Lamar Jackson Bench Press: Did He Do It?
Hey guys! Let's dive into a burning question that's been on the minds of many football fans: Did Lamar Jackson bench press at the NFL Combine? The answer might surprise you, and we’re going to explore all the details surrounding this topic.
The Combine Conundrum
The NFL Combine is a crucial event for young football players hoping to make it to the big leagues. It’s where they showcase their skills, strength, and athleticism in front of scouts, coaches, and general managers. One of the most watched exercises is the bench press, where players rep 225 pounds as many times as possible. It's a test of pure strength and endurance, giving teams a glimpse into a player's physical capabilities. However, not every player participates in every drill, and this is where the Lamar Jackson story gets interesting.
Why the Bench Press Matters
The bench press is more than just a macho display of strength; it's a practical assessment tool. For offensive and defensive linemen, it demonstrates upper body power, which is crucial for holding their ground and pushing opponents. For running backs and linebackers, it shows their ability to break tackles and shed blockers. Even for quarterbacks, upper body strength can contribute to throwing power and durability. While not the be-all and end-all, it's a valuable data point in evaluating a prospect's potential. Think about it: a quarterback who can withstand hits and maintain his throwing motion under pressure is a huge asset to any team.
Lamar's Decision
So, back to Lamar Jackson. When he entered the 2018 NFL Combine, he made a strategic decision not to participate in the bench press. Why? Well, Lamar and his team believed that the bench press wasn't a true reflection of his abilities and wouldn't accurately showcase what he brought to the table as a quarterback. He was there to prove his arm strength, accuracy, and, most importantly, his unique athleticism and playmaking ability. Instead of focusing on a traditional strength test, he wanted to highlight the skills that set him apart from other quarterbacks. It was a bold move, but one that was carefully considered.
The Rationale Behind Skipping the Bench Press
Lamar Jackson's decision to skip the bench press at the NFL Combine was a strategic one, rooted in a desire to emphasize his unique skill set and redefine the quarterback position. In this section, we'll break down the rationale behind this choice, exploring the factors that influenced his decision and the message he aimed to convey to NFL scouts and coaches.
Focusing on Strengths
Lamar Jackson isn't your typical quarterback. He's a dynamic playmaker with incredible speed, agility, and arm talent. His ability to make defenders miss, extend plays, and deliver accurate passes on the run is what makes him special. Knowing this, Lamar and his team decided to prioritize showcasing these unique abilities at the Combine. Instead of getting bogged down in a strength test that might not accurately reflect his quarterbacking skills, he focused on drills that highlighted his strengths.
Redefining the Quarterback Position
Traditionally, quarterbacks have been evaluated based on their pocket presence, arm strength, and accuracy from a stationary position. However, Lamar Jackson brought a new dimension to the position with his exceptional running ability. He aimed to show NFL teams that a quarterback could be a dual-threat, capable of making plays with both his arm and his legs. Participating in the bench press might have reinforced outdated stereotypes about quarterbacks needing to be purely pocket passers, which wasn't the image Lamar wanted to project.
Message to NFL Scouts
By skipping the bench press, Lamar Jackson sent a clear message to NFL scouts and coaches: "I'm not just another quarterback. I'm a game-changer." He wanted them to see beyond the traditional measurables and appreciate the unique skills he brought to the table. He challenged them to rethink their evaluation process and consider the value of a quarterback who could revolutionize their offense. It was a bold move that paid off, as Lamar was eventually drafted in the first round by the Baltimore Ravens.
Trusting His Training
Lamar Jackson's decision to skip the bench press also reflected his trust in his own training and preparation. He knew that he had worked hard to develop his strength and conditioning, but he also recognized that the bench press wasn't the best way to demonstrate his functional strength as a quarterback. He believed that his performance in the passing and running drills would speak for itself, showcasing his ability to lead an offense and make plays under pressure. This confidence in his training allowed him to stay true to his vision and prioritize his strengths.
What He Did Instead
Instead of bench pressing, Lamar Jackson participated in other drills that allowed him to showcase his athleticism and quarterbacking skills. He focused on the 40-yard dash, the three-cone drill, the vertical jump, and, of course, the passing drills. These exercises allowed him to demonstrate his speed, agility, arm strength, and accuracy, which are all crucial for a quarterback in today's NFL.
40-Yard Dash
Lamar Jackson's speed is one of his greatest assets, and he made sure to showcase it at the Combine. While his official 40-yard dash time wasn't earth-shattering, it was still impressive for a quarterback. It showed that he had the speed to escape pressure, extend plays, and pick up yards on the ground when needed.
Passing Drills
The passing drills were where Lamar Jackson truly shined. He displayed his arm strength, accuracy, and ability to throw on the run. He made impressive throws to all parts of the field, demonstrating his versatility as a passer. These drills helped solidify his status as a legitimate quarterback prospect and alleviated any concerns about his ability to make NFL-level throws.
Three-Cone Drill and Vertical Jump
These drills further showcased Lamar Jackson's athleticism and agility. The three-cone drill measures a player's ability to change direction quickly, while the vertical jump assesses lower body explosiveness. Lamar performed well in both drills, further demonstrating his overall athleticism and ability to make plays.
The Impact of His Decision
Lamar Jackson's decision to skip the bench press had a significant impact on his draft stock and the perception of his game. Some analysts and scouts questioned his strength and durability, while others praised his confidence and willingness to challenge the status quo. Ultimately, his unique skill set and playmaking ability outweighed any concerns about his bench press numbers.
Draft Stock
Despite the questions about his strength, Lamar Jackson was still selected in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens. This showed that teams were willing to bet on his unique abilities and potential to revolutionize their offense. The Ravens saw in him a player who could bring a new dimension to their team and change the way the game was played.
Perception of His Game
Lamar Jackson's success in the NFL has silenced many of his doubters and changed the perception of his game. He has proven that a quarterback doesn't need to be a traditional pocket passer to be successful. His ability to run, pass, and make plays with his legs has made him one of the most exciting and dynamic players in the league. He has redefined the quarterback position and paved the way for other dual-threat quarterbacks to succeed.
Legacy
Lamar Jackson's legacy extends beyond his on-field accomplishments. He has inspired a new generation of quarterbacks to embrace their unique abilities and challenge traditional norms. He has shown that it's okay to be different and that success can be achieved by playing to your strengths. His impact on the game will be felt for years to come, as more and more teams look for quarterbacks who can bring a dual-threat element to their offense.
Final Thoughts
So, did Lamar Jackson bench press at the combine? No, he didn't. But that didn't stop him from becoming a superstar. His decision to focus on his strengths and showcase his unique abilities paid off, and he has since become one of the most exciting and dynamic players in the NFL. It just goes to show that sometimes, it's okay to break the mold and do things your own way. What do you guys think about Lamar's choice? Let me know in the comments below!
