Lamar Jackson Bench Press: Did He Do It At The Combine?

Hey guys! Let's dive into a burning question that often pops up when discussing one of the NFL's most electrifying quarterbacks: Lamar Jackson. The question on everyone's mind is, did Lamar Jackson bench press at the NFL Combine? This is a common point of curiosity, especially when evaluating quarterbacks, but the answer might surprise you. Understanding why he made the choices he did sheds light on his approach to the draft process and his confidence in his abilities. So, let's get into the details and clear up any confusion surrounding Lamar Jackson and the bench press at the combine.

The Combine and the Bench Press: What's the Deal?

First, let's break down what the NFL Combine is all about. The NFL Combine is an annual event where top college football players are invited to showcase their skills in front of NFL coaches, general managers, and scouts. It's essentially a massive job interview where these young athletes perform a series of drills and tests to demonstrate their physical and mental capabilities. One of the most well-known drills is the bench press, where players rep out 225 pounds as many times as possible. This test is primarily used to evaluate the upper body strength and endurance of offensive and defensive linemen, linebackers, and other positions where upper body power is crucial for success. For quarterbacks, while strength is important, it's not typically the defining factor in their evaluation.

Now, why do teams care about the bench press? It provides a tangible metric of a player's strength and how well they can handle physical stress. For positions that require constant battles in the trenches, like offensive and defensive lines, this is vital information. It helps teams project how a player will hold up against the rigors of an NFL season. However, the importance of the bench press can vary depending on the position. Quarterbacks, for example, are more closely scrutinized for their arm strength, accuracy, decision-making, and overall leadership qualities. While a decent bench press number won't hurt a quarterback's stock, it's not usually a make-or-break factor.

So, Did Lamar Jackson Bench Press at the Combine?

Alright, let's get to the heart of the matter: Did Lamar Jackson participate in the bench press event at the NFL Combine? The answer is no. Lamar Jackson chose not to bench press at the NFL Combine. This decision raised eyebrows among some analysts and fans, but it was a strategic choice on his part. Instead of focusing on raw strength numbers, Jackson wanted to emphasize his skills as a quarterback. He participated in throwing drills and interviews, aiming to showcase his arm talent, football IQ, and leadership abilities. He wanted teams to see him as a quarterback first and foremost, rather than getting caught up in comparing his bench press numbers to those of linemen or linebackers. It's worth noting that many quarterbacks opt out of the bench press, understanding that their evaluation hinges more on their passing abilities and command of the offense.

By opting out of the bench press, Lamar Jackson made a statement about his priorities. He wasn't trying to prove he could lift a certain weight; he wanted to demonstrate his proficiency in the areas that truly matter for a quarterback. This decision reflects his confidence in his abilities and his understanding of what NFL teams were primarily looking for in his position. It's a testament to his focus and his determination to control the narrative surrounding his draft profile. So, while the bench press is a staple of the combine, it's not always the be-all and end-all, especially for quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson.

Why Lamar Jackson Skipped the Bench Press

There are a few key reasons why Lamar Jackson chose to skip the bench press at the combine. First and foremost, he wanted to emphasize his quarterbacking skills. The bench press, while a measure of strength, doesn't directly translate to quarterbacking ability. Jackson knew that his arm strength, accuracy, and decision-making were his greatest assets, and he wanted to focus on showcasing those talents during the combine. He spent his time preparing for the throwing drills, meeting with teams, and demonstrating his understanding of offensive schemes. This strategic focus allowed him to highlight his strengths and address any concerns teams might have had about his ability to play quarterback at the NFL level.

Another factor in his decision was the potential for misinterpretation. Bench press numbers can be easily compared across positions, leading to unfair evaluations. Jackson didn't want his draft stock to be negatively impacted by a relatively low bench press number compared to linemen or linebackers. He understood that his value as a quarterback was far more significant than his ability to lift weights. By avoiding the bench press, he sidestepped the risk of being unfairly compared to players in completely different roles. It was a calculated move to ensure that teams focused on his quarterbacking attributes rather than his strength.

Finally, it's important to remember that Lamar Jackson had already proven his athleticism on the field. Throughout his college career at Louisville, he had demonstrated exceptional speed, agility, and playmaking ability. His dynamic running style and ability to evade defenders were well-documented. He likely felt that participating in the bench press was unnecessary to prove his overall athleticism. His game film spoke for itself, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure and make incredible plays. Skipping the bench press allowed him to maintain his focus on the drills and interviews that would truly impact his draft position as a quarterback. All of these factors combined to influence his decision to opt out of the bench press at the NFL Combine.

How it Affected His Draft Stock

So, how did Lamar Jackson's decision to skip the bench press affect his draft stock? It's a complex question with no simple answer. On one hand, some analysts and scouts likely viewed it as a missed opportunity to showcase his overall athleticism and strength. The bench press is a standard measure of upper body power, and opting out could have raised questions about his physical preparedness for the NFL. Some teams might have preferred to see him participate in all the drills to get a complete picture of his abilities. However, it's also important to consider the broader context of his draft profile.

On the other hand, many teams likely understood and respected his decision. As mentioned earlier, quarterbacks are primarily evaluated on their arm strength, accuracy, decision-making, and leadership qualities. Lamar Jackson's performance in the throwing drills and his interactions with teams during interviews were far more critical to his draft stock. By focusing on these areas, he was able to demonstrate his potential as a franchise quarterback. Additionally, his impressive college career provided ample evidence of his athleticism and playmaking ability. Teams that were genuinely interested in him as a quarterback likely saw his decision to skip the bench press as a strategic move rather than a red flag.

Ultimately, Lamar Jackson was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens with the 32nd overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. This suggests that his decision to skip the bench press did not significantly hurt his draft stock. The Ravens clearly valued his quarterbacking abilities and believed in his potential to develop into a star player. His subsequent success in the NFL has further validated his decision to prioritize his quarterbacking skills over raw strength numbers. It's a testament to his confidence in his abilities and his understanding of what it takes to succeed in the NFL as a quarterback. So, while the bench press is a traditional part of the combine, Lamar Jackson proved that it's not the only way to impress NFL teams.

Bench Press and Quarterbacks: Is it Overrated?

Now, let's zoom out a bit and talk about the bench press and quarterbacks in general. Is the bench press overrated when it comes to evaluating quarterbacks? The short answer is yes, it often is. While strength is certainly important for all football players, the bench press is not the most relevant measure of success for a quarterback. Quarterbacks need to have arm strength to make throws downfield, but that strength is more about technique and mechanics than raw bench press numbers. They also need to have the agility to evade pressure, the accuracy to hit receivers, and the mental toughness to make split-second decisions.

There are many examples of successful quarterbacks who were not known for their bench press prowess. Guys like Tom Brady, Drew Brees, and Aaron Rodgers have all had incredible careers without being exceptional weightlifters. Their success is attributed to their exceptional arm talent, football IQ, and leadership abilities. These are the qualities that truly define a great quarterback. While a quarterback who can bench press a lot of weight might be impressive, it doesn't guarantee that they will be able to perform under pressure in a game situation. The ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and deliver accurate passes is far more important than raw strength.

In conclusion, while the bench press is a traditional part of the NFL Combine, it's not the most critical factor in evaluating quarterbacks. Lamar Jackson's decision to skip the bench press highlights the importance of prioritizing the skills that truly matter for the position. His success in the NFL is a testament to his quarterbacking abilities, not his weightlifting prowess. So, the next time you hear someone talking about a quarterback's bench press numbers, remember that there's much more to the position than just strength. Focus on the qualities that truly make a quarterback great: arm talent, accuracy, decision-making, and leadership. These are the attributes that separate the good quarterbacks from the legends of the game.