Here are a few more questions answered regarding the big event in Indianapolis.

 

Quarterbacks as 'throwers:' Once the full combine invitation list comes out, it will include around 20 passers. Three of them will be invited as 'throwers.' This means that though they are official invitees, they are only invited because they'll be throwing passes that running backs, receivers, tight ends and defensive backs run under during the full week of drills.They get to take their turns to run the 40, perform drills, and otherwise be tested alongside the non-'thrower' quarterbacks, but they have extra duties, though nowhere on the list do they have asterisks besides their names. If you or your son isn't given a standard slot, but is asked to come as a thrower, jump on it.  Tony Romo is one example of a player only invited to the combine as a thrower.

 

How many players by position are usually brought in to Indianapolis? There are no hard and fast rules, but here is the position-by-position breakdown over the 2011-2012 combines:

Pos	2012	2011	Pos	2012	2011
DC	36	35	OG	6	13
FS	10	9	OT	20	33
SS	12	10	OH	28	39
DE	30	30	OH	28	39
DT	30	27	QB	19	18
IB	8	15	WO	49	46
OB	23	10	TE	14	16
PT	6	4	PK	5	5

 

There's also one long snapper most seasons. It should also be noted that the total number of players has risen slightly over the years, though there are usually 325-335 players invited.

 

Is every player who goes to the combine drafted? No. Depending on the number of picks awarded due to teams based on free agent losses, there are usually around 255 players selected, which means that at a minimum 75 combine picks don't get called on draft day. Usually, it's a little higher, between 100-125, who are snubbed.

 

Should I go to the combine if my son is invited? If your son gets the call and you insist on going, you might be disappointed. The combine is a mostly 'closed' event, and there aren't a lot of opportunities to get past security if you don't have league credentials. If you go, be prepared to log a lot of hours at the Omni hanging around the Nike suite (it's free; you can even get a haircut, on the house, if you time it right), but don't expect to get into Lucas Oil Stadium to watch your son perform. Only team personnel and a limited number of media members have that privilege. You're probably better off staying home. Now, all-star games are a completely different animal, but we'll tackle that topic a little later.