03-02-2017, 09:43 PM
(03-02-2017, 09:25 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: Oh no, not the annual bench press off. C'mon guys, it's 2017. Everyone knows that bench press for reps at a set weight isn't a real measure of body power or explosiveness, but rather execution of a trained single movement.
Don't believe me? Remember when everyone went gaga over Russell Bodine repping for 42? All that really did was show how well he could push himself backwards, off an oncoming defensive lineman.. If the NFL wanted to use a weighlifting move to show the real power of an athlete, I'm going to reflect back to a BengalRugby argument from the old days, it should at least be the Olympic style clean. Adding my own caveat, I say clean and press. As it requires speed and strength from the entire body, equating in a good measure of athletic power.
You're correct as far as BP usually equates to jack squat on the field and I'm with you on it. That said, watching the fight and determination of the guys as they push themselves, helps to show the " fight in the dog" so to speak imo.
As long as the big boys are within the acceptable range it's all good for them. As you mentioned it's more about core and lower body strength for them, but for RBs it shows ability to stiff arm/shed arm tackles.
In Samaje's case 30 shows that his upper body is more than on par with his giant legs. Scouts probably already expect his lower body to be strong. He shows glimpses of Earl at times....At times. His speed will be one of his first hurdles.
