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Combine Notes Continued
Waking up to the local TV news I hear "The NFL Scouting Combine begins today!"
What?!
I've been here three days already, getting interviews and hearing from players. And, for me, it's almost time to go home.
Why? Because once the interviews are over, our work on Texans Radio is basically done. The actual drills are something you can likely follow better on the NFL Network.
Last year, if you were at Lucas Oil Stadium, they weren't even posting the 40 times on the video board. I've checked out the drills before, and while it's cool to do it once or twice, it's like watching a golf tournament or track and field event – you get far more information and a closer look on your living room flat screen.
News to come out of Indy includes the NFL going to laser technology to measure first downs. They'll still have the chain gang as a 'back-up,' but now they'll have exact measurements.
However – and this is big – the spot of the ball is still determined by humans. Yes, you can challenge the spot, but we're still faced with potentially bad spots that place a burden on coaches to risk a timeout in order to get the correct line of scrimmage.
One thing that we've been polling media members on is the proposed '4th and 20' alternative to an onside kick. Instead of opting for an onside kick, late in a game, the trailing team can try one play from their 20-yard line, with 20 yards to go to get a first down and keep the ball.
No question this would make the game more exciting, but I have mixed feelings. I'd love if it the Texans were down and had a chance to keep the ball. I'd hate it if we're looking at Joe Burrow or Patrick Mahomes having a chance to get 20 yards and break your heart. A pass interference or defensive holding call could really ruin your day.
Texans personnel will be watching the drills looking for their next play makers. Gary Kubiak once told me that he liked watching how players interact with each other away from the ball. There might be some behavioral info you can glean from that.
Another story generating buzz in Indy is the NFLPA team report cards on working conditions with each franchise. The Texans did well, ranking 6th in the league and first in the division. The Club got A's in dining, nutrition staff, head coach and ownership. No grade was lower than a B.
The big moment of the morning was Travis Hunter meeting with the media. He came out to the podium area with the DB group and most pundits also have him as WR 1 in this draft. I hovered around his presser, even though he's going top 3 in April. There was a top quarterback-like media crowd around him.
Catch the Combine workouts on NFL Network and all our coverage on Texans All Access, weekdays 6-7 on Sports Radio 610, the Audacy App and in podcast form everywhere.
