NFL tweaks combine interview rules, limits teams to 45 prospects

The NFL Scouting Combine is one of the most important phases of the pre-draft process, not because it brings together all of the top prospects for workouts, but because teams are able to interview and meet with them.

The NFL is tweaking the rules regarding those interviews for 2020, though. Previously, teams were allowed to sit down with 60 prospects for 15 minutes each. This year, each team will only be allowed to meet with 45 prospects, but for their allotted time will be increased to 18 minutes per prospect.

The reason for this is the NFL moving drills to prime time, which caused a shift in the schedule.

One reason interviewing draft prospects at the @SeniorBowl is important this year: NFL teams were informed recently they’ll have 45 18-minute formal interviews at the combine, rather than 60 15-minute interviews. It’s related to schedule changes that move drills to primetime.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 23, 2020

The combine will be held from February 23 to March 2 in Indianapolis this year. Workouts will run from Feb. 27-Mar. 1, beginning with tight ends, quarterbacks and wide receivers, and concluding with defensive backs.

It’s the next major step after the Senior Bowl, which is being held in Mobile, Ala., this week.