We are one week away from the 2025 NFL combine. That means the entire NFL world will gather in Indianapolis, Indiana, where we officially begin the countdown to the 2025 NFL draft.
The combine is important for many reasons, least of which are the 40-yard dash times. Yes, teams want to see a player’s speed, but the film always trumps workouts. Teams use the 40 as more of a confirmation than anything about a player’s speed and athleticism.
Different teams, specifically general managers, look for different things. What is an important trait for Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters?
Ryan Fowler, an NFL analyst for The Draft Network, uncovered some excellent information about Peters. Peters is a big fan of the short shuttle drill.
Certain teams have specific thresholds from a height, weight, speed, length perspective, while some GMs have certain testing landmarks that can really move the needle on a player.
For Commanders GM Adam Peters, the short shuttle – where a players ability to quickly change… pic.twitter.com/7dxI3FDAW1
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) February 20, 2025
The Commanders drafted players with two of the three best short shuttle times from last season’s NFL combine, three of the top 12, and four of the top 22.
Cornerback Mike Sainristil and wide receiver Luke McCaffrey had the second and third-best short shuttle times from last year’s combine. Linebacker/safety Domonique Hampton and tight end Ben Sinnott were two of the other players Washington drafted with excellent short shuttle times.
What does the short shuttle measure? Most importantly, it tests a player’s change-of-direction ability and indicates quickness and agility. These are arguably more important traits than only a 40-yard dash, especially at specific positions, such as cornerback, wide receiver and tight end.
So, while it’s not the ultimate indication of who Peters will choose, if you’re a Washington fan, you should pay close attention to those short shuttle times next week.