The NFL informed all 32 clubs of its plans to change the format for the 2021 NFL Scouting Combine in a league-wide memo sent on Monday.
With COVID-19 restrictions still in place, there will be no in-person workouts in Indianapolis next month. Club interviews of prospects and psychological testing and assessments will be conducted virtually based on a schedule that will be coordinated by the Combine committee.
In the meantime, what happens to on-field workouts? They will take place, instead, on individual Pro Days on college campuses. The memo states:
"We will work with the schools to encourage consistency in testing and drills across pro days and ensure that all clubs have access to video from those workouts, irrespective of whether the club is represented at a particular workout."
College Pro Days have also been asked to help facilitate the media interviews with prospective players this year. Normally, players are brought in by position group to room of podiums and table where local, national and club media can interview them. NFL team coaches and general managers, who typically hold press conferences on Days 1 and 2 of the Combine, will be available virtually. Limited medical exams will still take place in-person, though likely in April and near the prospects' residences.
While plans for the 2021 NFL Combine are still looking to be confirmed, one thing is certain. College Pro Days will have a much bigger role in the 2021 NFL Draft process.
