Future talent flocks to Indy for NFL combine
A thousand NFL general managers, coaches and scouts descended into frigid Indianapolis for last week’s annual 2009 NFL Scouting Combine. With them came a record-breaking 500-plus writers and reporters. The combine has become an event of sorts, which signifies the approach of a new season and a glimpse of the 338 participants who hope to impress. "It seems like once you get to the combine, you can really start getting ready for the upcoming season," said Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith. The major change in 2009 was the venue. Lucas Oil Stadium held the combine for the first time as the RCA Dome rests in ruins off Capital Avenue. "It’s kind of interesting to be here at this stadium as the combine has moved along," said New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. "I remember being at Arizona State, as it was getting dark, standing out there watching The Fridge do his vertical jump. That was quite a sight to see," said Belichick with a laugh. "It’s come a long way. Coming to the Dome and now coming here, it’s amazing at how the combine has grown in every turn: The media, the agents, the players, the preparation for it ... It’s fun to be a part of it." In the sense of how cold it was in Indy through the weekend, the change proved a failure. In addition to being smack-dab in the nation’s heartland, one reason the combine is in Indianapolis is that most of the buildings are connected. The RCA Dome was connected to the Indiana Convention Center, which was connected to hotels, which was connected to Circle Centre Mall, which was connected to more hotels. This allowed for easy, warm access. With the Dome demolished, everyone was forced to walk bitter blocks to what has become known as "The Drum." In the sense that everyone has a $721 million state-of-the-art stadium (with free Wi-Fi) for use, well, let’s just say it balances the act. The purpose has always been the same. "It’s a time for everybody to have a chance to fill the needs for each individual team, a chance at the combine to evaluate these players, and to get a good feel for them, especially for some of the upper management people to have a chance to get to know these players," one NFL scout said to me, requesting anonymity. Coaches gave great press conferences and offered sound words while future NFL stars like Baylor offensive tackle Jason Smith, Ohio State linebacker James Laurinaitis and Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford made reporters go bananas. Hot topics of discussion included the economy’s impact on the NFL and the rules of overtime. "The topic has come up numerous times," said Titans head coach Jeff Fisher, commenting on overtime rules. "We’re not done addressing it." "It’s something we’re going to continue to look at. There are so many other factors: the length of games, the injury issues, the extended overtime periods. There are a lot of options we’re going to continue to look at. That doesn’t mean to say that we’re going to change it, either." Buzz was plentiful in the East Gate media lounge. When Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis made cornerback Nmandi Asomugha his $45 million man, a rumble resounded through the entire building. Executives were dumbfounded. GMs who once had a valued interest in Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, regarded as the best in the league, were livid.
