NFL 2022 Scouting Combine Changes

While there is still one Vikings game left this season, the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine is on the docket in two months.

The league’s annual event will be held in Indianapolis, but will also have some changes going forward.

Ron Maaddi of The Associated Press recently wrote that teams are now liable to be docked high draft picks based on the prospect interview process.

In a memo obtained by the AP that was sent to clubs on Wednesday, the league said a team would forfeit a draft pick between the first and fourth round and be fined a minimum of $150,000 if it’s determined a club representative displayed conduct that is “disrespectful, inappropriate, or unprofessional” during an interview. Fines and/or suspensions of individual club employees also could be imposed, according to the memo.

Maaddi spoke with Troy Vincent, the league’s Executive Vice President of Football Operations about the changes.

“We aim for dignity, respect and professionalism,” league executive Troy Vincent told the AP. “It’s that simple.”

Maaddi also noted that the league is doing away with the Wonderlic test at the combine, along with making some other on-field alterations.

The league also plans to eliminate the Wonderlic test for prospective players, and it is revising some of its scouting combine drills to better simulate game-related movement. Wide receivers and tight ends will run crossing routes instead of wheel routes, and running backs will run option routes instead of corner and post-corner routes.

Tom Pelissero of NFL Network also provided information about the upcoming changes.