Lamar Jackson's Combine Bench Press: A Deep Dive

Hey guys! Let's talk about something that's always a hot topic when it comes to the NFL Combine: the bench press, and specifically, Lamar Jackson's performance at the 2018 Combine. It's a fascinating subject, because it sparks a lot of debate and gives us a peek into how scouts and analysts evaluate players. We'll break down everything you need to know, from the numbers themselves to what they really mean in the grand scheme of things. Get ready to dive in, because we're about to unpack the Lamar Jackson combine bench press and everything surrounding it!

The Numbers Game: What the Bench Press Reveals

Okay, so the first thing's first: What are the numbers we're talking about? At the 2018 NFL Combine, Lamar Jackson benched 225 pounds a total of 13 times. Now, for those of you who aren't familiar with the process, that means he lifted 225 pounds (the standard weight for the bench press at the Combine) 13 times before he couldn't do any more. This number is then compared to other players at the same position and, of course, to those at other positions. The number of reps is seen as a measure of upper body strength and endurance. It gives an idea about how much strength a player has, particularly in their chest, shoulders, and triceps, all crucial for things like throwing the football and absorbing hits.

But here's the kicker: The bench press isn't just about raw strength. It's also about showcasing a player's power and explosiveness. It is very important to remember that this test is just one small piece of the puzzle. Players are evaluated on the field and in the film room, which are often the most important factors. For quarterbacks, the bench press isn't necessarily the most important aspect, but it still gets scrutinized. The expectation for a quarterback is usually not to have the highest number of reps, but rather to be above a certain threshold, showing that they have adequate strength.

Now, let's compare that 13 reps to other quarterbacks in the 2018 class and beyond. It gives us a clearer picture. For example, Josh Allen (another quarterback in the same draft class) put up 19 reps. Baker Mayfield managed 14. Different quarterbacks have different bench press numbers, which is not usually the main factor for success, but still can play a part in their draft stock and how they are evaluated. The bench press performance needs to be considered in relation to the player's position, physical attributes, and the overall assessment of their athleticism. The bench press is a single data point in a much larger assessment, not the definitive measure of a player's worth.

Bench Press Context: Position Matters

It's crucial to understand that the expectations for a quarterback's bench press differ vastly from, say, a defensive lineman's. When we look at Lamar Jackson's combine bench press, we have to remember he's a quarterback, not a linebacker. If Jackson had only benched the weight a few times, that would have raised some eyebrows. The expectations for a quarterback are typically not about breaking records but about showing sufficient upper-body strength. Having a decent bench press can actually translate to better performance on the field. More bench press reps may lead to a more solid throwing base, better ability to absorb hits, and the capacity to withstand the pressures of the game.

On the other hand, if a defensive lineman only puts up a few reps, that's a major red flag. Their job is to overpower their opponents, and a weaker bench press would indicate a lack of strength that could be detrimental on the field. The combine's bench press also helps assess the overall physical preparedness of a player. A strong bench press can suggest that a player is diligent in their training, and it reveals their commitment to improving their physical attributes.

Does the Bench Press Really Matter for Lamar Jackson?

Alright, here's the million-dollar question: Does the number of reps Lamar Jackson did at the combine really matter? The answer is nuanced. On one hand, you can say that his bench press numbers, while not exceptionally high, weren't alarmingly low. They indicated adequate upper-body strength for his position. It didn't send any immediate red flags to scouts. So, in that sense, it didn't really hurt him.

On the other hand, it's worth noting that the bench press is just one of many measurements taken at the combine. His overall athleticism, speed, agility, and throwing ability were far more critical in his evaluation. These areas are where he truly shined, and those skills are what led the Baltimore Ravens to draft him.

Remember, Lamar Jackson is a highly mobile quarterback, known for his incredible speed and agility. His ability to run with the ball and make plays outside of the pocket is a huge part of his game. His arm strength and accuracy are also key components of his success. The bench press, in comparison, is a relatively minor factor. It's one piece of the puzzle, but not the whole picture. Some football analysts consider factors like a player's technique, their ability to execute plays under pressure, and their leadership skills. These characteristics may even have more weight than the bench press test.

The Impact of Perception

The perception of a player's strength can have an impact on the field. The ability to endure the physical grind of a season is vital for player sustainability. A quarterback who can absorb hits, remain healthy, and still deliver on the field is a great asset to any team. This is why the benchmark is often set for quarterbacks during the combine. The goal is to show that a quarterback is physically prepared to handle the demands of the sport.

Beyond the Bench: What Else Defined Lamar Jackson?

Okay, so we've talked a lot about the bench press, but let's take a look at the other things that defined Lamar Jackson and made him the superstar he is today. It wasn't just about his bench press numbers. It's about a whole package of talents that caught the eye of the Baltimore Ravens and made them take him as their first draft pick.

First and foremost: his speed and agility. This guy is fast. His 40-yard dash time at the combine was a blazing 4.34 seconds. That's elite speed for any position, let alone a quarterback. His ability to run with the ball and make defenders miss is one of the most exciting parts of his game, allowing him to extend plays and turn broken plays into magic. He's also incredibly agile, able to make quick cuts and change directions on a dime.

Then there's his arm talent. He has a strong arm that can make all the throws, and he's constantly improving his accuracy. In recent years, his passing game has taken major steps forward, making him a dual-threat quarterback who can beat you both with his arm and his legs. The improvement in his passing ability has elevated him to the top of the league. It's a combination of his arm strength, decision-making, and ability to read defenses.

And finally, his leadership and competitive spirit are undeniable. You can see his fire on the field, his drive to win, and his ability to inspire his teammates. He brings an unmatched passion and dedication to the game. His teammates feed off of his energy, making him an invaluable asset to his team.

Other Combine Drills

Other tests at the NFL Combine also played a role in evaluating Jackson. These include:

• 40-Yard Dash: This is a key test for speed and explosiveness, and Jackson aced it.
• Vertical Jump: This measures lower body explosiveness. It's another indicator of Jackson's athleticism.
• Broad Jump: This tests lower body power and explosiveness. It gives insight into a player's ability to generate horizontal force.
• Agility Drills: Such as the shuttle run and the three-cone drill, these drills show how quickly a player can change directions.

Conclusion: The Bigger Picture

So, wrapping it all up, let's circle back to Lamar Jackson and his combine bench press. It's a data point, one piece of a complex puzzle. While it's interesting to look at, it doesn't tell the whole story. Lamar's success isn't defined by his 13 reps. It's defined by his speed, his arm talent, his agility, his competitive drive, and his leadership skills.

The NFL Combine is a complex scouting event that allows teams to assess player potential. Bench press numbers are just a part of the overall evaluation. It's crucial to look at all of the numbers, but not to give too much weight to a single metric. Jackson has proven that he has all the tools to excel, regardless of the bench press number he put up on that day. His journey serves as a lesson that success is about more than just numbers; it's about the combination of all of a player's attributes.

Ultimately, Lamar Jackson's story reminds us that football is a game of skill, talent, and heart. And for all the data and analysis, it's the intangible qualities that often make the biggest difference. So, next time you hear someone talking about the combine, remember to look at the whole picture. There's a lot more to a player than just how many times they can lift 225 pounds. What do you guys think? Let me know in the comments!