NFL combine drills explained: Vertical jump

The NFL combine features a variety of drills, but what do they all mean? Next we're going to explain the vertical jump.

While the vertical jump is simply just measuring how high an athlete can jump from a standstill, it measures much more than that. The athlete jumps from a standing position and tries to hit as many "flags" as they can, as the drill measures an athlete's reach jumping. It's also another measurement in lower body explosion.

It's important for players like defensive lineman who try to disrupt passing lanes by leaping for the ball, etc. It can be ideal for defensive backs and wide receivers as well, for going for jump balls in the end zone and such.

The current record for the vertical jump is owned by former Jacksonville Jaguars and current Dallas Cowboys safety Gerald Sensabaugh who recorded 46 inches, just a half inch higher than then undrafted Penn State linebacker Cameron Wake.