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NFL combine drills explained: 3-cone drill

The 3 cone drill tests an athlete's ability to change directions at a high speed.

Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

The NFL combine features a variety of drills, but what do they all mean? Next we're going to explain the 3-cone drill.

The 3-cone drill is another NFL combine cone drill, as the name indicates. The three cones are lined up in an L-shape and the athlete goes 5 yards to the first cone and back. The athlete then turns, runs around the second cone, runs a weave around the third cone, changes directions and comes back around that second cone.

It's typically a test of an athletes quickness and change of direction ability, which is something many teams are going to be looking for in defensive backs, running backs, and wide receivers. Typically if the athlete can complete the drill in under 7.0 seconds, it's considered a good showing with an elite showing coming in around 6.5 to 6.7 seconds.

Record holder: Jeff Maehl with a 6.42 in 2011