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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.
Record holder: Gerald Sensabaugh with a 46.0 inch leap in 2005.
