Standing jump may not seem very relevant, but it is all about explosive burst that scouts are looking for.
At no point during an NFL game will you see players jumping forwards from a standing position. This isn’t what the drill is about. The drill is there to see how much lower body power these players can produce in one motion.
If a player can produce enough power to elevate themselves over a distance of over seven feet, then it is a clear indication that they possess superb burst off the line and can develop enough strength to help them engage in blocks or get past blocks before the opposing player even gets into position to set one up.
James Collins took the broad jump for linebackers to a whole new level. A good distance is around seven to eight feet for a linebacker. Rollins did a little better, jumping 11 feet and seven inches.
If that isn’t a clear indication of explosive power, then I don’t know what is.
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