Commanders GM Martin Mayhew Praises 'Incredible' NFL Draft Evaluation Changes

Speaking at the NFL Scouting Combine the Washington Commanders' general manager shined a light on changes in the evaluation process.

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Washington Commanders are deep into their offseason planning trying to sort out which players to re-sign, release, and eventually draft. 

Part of that process is the NFL Scouting Combine, widely considered the second of three big evaluating events where the Commanders look to gain an edge in their evaluation of potential draft picks. 

"They do an incredible job in terms of setting this whole thing and running it," Mayhew said of the staff running the NFL Scouting Combine. "There's been talk a few years ago about the player experience...(they) made a lot of changes that are to the benefit of the players."

This year, the player's schedules are not as strict affording more time between events which offers an opportunity for re-focusing and more rest than in previous years. 

There are fewer medical checks, prioritizing getting to the important evaluations instead of poking and prodding every little thing. 

Additionally, there's a new recovery room for the prospects to get some treatment before or after events as needed.

While the players are certainly happier with the changes in place, those benefits have a trickle-down effect on the evaluators and NFL decision-makers as well. 

"What it really allows them to do is be their best self in the interview process," Mayhew said. "As well as the on-the-field process - that they're not tired. Last year a lot was made of the fact that we had the bench on the same day as the forties so a lot of guys did not do the bench last year for that reason. Now they've changed it...so those kinds of things allow the players to perform at their absolute best which is what we want."

We think maximum performance is what all players and evaluation personnel want, and they certainly appear to be getting it with the revamped NFL Scouting Combine schedule and order of operations.

Find David Harrison on Twitter @DHarrison82 and on the Locked On Commanders podcast.

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