NFL Network at the NFL Combine

The NFL Combine has always been noteworthy, but the attention that surrounds it has never been greater, and much of that is in due to the NFL Network's constant live coverage. Who would think that watching college kids run the 40 yd dash in nothing but tights would garner such an audience, but for those football fans who are looking for anything to get them from the Super Bowl to the draft can't get enough of this yearly event.

And the set up for the network is more than just a couple of cameras. Along with the multiple lenses focusing on the network talent, there are many cameras sharing the field with that of the NFL Video Directors trying to get every move, stumble, drill and catch among all of the participants over five days. The set up should be detailed as it becomes the network's studio for close to a week. Located on the lower level of Lucas Oil Stadium, the stage overlooks the playing field and platforms, monitors, white boards as well as lights constantly focus on Rich Eisen and his former football analysts.

NFL Combine 2.21

Out with the old, in with the new. Lucas Oil Stadium sits behind the rubble of the RCA Dome. This is the first year the NFL Combine takes place within the new stadium. OLine, TEs and Kickers start the workout session. Rob Bruggeman and Seth Olsen from Iowa participate on Saturday.

Outland Award winner from Alabama, Andre Smith is creating the most headlines on the opening day. Smith admitted to scouts that he hasn't worked out and declined to take part in the important bench press. Then he followed that up by being a no-show for workouts the next day. It is tought to figure out how an individual with so much potential as well as his future riding on this one-time interview could take it so lightly. NFL Network analyst Jamie Dukes predicted this error in his ways could cost up to $10 Million dollars.

Watching the combine is like watching the draft. It can be addictive. Especially for someone like me who knows athletes competing as well as coaches, scouts and video personnel who conduct the event. In one OLine drill at the combine shown on the NFL Network, there were many involved I know or met. Juan Castillo, OL coach of the Philadelphia Eagles and father of Hawkeye Football freshman Greg, Mike Devlin, former Hawkeye OLineman and current asst. OL coach of the NY Jets, as well as Bob Eckberg, Video Director of the Green Bay Packers. (I hope to find video and post later).

Three Pre Game Shows

Super Bowl Game Day Pre Game Shows
NFL Network - 3 Sets within the Stadium
ESPN - 1 Set within the Stadium. One in Downtown Tampa
NBC - Three Hours of Today Show inside Stadium and Pre Game show begins at 11am CT.