The path to the 2023 NFL draft continues in Indianapolis with the start of the NFL Scouting Combine. General managers, head coaches and scouts will be looking at the 319 prospects looking to improve their draft stock.
For Bears general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus, they’ll get an up-close look at some of the prospects that could be joining their team in the next couple of months.
Chicago has eight picks heading into the draft, including the No. 1 selection, which gives the Bears plenty of leverage to trade back with a quarterback-needy team.
Here’s everything you need to know about the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine:
Event information
- What: 2023 NFL Scouting Combine
- Where: Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis, Indiana)
- When: February 28-March 6, 2023
- TV: NFL Network
- Time: See workout schedule below
- Stream: FuboTV (try it for free)
Workout schedule
- Thursday, Mar. 2 (2 p.m. to 6 p.m. CT): Defensive linemen, linebackers
- Friday, Mar. 3 (2 p.m. to 6 p.m. CT): Defensive backs, place kickers/specialists
- Saturday, Mar. 4 (1 p.m. to 7 p.m. CT): Quarterbacks, wide receivers, tight ends
- Sunday, March 5 (1 p.m. to 6 p.m. CT): Offensive linemen, running backs
Media availability
- Tuesday, Feb. 28: GM Ryan Poles and HC Matt Eberflus (10 a.m. and 12 p.m. CT)
- Wednesday, Mar. 1: Defensive line (edge and interior), linebackers
- Thursday, Mar. 2: Defensive backs, kickers
- Friday, Mar. 3: Quarterbacks, wide receivers, tight ends
- Saturday, Mar. 4: Offensive line, running backs
Prospect participants
Here’s a complete list of the players participating in the combine.
Measurable drills
Here’s a brief breakdown on several measurable drills courtesy from the NFL Combine:
40-yard dash
The 40-yard dash is the marquee event at the combine. It’s kind of like the 100-meters at the Olympics: It’s all about speed, explosion and watching skilled athletes run great times. These athletes are timed at 10, 20 and 40-yard intervals. What the scouts are looking for is an explosion from a static start.Bench press
The bench press is a test of strength — 225 pounds, as many reps as the athlete can get. What the NFL scouts are also looking for is endurance. Anybody can do a max one time, but what the bench press tells the pro scouts is how often the athlete frequented his college weight room for the last 3-5 years.Vertical jump
The vertical jump is all about lower-body explosion and power. The athlete stands flat-footed and they measure his reach. It is important to accurately measure the reach, because the differential between the reach and the flag the athlete touches is his vertical jump measurement.Broad jump
The broad jump is like being in gym class back in junior high school. Basically, it is testing an athlete’s lower-body explosion and lower-body strength. The athlete starts out with a stance balanced and then he explodes out as far as he can. It tests explosion and balance, because he has to land without moving.3 cone drill
The 3 cone drill tests an athlete’s ability to change directions at a high speed. Three cones in an L-shape. He starts from the starting line, goes 5 yards to the first cone and back. Then, he turns, runs around the second cone, runs a weave around the third cone, which is the high point of the L, changes directions, comes back around that second cone and finishes.Shuttle run
The short shuttle is the first of the cone drills. It is known as the 5-10-5. What it tests is the athlete’s lateral quickness and explosion in short areas. The athlete starts in the three-point stance, explodes out 5 yards to his right, touches the line, goes back 10 yards to his left, left hand touches the line, pivot, and he turns 5 more yards and finishes.
