The Broad Jump is a test of forward explosiveness. In conjunction with the Vertical leap, shuttle and 10 yard dash, the Broad Jump it helps provide scouts with an idea of how quickly a player can “explode” into action. The Broad Jump is an important drill for many positions.

The Best Broad Jump Scores at the NFL Combine Since 1999:

  1. 137 inches – Scott Starks – Wisconsin
  2. 137 inches – Justin Fargas – USC
  3. 136 inches – Terence Newman – Kansas State
  4. 136 inches – Jerome Simpson – Coastal Carolina
  5. 136 inches – Chris McKenzie – Arizona State
  6. 135 inches – Boss Bailey – Georgia
  7. 135 inches – Donald Washington – Ohio State
  8. 134 inches – Darius Butler – UCONN
  9. 134 inches – Chris Chambers – Wisconsin
  10. 134 inches – Pierson Prioleau – Virginia Tech
  11. 134 inches – Dekota Watson – Florida State
  12. 134 inches – Jay Hinton – Morgan State
  13. 134 inches – Anthony Aldrige – Houston
  14. 134 inches – Cedric James – TCU
  15. 134 inches – Jonathon Carter – Troy
  16. 134 inches – Carl Stewart – Aubrun

All of these scores are impressive, but Boss Bailey at 233 pounds is possibly the most impressive feat of athleticism.  Dekota Watson and Justin Fargas also posted elite Broad Jump numbers for their respective sizes.

It is also worth noting that many of the best performers in the Broad Jump have gone on to successful NFL careers.  The Broad Jump may in fact be one of the combine drills that best translates to the football field, and the ability to explode forward quickly clearly applies to nearly every position.