The NFL Draft Combine has been a tool used by teams in recent years to help assess players in terms of their raw athleticism, playing a key role countless times in improving player’s draft stocks over the years. However, it seems like there is a growing sentiment that it may not be all that important, as several head coaches are reportedly passing on attending the event.
According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay, Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy, and New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh have already stated that they will not be attending the combine. San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan could also be skipping out on the event.
The latest head coach to announce their absence for the upcoming event is Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, according to Florio and Michael Silver of the San Francisco Chronicle.
Among the coaches not planning to attend the combine: Matt LaFleur (Packers) and Robert Saleh (Jets). More to come.
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) February 25, 2024
It’s certainly interesting to hear that these big-name coaches will not be attending the highly anticipated event for some. Every coach included in this list made it to the postseason this past season aside from Saleh in New York. So these coaches are certainly well familiar with putting great teams on the field over the years.
If these prominent coaches don’t see the value in the combine, there is certainly a valid argument that others should follow in their footsteps and make it a much less important event to consider when analyzing draft prospects.
Regardless, the 2024 NFL Draft Combine is set to take kick-off on Thursday, February 29th at Lucas Oil Stadium, the home of the Indianapolis Colts. Viewers will be able to watch the event throughout that weekend on NFL Network.
