This test is part of the fitness testing battery for the NFL Combine replacing the “4 Cone” or “Box” drill. It is also sometimes called the 'L-Drill'.

purpose: this is a test of agility, including speed, quickness, flexibility, change of direction, body control.

The drills at the NFL combine boil down to two questions: Do the measurables mesh with the film? And which players triggered red flags with their results? From the 40 to the bench press, here are.

equipment required: stopwatch, measuring tape or marked football field, marker cones, a flat non-slip surface.

• The 3-cone drill bias also carries over to the team's current stable of running running backs. Brandon Bolden (6.96) and Tyler Gaffney (6.78) both posted solid times in the sub-6-second region.
• See all 2021 NFL Combine results by Position. 40 SPEED: 40-yard dash time. 3-CONE: 3-cone drill time. SHUTTLE: 20-yard shuttle time.
• The 3-Cone Drill is the newest addition to the NFL scouting combine, replacing the “4 Cone” or “Box” drill. This test is also sometimes called the L-Drill due to the shape of the cone layout.

pre-test: Explain the test procedures to the subject. Perform screening of health risks and obtain informed consent. Prepare forms and record basic information such as age, height, body weight, gender, test conditions. Measure and mark out the course. Ensure that the subjects are adequately warmed-up. See more details of pre-test procedures.

test layout: Three marker cones are placed to form an 'L.' with cones at the corner and at each end, 5 yards apart (see diagram).

procedure: The player starts by getting down in a three-point stance next to Cone 1. On the command 'Go', he runs to Cone 2, bends down and touches a line with his right hand. Then he turns and runs back to Cone 1, bends down and touches that line with his right hand. Then he runs back to Cone 2 and around the outside of it, weaves inside Cone 3, then around the outside of Cones 3 and 2 before finishing at Cone 1. The player must run forward while altering his running direction, as opposed to strictly stopping and starting in opposite directions. Each time they perform the 3-cone drill for a different side (e.g. first time they curve to the left, second time they curve to the right). See 3-cone shuttle drill video.

scoring: The time to complete the test in seconds is recorded. The score is the best time of two trials.

results: US Decathlete Bryan Clay reached 7.85 seconds in this test during a SPARQ testing exercise (published in SPARQ Magazine, Summer 2008). See also some results from the NFL Combine.

target population: This test is part of the NFL testing combine, though it would be suitable for athletes involved in many team sports where agility is important such basketball, hockey, rugby, soccer.

comments:

• The 3-Cone Drill is the newest addition to the NFL scouting combine, replacing the “4 Cone” or “Box” drill.
• This test is also sometimes called the L-Drill due to the shape of the cone layout.

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Similar Tests

• Read the description of the similar “4 Cone” or “Box” drill

Related Pages

• See video examples of the 3-cone agility test in action.
• About other agility tests
• This test is part of the NFL Combine Testing
• This test was once part of the Football Pro Rating SPARQ

40-yard dash

Why it matters: For wide receivers and running backs, breakaway speed can be the difference between a modest gain and a game-changing play (just check out Jerry Jeudy's film). A measurable combination that NFL evaluators pay close attention to for cornerbacks is length (height and arms) and 40 speed. Safety is another position to keep an eye on, particularly for players who will be asked to cover a lot of ground in the deep middle of the field. The chart below shows the most desirable times, the average combine times over the past five years and the times that should raise a red flag for evaluators.

Past standout: Seahawks WR DK Metcalf. At 6-foot-3, 228 pounds, we knew the Ole Miss stud was a physical freak. But then he broke the internet with a blazing 4.33 40 at last year's combine in one one of the most impressive performances I've seen. Seattle stole Metcalf at the end of Round 2, and he had a great rookie season, catching 58 passes for 900 yards and seven touchdowns.

Vertical jump

Why it matters: The vertical can be an important indicator for wide receivers, tight ends and cornerbacks, but don't forget about running backs and defensive ends. This drill is a great judge of a player's lower-body explosiveness and ability to create power from the ground up.

Past standout: Giants RB Saquon Barkley. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 draft had an injury-plagued 2019 season, but you can't deny his lower-body power when healthy. Barkley posted a 41-inch vert two years ago, which was best among the running backs. And he did it at 233 pounds. Barkley wasn't that impressed, though. 'It wasn't my best,' he said afterward.

20-yard shuttle

Why it matters: It's not a coincidence that most of the positions listed below are on defense. Being an NFL defender is all about reaction: How quickly can you diagnose a play, come to a stop and explode toward the ball? And the 20-yard shuttle showcases a player's body control as he is changing directions.

Past standout: Panthers LB Luke Kuechly. The 4.11-second 20-yard shuttle Kuechly posted in 2012 is just outside the outstanding range above for inside linebackers (4.07 and below). That kind of short-area quickness, in combination with Kuechly's outstanding recognition skills, helped turn him into a five-time All Pro before he retired earlier this year. Next stop ... Hall of Fame?

Broad jump

Why it matters: I like to see how offensive linemen and skill players perform in the broad jump. You need good lower-body explosiveness, power and flexibility to anchor in the trenches. It's also a good way to separate which offensive linemen have the athleticism to play tackle. The top four broad jumpers of the past five years among O-linemen were drafted to play tackle.

Past standout: Eagles OT Lane Johnson. Remember when Johnson blew up at the 2013 combine? His broad jump was 118 inches. That's comparable to an above-average mark from a running back -- and he did it while weighing 303 pounds. Johnson's performance proved to scouts that he had the lower-body power to develop into a good left tackle.

What Is The 3 Cone Drill Nfl Combine

Three-cone

Why it matters: This drill is all about assessing a player's ability to change directions quickly, bend and accelerate. Defensive backs and pass-rushers are good players to keep an eye on. Of course, a lot goes into being an elite edge rusher, but most of the NFL's best register outstanding times in the three-cone.

Nfl Combine 3 Cone Drill Times

Past standout: Broncos OLB Von Miller. The Super Bowl 50 MVP completed the three-cone in 6.70 seconds in 2011, tied for the third-best mark among linebackers over the past six years. And that confirmed what teams saw on tape: a freak athlete who wreaked havoc off the edge.

Bench press

Best 3 Cone Drill Nfl Combine 2020

Why it's important: The bench tests upper-body strength by seeing how many times players can put up 225 pounds. Let's be honest: While it may be the most fun to watch, the bench press is the least important of all these non-football-related drills. But it does provide insight into the upper-body strength of an athlete, which tends to apply most to interior offensive and defensive linemen. There's also some small correlation for cornerbacks (for press-technique purposes).

Past standout: Rams DT Aaron Donald. The Pitt product showed off his raw strength at the 2014 combine, putting up 35 reps on the bench. That is tied for the second highest among all defensive linemen over the past three years. Donald, of course, has developed into one of the best defensive linemen in NFL history.

Nfl Combine 3 Cone Drill Times

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Illustration by Todd Detwiler