Christian McCaffrey And Leonard Fournette Are Getting Criticized For Some Useless Combine Numbers

The eternal struggle that is Christian McCaffrey on the bench press... pic.twitter.com/I8zLLYL5Ro

— TotalProSports.com (@TotalProSports) March 3, 2017

Christian McCaffrey - 4.49 (40 yard dash), 37.5" (Vertical), 10-foot-1 inch (Broad Jump) - All very good. Disappointing 10 bench presses.

— David Wyatt (@DavidWyattNFL) March 3, 2017

Now at the Vertical Jump... @_Fournette.

28.5" for the @LSUFootball RB. #NFLCombine https://t.co/5s5UNAekt0

— NFL (@NFL) March 3, 2017

Leonard Fournette showing up at 240 lbs, then having a weak 28.5 inch vertical jump are more red flags after a season with injuries.

— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) March 3, 2017

Wait just a damn minute here. Are you saying that the running back whose versatility led to eye-popping numbers in the Pac-12 put up comparatively awful numbers in an exercise that is commonly referred to as one of the most useless measures of strength? A guy who is more than likely going to be juking around his opponents in space while being used predominately as a satellite back isn't capable of lifting his body weight off his own chest more than 10 times? What's next, do you plan on telling me that the quintessential power back in the draft can't leap from rooftop-to-rooftop like a superhero? Wait, really? The 240 pound behemoth that made SEC opponents look like Pop Warner players when they tried to tackle him is more likely to steamroll defensive backs than hurdle over them with the grace of a ballerina? Christ, we might as well cancel the entire first round of the NFL Draft.

Two of the most heavily sought after running backs are only at their best when running?! One lifts like the lost Asian kid who has no idea what he's doing inside a gym and the other has an equally futile about of lift in his lower body? Hope no one is looking for backfield help early, because the always trustworthy combine just proved that you might as well wait until the 6th-7th round to select two guys whose mind-boggling highlight tapes veiled their inherent weakness and complete lack of athleticism. It's too bad, I really had high hopes for two players that emasculated their competition while playing against top-end collegiate talent. I didn't even realize they'd be battling to get picked as Mr. Irrelevant because of their inability to produce numbers that jump (no pun intended, Leonard) off the page in exercises that aren't particularly pressing (no pun intended, Christian) given their position.