The NFL has long tried to control as much about the Combine process as possible. From schedules that are both grueling and often antithetical to the goal of the event to limiting access to the media to recently opening up bidding for cities to host the event, the NFL attempts to micromanage the process as much as possible.
The 2022 NFL Combine will be no different but will include even more controls. In the past (this writer has attended the Combine a majority of the last decade), players would also have events set up through their agencies or spend time with their families in Indianapolis. In 2022, the prospects will be in a bubble with a lot of limitations:
The NFL scouting combine just informed draft prospects they’ll be in a “bubble” in secure locations next month in Indianapolis, with limited exceptions: “Players who violate this policy at any time will be disqualified from further participation and sent home.” From the memo: pic.twitter.com/oThXaLSCQ7
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 19, 2022
Instead of having full access to a training team, their own nutritional regime and freedom during their downtime, prospects will be severely limited during the event:
Players will be allowed to invite one “medical support person” (e.g. a trainer) to the combine. That person must be fully vaccinated. All meals and snacks will be provided by the combine. Major precautions, to say the least. https://t.co/cnNfsEj7Mc
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 19, 2022
The new limitations will not only limit prospects but teams and fans as well. Front offices have often found ways to engage with and monitor players they had an interest in while at the Combine. The fans who show up for the event were often blown away with chance meetings with players that were soon to be drafted into the NFL.
The setup in Indianapolis will allow the NFL to control the movement of the players easily. Long hallways and connected buildings throughout the downtown area will enable players to come and go outside of the general public spotlight.
Thankfully, both Jeff Risdon and this author are credentialed for the event in March and will bring you as much behind the scenes looks as possible throughout the event. At least as much as the NFL will allow access even to credentialed media.
