The three cone drill was probably never all that popular with spectators to begin with, but as it turns out, it’s losing popularity with one particular position group too.
For the third straight year of the NFL Scouting Combine, the number of wide receivers who participated in the drill saw a decline, according to Sharp Football Analysis’ Rich Hribar. As a result, the number of wide receivers with a sub-7.00 second run dropped for a fifth straight year.
For context, the record for fasted 3 cone at the combine is 6.42 seconds by wide receiver Jeff Maehl. However, as explained here, the 3 cone is thought to be particularly helpful in evaluating pass rushers.
Apparently wide receivers got the memo.
Just 13 of 40 WRs participated in the 3C yesterday.
25 in 2020, 29 in 2019, 26 in 2018.
— Rich Hribar (@LordReebs) March 4, 2022
Just 13 of 40 wideouts participated in the 3 cone on Thursday. And only Notre Dame’s Kevin Austin Jr. and Rutgers’ Bo Melton did it under 7.00 seconds. That comes as a whole group of receivers ran blazing 40-yard dash times — could that mean they’re concentrating more on speed?
If the trend continues, there won’t be any receivers doing the 3 cone in the near future.
