Ex-Falcons HC Mike Smith slams NFL for overkill of NFL scouting combine (Exclusive)
Former NFL coach Mike Smith is familiar with the ins and outs of the NFL scouting combine. Smith spent seven seasons leading the Atlanta Falcons and has noticed a change in how the combine is conducted. In an interview on "The Ballfather" podcast, Smith said that the combine is becoming an overkill and blames the NFL for it.
"Some guys don't work out," Smith said. "Some guys don't want to be compared and stand right next to each other in the same position group line. ... And there's all kinds of reasons why guys don't work, don't do their workout. So, it's, you know, it's really, really probably overkill. I'll be quite honest.
"The reason why the combine was started was for us to get medical on the draft-eligible players. And ... it's grown, and it's probably outgrown its purpose because over the last seven or eight years, basically, it's just become inventory for the NFL's sale."
Mike Smith used the scouting combine to draft arguably the best quarterback in Falcons franchise history in Matt Ryan. The then-Atlanta coach took Ryan third overall in the 2008 draft. Now, the 63-year-old sees that the event has taken a life of its own.
Mike Smith on how the NFL scouting combine has become more commercialized
The 2008 AP NFL Coach of the Year added in his interview how the scouting combine is more for television than its actual purpose.
"How many guys don't work out?" Smith said. "How many guys just come to do interviews and just come to have the medical examinations that the league requires or wants to have on all of the players? So, it's become a made-for-TV event that lasts for four or five days."
To Mike Smith's point, the event has now broken down over the course of a week at Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts. The best prospects from across the world show up to showcase their talent in front of NFL coaches, scouts and executives.
The scouting combine likely will only continue to grow in size and exposure as the talent continues to grow. Yet, Mike Smith would like to see the pageantry dialed down a bit.
If you use any of the above quotes, please credit "The Ballfather Podcast" and H/T Sportskeeda.