NFL combine drills explained: Bench press

The NFL combine features a variety of drills, but what do they all mean? Today we're going to explain the bench press drill.

Most people know what the bench press is and quite a few of you do it on your own time at home or at the gym. It's a bit different at the NFL combine however, as all of the players attempt to bench press 225 pounds as many times as they can. Players who are in the trenches are generally expected to put up high repetitions on the bench press, because upper body strength is necessary when trying to hold a block or rip away from them.

It's not only a display of strength with high repetitions on the bench press, but it's also a display of strength endurance. Doing high reps of the bench press doesn't just mean you're strong, as most NFL players can bench 225 pounds, but it displays being able to stay strong through the physical exertion.

A lot of players are at a natural disadvantage with the bench press however, and don't put up the numbers many expect despite being plenty strong. Players with long arms are at a natural disadvantage with the bench press drill, because they have to lift the weight over a longer line, because they're arms are longer.

At last year's NFL combine, Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Mike Adams put up just 19 reps on the bench press, 14 reps fewer than Indianapolis Colts center A.Q. Shipley's 33 at the 2009 combine. This doesn't necessarily mean Shipley is the "stronger" of the two however, as Adams arms are four inches longer than Shipley's, so he has to move the weight further.

Jacksonville Jaguars left tackle Eugene Monroe, who measured in with 33 7/8" arms, put up 23 reps at the 2009 NFL. combine