The Combines and the 40 yard dash

[Brooklyn Dave]

Can someone please explain to me why OL and DL run the 40 yard dash ? What is the purpose of them running it in shorts and a tee shirt or for that matter why have them run it at all? What does it show ? It has little or no bearing on the evaluation of an OL or DL .

In a game , they barely run 10 yards, if that much and they are in full football gear . If they are running 40 yeards something is not right with the offensive play called.

[MightyGiants]

The 40 measures both acceleration (the 10-yard split specifically) and speed.  That is an important trait for linemen, especially tackles.   Here is a pretty good article explaining it


https://www.fieldgulls.com/2018/3/5/17080128/seattle-seahawks-offensive-lineman-40-time-important-nfl-combine-draft-pro-bowl-tyron-trent