The 40-yard dash gets all the attention, but as the NFL Scouting Combine comes to a close, there's plenty of value from the rest of the process.
In fact, running the 40 isn't the predictive exercise many want it to be. How many of the fastest wide receivers turn out to be stars? The trend (or lack thereof) is pretty stable across the field. However, other drills -- often not televised -- offer more to evaluators.
No drill has proven to predict NFL success more than the 20-yard shuttle for offensive linemen.
Exploring the 20-yard shuttle
It isn't all that surprising that the 20-yard shuttle is more useful than the 40-yard dash, especially for linemen. Their short-area quickness and change of direction skills matter much more, given the phone booths they are asked to win in.
Football is a game of geometry and angles. How linemen can recover, find leverage, and dictate the terms of engagement matters far more than long speed. For the same reason, 10-yard splits during the 40-yard dash are far more important than the time itself.
Underdog's Josh Norris was among the first to highlight the value in this drill, and showcased the number fans need to focus on: 4.47 seconds.
It's NFL Combine week!
and in 2026, athletic testing can still be a player evaluation cheat code for NFL Teams 🧩
when applied correctly -- like OL posting a short shuttle time of 4.47 seconds or betterhttps://t.co/18vOIzmWlV pic.twitter.com/BU4PMiD9pE
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) February 23, 2026
Linemen posting times shorter than 4.47 seconds have proven to play earlier and more often than their slow-footed counterparts. Likewise, strong times have helped prospects exceed expectations from their draft capital. Day 3 picks who hit this threshold still tend to see real playing time.
At a position that is more "get what you pay for" than other non-quarterback spots, that value is imperative.
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There are several reasons for linemen to fall. Concerns over level of competition and arm length can dampen draft stocks. Many come with technical flaws and versatility questions, production lapses and raw intangibles.
If their shuttle is fast enough, it might not matter.
On the final day of on-field Combine drills, offensive linemen will be put through the wringer of athletic testing. For many, the numbers aren't flattering. But for the prospects who have flown under the radar throughout the process, a sub-4.47 time in the shuttle could fuel a thrust up boards, putting players on the map and into new conversations.
As Kadyn Proctor, Spencer Fano, Monroe Freeling, and others vie for draft capital, keep an eye on those who complete the shuttle. There's no drill more deserving of your attention.
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