Lamar Jackson's Combine Bench: What It Really Means

Hey guys! Let's dive deep into something that always sparks a ton of debate in the NFL world: Lamar Jackson's Combine bench press performance. It's a topic that's been dissected, analyzed, and re-analyzed since his combine days, and for good reason! When we talk about the combine, we're essentially looking at a job interview for these young, super-talented athletes. It’s where scouts and coaches get their first real look at how players measure up physically, mentally, and in terms of their skills. The bench press is one of the key physical tests, and it’s a big deal. So, why does Lamar Jackson's bench press specifically get so much attention? Let's unpack it all.

Understanding the Combine and the Bench Press

First off, let's get the basics down. The NFL Combine is a week-long event where college football players showcase their skills in front of NFL teams. Think of it as a talent show for football players, where they are graded on everything from their 40-yard dash time to their vertical jump and, of course, their bench press reps. The bench press itself is a test of upper-body strength. Players lie on a bench and lift a set weight (225 pounds for the NFL) as many times as they can. The number of reps is what gets recorded.

Now, here’s where the context is crucial. The bench press isn’t just about raw strength; it’s also about endurance and, to some extent, technique. But, does a low number of reps in the bench press mean a player is weak? Not necessarily! It's one data point among many, and it needs to be understood within the broader picture. Also, the bench press performance can be affected by various factors: the player's training regime, their body type, and even their focus on specific combine drills versus overall strength training. Some guys are built for speed and agility, and they might not prioritize building massive upper-body strength. That is the truth. So, seeing a quarterback with a lower bench press number shouldn’t automatically raise alarm bells.

One more thing: The combine is not the be-all and end-all. It's a snapshot in time. A player's performance on that particular day doesn't define their entire career. It's part of the evaluation process, but it's far from the only factor. The best teams do their homework and look at the whole picture when evaluating a player. They are looking at film, interviewing players, and doing background checks, looking at how the player performs on the field and looking at their personality and character.

Lamar Jackson's Combine Performance and Bench Press Stats

So, let’s talk numbers. At the 2018 NFL Combine, Lamar Jackson bench pressed 225 pounds for 13 reps. Now, that number, relative to other quarterbacks at the combine, raised some eyebrows. Remember, this is about context. The average number of reps for quarterbacks at the combine can vary, but generally, it's higher than 13. However, it's also worth noting that some quarterbacks choose not to bench press at the combine. Those who do bench press can range from doing a handful of reps to upwards of 20 or more. Some guys are just built differently. Some of the most successful quarterbacks in the NFL history have been known for their arm strength and ability to make plays on the run, rather than their strength and power in the weight room. Some examples are Steve Young and Michael Vick.

What makes Lamar Jackson special is his athletic ability and his playmaking ability. He's known for his speed, agility, and his ability to make plays with his arm and his legs. He's not the biggest guy, but his quickness and elusiveness make him hard to tackle. Jackson's combine performance was a mix of good and not-so-good results. He did well in the agility drills, showing off his quickness and agility. However, his bench press numbers, as we discussed, were not the highest. Some scouts questioned if his frame would be able to hold up in the NFL. But as it turned out, Jackson would prove them wrong and would go on to win the NFL MVP award.

It is important to understand the context when analyzing any combine performance. Lamar Jackson's bench press is just one aspect of his physical profile. And his performance at the combine didn’t fully capture his skills. The best players have what scouts call “it.” They have a natural ability that can't be taught. When evaluating players, scouts look at their skills and physical attributes, but they also look for their “it” factor.

The Real Impact of the Bench Press on a Quarterback

Okay, so we know Lamar's number, but how much does the bench press really matter for a quarterback? The truth is, it's not the most critical factor. The quarterback position requires a mix of skills. A strong arm is obviously important, but so is decision-making, accuracy, and the ability to read defenses. The quarterback position is the most cerebral position on the field. The best quarterbacks are also great leaders and motivators. The bench press contributes minimally to a quarterback's on-field success.

Now, let's break this down further. Think about what a quarterback does during a game. They're primarily throwing the ball, making quick decisions, and avoiding the rush. They're not in many situations where raw upper-body strength is essential. The strength required is more about being able to absorb hits, maintain balance in the pocket, and make quick, accurate throws under pressure. The bench press does indirectly measure this, but it’s not the primary factor. What matters more is a quarterback's ability to quickly get rid of the ball, their ability to read defenses, and their ability to make accurate throws. These are skills that are developed over time through practice and experience. The best quarterbacks are those who can perform these skills under pressure.

So, why does the bench press even get mentioned when we discuss quarterbacks? Well, it provides a very rough idea of upper-body strength, which can be somewhat correlated to the ability to withstand hits and deliver throws with power. Also, it’s a quick and easy number to get during the combine. It’s quantifiable. It's also an easy talking point for analysts. But when you look at successful quarterbacks throughout history, you will see a wide range of bench press numbers. Some guys are known for their strength, while others rely on their arm and their decision-making. The great ones, the ones who win championships, combine all of these things.

Lamar Jackson's Success: Beyond the Bench Press

Let’s be honest: Lamar Jackson has crushed it in the NFL. He won the MVP award in 2019, showcasing his incredible talent and proving the doubters wrong. He's a dynamic playmaker, capable of making incredible throws and running with the best of them. Jackson has shown the league that he’s more than just a running quarterback; he's a complete player, capable of leading his team to victory. He has been a leader on and off the field. Jackson has helped the Ravens become a championship contender, and he has improved his skills as a passer. He has shown growth over the years, and he's constantly working to improve his craft. This has enabled him to become an elite quarterback.

His success isn't about his bench press numbers. It’s about his athleticism, his arm strength, his accuracy, and his ability to read defenses. Most importantly, it's about his ability to create plays when the pocket collapses. He has a unique skill set that sets him apart from other quarterbacks. His success is proof that the combine numbers are just a small part of the puzzle. Jackson’s on-field performance is far more important than his bench press. It’s a testament to his hard work, dedication, and the fact that he consistently improves his game.

Ultimately, Lamar Jackson's story is a great reminder that the combine is a starting point, not the final word. It's a snapshot, and while the bench press is a data point, it shouldn’t be the only thing that's looked at. The best players prove their worth on the field. Jackson's success highlights the importance of evaluating players holistically and not getting too caught up in one single test. He has transformed the quarterback position, showing that it’s possible to be a successful player in the NFL even with the