What is the difference between the NFL Combine and Pro Days? Ins and outs of pre-draft scouting process explained

Modified Feb 24, 2025 08:43 GMT

NFL Combine - Source: Getty — Difference between the NFL Combine and Pro Days explained

The NFL Combine and Pro Days are annual events where NFL prospects show their athletic gifts to league scouts, coaches and executives. These events serve as a chance to improve or solidify draft positions and potentially put teams on notice.

However, despite the similarities, the NFL Combine and Pro Days are different.

The differences between the NFL Combine and Pro Days

Here are three significant differences between the showpiece events:

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1. Logistics

The NFL Combine brings the best college football prospects into one centralized location. Here, tests, drills and physical evaluations are conducted under the watchful eyes of the league stakeholders.

On the other hand, Pro Days feature players participating in familiar territory as the events are held at their institution of learning. Take, for example, the Alabama Crimson Tide Pro Day features Alabama players eligible for this year's draft and no prospects from other schools. The players will perform their drills at the Alabama facility, and NFL coaches, scouts, and GMs will be invited to watch.

2. Number of Prospects

Three hundred and twenty-one prospects have been invited to the NFL Combine at the Lucas Oil Stadium this year. These prospects come from around the country and will be vying for seven rounds of draft spots.

As for Pro Days, a significantly smaller number of prospects would be participating. Sometimes, less than 10 prospects will come for specific Pro Days.

3. Venue

The NFL Combine will occur at the Lucas Oil Stadium, the home ground of the Indianapolis Colts, in Indianapolis, Indiana. It has been the host ground for the Combine for quite some time.

As for Pro Days, these events take place at the university's football facility. For instance, you can expect the Georgia Bulldogs' Pro Day to occur in Georgia and the Michigan Wolverines' Pro Day in Michigan.

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2025 NFL Combine positional schedule

Here's the positional schedule for the 2025 Scouting Combine:

February 27, 2025 (3 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET): Defensive linemen and linebackers
February 27, 2025 (3 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET): Defensive backs and tight ends
March 1, 2025 (1 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET): Quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs
March 3, 2025(1 p.m. to 5 p.m. ET): Offensive linemen

The prospects will participate in various drills on their fixed dates.