The standing long jump, performed at the annual National Football League (NFL) scouting event, is a test of explosive lower body power. Athletes start from a stationary position behind a designated line and jump forward as far as possible, landing on both feet. Measurement is taken from the starting line to the heel closest to it upon landing.
Performance in this drill is considered an indicator of an athlete’s ability to generate power and translate it into horizontal movement. Historically, it has provided scouts and coaches with data points to assess an athlete’s lower body strength and explosiveness, valuable attributes for many positions in football. Better scores can positively influence an athlete’s draft stock.