Relation Between Scouting Combine and Game Performance Among Defensive National Players in the Canadian Football League

Abstract

Pincivero, DM and Vandeweerd, J. Relation between scouting combine and game performance among defensive national players in the Canadian Football League. J Strength Cond Res 35(12S): S5-S10, 2021-The objective of this study was to examine the relation between fitness testing and draft order on professional performance of defensive national players in the Canadian Football League. A retrospective analysis (2006-2019) was completed for all subjects at the National Scouting Combine (NSC) and included height, body mass, 40 yard (38 m) dash, bench press, vertical jump, broad jump, and the shuttle run. A compiled variable for all NSC results was derived by calculating averaged Z-scores (Zavg). Multiple regression analyses revealed that the draft order was significantly predicted by the 40 yard dash and Zavg for the defensive linemen, Zavg for the linebackers, and the broad jump for the defensive backs. The broad jump and the 40 yard dash were significant predictors of total and special teams tackles per game for the defensive linemen. The draft order significantly predicted games played and defensive tackles per game, whereas the broad jump predicted total tackles per game for the linebackers. None of the NSC results or draft order significantly predicted defensive back league performance. The findings suggest that NSC testing can provide low-to-moderate levels of predictability for future performance in national-categorized defensive linemen and linebackers.