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Scouts will have their eyes peeled to see which players run the fastest, jump the highest and move the quickest at the NFL Combine. But for some evaluators, it is all about strength.
One of the marquee events of the combine, the bench press tests players' strength and endurance. Athletes must bench press 225 pounds as many times as possible — no easy feat for anyone, even the best football players in the world.
The records for bench press are unsurprisingly often set by the men in the trenches. Offensive linemen and defensive linemen often post the most impressive numbers when it comes to pumping iron at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.
Which players have done the most reps? Here's what you need to know.
**MORE:** [What events are at the NFL Combine?](https://www.sportingnews.com/uk/nfl/news/what-events-nfl-combine-40-yard-dash-bench-press-shuttle/caf6fa63433f39a8003e0d24)
NFL Combine bench press record
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In 1999, defensive tackle Justin Ernest from Eastern Kentucky University set the NFL Scouting Combine bench press record by completing 51 reps of 225 pounds. This remarkable feat remains the highest number of reps recorded at the Combine.
Despite this impressive performance, Ernest went undrafted in the 1999 NFL Draft. He briefly signed with the [New Orleans Saints](https://www.sportingnews.com/uk/nfl/new-orleans-saints) but did not appear in any regular-season NFL games.
Top 10 NFL Combine bench press records of all time
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Here is a table showcasing the top bench press performances at the NFL Scouting Combine:
Rank
Name
Position
Year
Reps
1
Justin Ernest
Defensive Tackle
1999
51
2
Stephen Paea
Defensive Tackle
2011
49
3
Mike Kudla
Defensive End
2006
45
3
Mitch Petrus
Guard
2010
45
3
Leif Larsen
Defensive Tackle
2000
45
6
Brorick Bunkley
Defensive Tackle
2006
44
6
Jeff Owens
Defensive Tackle
2010
44
6
Dontari Poe
Defensive Tackle
2012
44
6
Netane Muti
Guard
2020
44
10
Larry Allen
Guard
1994
43
10
Scott Young
Guard
2005
43
What is the NFL Combine bench press test?
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The NFL Combine bench press test evaluates a player's upper body strength and muscular endurance.
During this test, athletes are required to lift a 225-pound barbell as many times as possible. Each repetition involves lowering the barbell to the chest and then pressing it upward until the arms are fully extended. The total number of correct repetitions is recorded as the player's score.
This test is particularly significant for positions where upper body strength is crucial, such as offensive and defensive linemen.
How the bench press translates to on-field performance
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While the bench press test measures raw upper body strength, its direct correlation to on-field performance is limited.
For offensive and defensive linemen, performance is a balance of strength, speed, agility, technique and situational awareness.
For Ernest, who still holds the all-time NFL Combine bench press record, the test did not translate to NFL success. Scott Young, who recorded 43 reps in 2005, was drafted in the fifth round but played sparingly. Mike Kudla is tied for the third-most in Combine history and went undrafted.
Empirical research published in 2011 found that tests such as the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, 20-yard shuttle and 3-cone drill have limited validity in predicting future NFL performance. It is fair to say the bench press test is unreliable for predicting future success as well.
NFL position groups with the best bench press performances
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The bench press may showcase overall power but not all positions are necessarily defined by strength. For linemen, it is essential for blocking strength -- or on the other side -- shedding blocks and tackling. For offensive playmakers, strength can be important for breaking tackles.
Data from the NFL Combine shows the average reps for each position group. Quarterbacks and specialists often opt out of the bench press drill.
**Position**
**Average reps**
Offensive/Defensive Lineman
30-39
Linebacker
20-29
Tight End
20-29
Running Back
20-25
Wide Receiver
15-20
Defensive Back
15-20