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NFL scouting combine 2020: What it is, how to watch, dates

The NFL scouting combine takes place at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, starting Sunday, Feb. 23, when players begin to check in.

On-field workouts begin on Thursday, Feb. 27, and continue for three more days, starting at 4 p.m. ET Thursday on the NFL Network.


What is the NFL combine and who is invited?

The combine is the best chance for some of the top college football players in the country to show off their skills to NFL general managers, coaches and scouts.

Participation is by invitation only. According to the official NFL combine website, all 32 NFL teams provide input on draft-eligible players, and the Player Selection Committee then reviews and votes on each eligible player. The goal is to invite every player who will be drafted in the NFL draft, according to the NFL combine rulebook.

On Feb. 7, the NFL released its entire list of invitees, which includes a total of 337 prospects.

During the combine, there are various tests and evaluations given out to the roughly players, including the 40-yard dash, vertical jump and Wonderlic test.

The Wonderlic is a 50-question intelligence and problem-solving test that has consistently been criticized.

Unfortunately, the NFL combine is closed to the general public. But the good news is, you can watch it on TV. Which brings us to ...


How do I watch the NFL combine?

On-field workouts begin with tight ends, quarterbacks and wide receivers. The schedule:

Thursday, Feb. 27, 4-11 p.m. ET (NFL Network): Tight ends, quarterbacks and wide receivers

Friday, Feb. 28, 4-11 p.m. ET (NFL Network): Kickers, special teams, offensive linemen and running backs

Saturday, Feb. 29, 4-11 p.m. ET (NFL Network): Defensive linemen and linebackers

Sunday, March 1, 2-7 p.m. ET (NFL Network): Defensive backs

Get the full and detailed NFL combine 2020 schedule.


When is the 2020 NFL draft?

The draft begins with Round 1 on April 23 from Las Vegas and continues with Rounds 2 and 3 on April 24 and Rounds 4 to 7 on April 25. The draft will be broadcast on ABC, ESPN, the ESPN app and NFL Network.

The Cincinnati Bengals have the No. 1 pick, and the final 1-32 order can be viewed here.

Get ESPN's Mel Kiper's draft predictions and Todd McShay's ranking of every player in the draft.

In addition to the NFL combine and the draft, these are other key 2020 NFL offseason dates.