Indianapolis – Some NFL coaches, such as Kyle Shanahan and Sean Mcvay, think they can do more work in the office.
But many others find the value of traveling each year at the NFL screening combination, where 329 projects of perspective are gather this week for exams, interviews and training sessions.
The former assistant coaches of the 49ers Mike McDaniel and Demeco Ryans are now head coaches with the dolphins of Miami and Houston, respectively. The two believe that their face -to -face meetings with the eligible prospects of the project are a key element in the training of players’ opinions.
“The greatest value I receive here is to be able to sit in front of the players, face to face and be able to hear their stories, hear their history, their education,” replied Ryans when the region of NBC Sports Bay asked him on the value of the combine harvester for a head coach.
“In addition, simply feel their energy, feel their passion and their love for the football game. It takes place in these 15 -minute interviews. I can feel their energy very instantly. »»
Medical information on prospects is shared around the league. This is generally considered to be the most important part of the puzzle that swings the draft stock of a player.
Measures and training sessions on the ground have variable degrees. But interviews are what McDaniel and Ryans consider the reason why this trip deserves to be made.
Each team is authorized to conduct official 15 -minute interviews with 60 participants in the NFL screening combination. These interviews are recorded. Shahanan and 49ers assistant coaches to Santa Clara can connect by video call during these sessions.
The Los Angeles Rams Mcvay was the first NFL head coach to choose to skip the combine. Shanahan has not attended in recent years, while the 49ers have done deep shopping in playoffs.
But the 49ers finished 6-11 and on the playoffs last year and hold 10 choice of planned recovery, including overall selection n ° 11.
General manager John Lynch and the staff service of the 49ers are in Indianapolis for the combine harvester, which ends on Monday, March 3.
McDaniel enters its fourth season as a dolphins’ head coach after being an offensive coordinator of the 49ers. He acknowledges that participation in the combine harvester may not be an effective use of time.
But he also thinks that this provides him with a precious tool to build a complete image of prospects.
“I cannot replace this face to face energy and this human element which is so important in this game,” said McDaniel. “It is a little ineffective for us in terms of time. There is a stop in the middle of the day. But for me, I find it hard to have the importance of decisions for the fabric of your team with regard to the draft of the NFL.
“Everyone can do it in a different way. I need to see people in person to finish the whole photo of what I see in the film. »»
Coaches who do not go to Indianapolis can get more work by examining free NFL agents. The open negotiation period begins on March 10, when free agents are authorized to sign with new teams on March 12.
The draft of the NFL in seven rounds is scheduled from April 24 to 26.
Ryans, who was a defensive coordinator of the 49ers in 2021 and 2022, took the Texans to the playoffs during her first two seasons as a head coach. He also played 10 seasons in the NFL as seconds with Houston and the Eagles of Philadelphia.
He said he wanted any player who submits to an interview with the Texans entered a safe space.
“I hope it turns out to be very loose,” said Ryans. “We want to make sure that we are not trying too much to grill the guys. I want to make them comfortable because I remember being here in the combination where I had some of these meetings. They were very tense.
“Get to know the person. This is the essential. We can look as much adhesive tape as possible on these guys. But to sit, break and share your history and know why you like football game. What is your Why? These are the things we ask our guys. We get a lot of insightful comments from the guys to ask these questions. »»
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