP amateur list I'm reviewing (IHOF) have negative scores. Marlin Martin (-3) and Winston Andrew (-2). That is odd simply because I assumed the score range would be the classic 0-100 scale.

Looking for help/guidance.

[Dutch]

Minor update: checking out info on the net hasn't resulted in much information.

"quarterbacks are tested in throwing drills"
"receivers are tested in catching"

I did find out that the Steelers interview every single person at the combine, one way or another. Be it through individual sit down interviews or group sessions in the hotel lobby where multiple coaches/staff from various teams will have an interview with a particular player.

[mhass]

I have noticed that guys that are highly rated in the position drill tend to also be very highly rated on the bars. I like to sort each position by a meaningful combine score (40 time for CB's, intelligence for QB's, etc.) and then scan down the list for high position scores. It almost always leads me to someone I want to draft.

[Ben E Lou]

I don't have enough data compiled yet to make any definitive statements, but my primary assumption is that they relate to "skills" type ratings, as opposed to raw athletic ability. In other words, I'd assume that a WR who scores highly at his position drill would do well in route running and avoiding drops, but that big-play receiving and getting downfield have more to do with his 40 time and agility. I'm thinking that a WR with a high position drill and mediocre combine scores is more of a Biletnikoff type, and a guy with great combine scores but very low position drills is a Nehemiah.

[Crim]

I'm thinking that a WR with a high position drill and mediocre combine scores is more of a Biletnikoff type, and a guy with great combine scores but very low position drills is a Nehemiah


Sheesh, talk about your extremes. Way to illustrate a point, SD. :D