The National Football League (NFL) entry draft is the primary path for college players wishing to enter the professional game. The NFL Combine, held every spring in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a showplace for college players looking to solidify or improve their draft prospects. While NFL teams study the on-field performance of players throughout their careers, the NFL Combine provides a venue for players to be studied individually and in great detail.
Held over a period of three days, the NFL Combine is physically challenging. In addition to precise, standardized physical measurements, players undergo a battery of tests to gauge their physical capabilities. Sprints ranging from 10 yards to 40 yards measure quickness and speed. Vertical and broad jumps measure lower body explosiveness. Shuttle- and cone-based drills measure speed, body control, and endurance. The bench press, with multiple repetitions at 225 pounds, tests upper body strength and stamina. The NFL Combine also has a battery of tests designed for specific positions. ~ http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-nfl-combine.htm