he National Football League (NFL) Combine is an annual event that showcases some of the best college football players in the country. It’s a time when student-athletes who aspire to playing in the NFL showcase their skills and abilities in front of scouts from all 32 teams. This year, however, some worrying injuries have taken center stage.
Injuries can often be a sign of things to come for young athletes, and they can often be career-altering. They highlight the risks that student-athletes take to make it big. This year, these injuries are raising questions about the safety of student-athletes and how they are treated by colleges and the NFL.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the NFL Combine and how injuries have shaped this year’s draft class. We’ll also discuss how college football programs and the NFL need to do more to protect these young athletes so that they can have long and successful careers.
What Is the NFL Combine?
The NFL Combine is an annual week-long event that showcases some of the best college football players in the country. The Combine takes place in Indianapolis each year, as it has since 1987. In 2022, it was held from February 23rd to March 2nd.
The NFL Combine consists of a variety of activities that the student-athletes participate in. The invited college football players complete both physical and mental tests. They’re watched closely by National Football League coaches, general managers, and scouts.
Although college football players have their previous performances as their “résumé,” the Combine serves as a high-level job interview. It’s where their specific skills and talents are tested. It’s a chance to shine.
Who Is Eligible for the Combine?
To be eligible for the Combine, players must be out of high school and have at least three years of collegiate eligibility. All college seniors are eligible to participate in the NFL Combine following their final year of NCAA collegiate eligibility. They must also be projected to be drafted in the first four rounds. Since there are seven rounds in the draft, these athletes are considered the top half of prospects.
In 2021, the Combine was canceled due to COVID-19. That made this year’s event even more exciting and anticipated. This year, the NFL invited 324 draft prospects to participate.
These invitees were selected by the Combine’s “Player Selection Committee.” This is a group comprised of directors of both National and BLESTO scouting services, along with members of various NFL player personnel departments. Eligible players are reviewed then voted on by the members of the Player Selection Committee. Any athlete who receives the necessary number of votes will receive an invitation to participate.
How Do College Students Elect for the NFL Draft?
To enter the draft, college students must declare their intentions with the NFL well in advance. The deadline for underclassmen to declare for the 2022 NFL Draft was January 17th. The draft is set to be held in Paradise, Nevada over the last few days of April.
Players can enter the draft in one of three ways: they can declare themselves eligible, they can be invited by the NFL, or they can be selected by a team.
How Have Injuries Shaped This Year’s Draft Class?
Injuries have had a significant impact on this year’s draft class. Two top prospects, linebackers Jesse Luketa and David Ojabo experienced serious injuries.
Luketa had previously fought through injuries during his collegiate career, but he was considered a top prospect for his defensive ability and versatility. Thankfully, Luketa’s injury did not appear to be severe, and he was able to participate in Penn State’s Pro Day later in March.
Unfortunately for David Ojabo, his injury was much graver. Ojabo, who came into the Combine as a frontrunner with superstar potential, tore his Achilles participating in drills at the Combine. Footage of Ojabo lying on the ground in pain sent shockwaves through the sport and across the country. People both within and outside the sport condemned the delayed response by staff at the Combine, highlighting the risks young athletes take to participate.
How Can College Football programs and the NFL Protect Young Athletes?
To protect young athletes, both the NCAA and the NFL need to do more. Colleges need to provide better medical care for their student-athletes and ensure that they are not putting their health at risk. The NFL also needs to do more to protect players from injuries. This could include changing the way the Combine is conducted or increasing the amount of time players have to prepare for it.
Takeaways on the NFL Combine and Injuries to Young Athletes
Ultimately, both college football programs and the NFL need to do more to protect the health of their student-athletes. Injuries can have a devastating impact on young athletes and can often lead to career-ending injuries. We need to make sure that these players are given the best chance to succeed both on and off the field.