Cooper Kupp did not wow many people at the combine in 2017. He still went in the third round to the Los Angeles Rams and has become a premier wideout in the NFL, but you wouldn’t have thought he’d turn into a triple crown winner based on his testing numbers alone seven years ago.
Kupp ran a 4.62 in the 40-yard dash, had a vertical jump of only 31 inches and a broad jump of 116 inches, ranking below-average in those departments. He did test well in the agility drills, however, which was a sign that he’d be a good route runner.
With the NFL combine taking place in Indianapolis this weekend, Kupp reminded all of the prospects testing in front of scouts, coaches and GMs that their numbers don’t define their journey in the NFL.
No matter your numbers in Indy, don't let them define your journey.
— Cooper Kupp (@CooperKupp) March 2, 2024
Kupp has gone on to have a decorated career with the Rams despite being drafted outside the first and second rounds, winning the triple crown, a Super Bowl and Offensive Player of the Year. He even took home Super Bowl MVP honors two years ago.
The combine is an important part of the pre-draft process, but it’s not everything.