Seahawks' John Schneider opens the door on what the NFL combine is really like

Chris Collinsworth does a masterful job of making watching NFL football on television such an educational, satisfying three-hour experience, doesn't he? Of course, Collinsworth isn't the only one, but he is one of the few who are must-listen-to on television while watching a live football game. Others are, well, good, or bearable, but not Collinsworth-level.

So, when it comes to broadcasting — a sports industry filled with legendary voices from the past, present, and an expected future — John Schneider would rather sit in front of his TV while he makes the necessary plans on how to make the Seattle Seahawks even better through the draft.

After Schneider got done with all the necessary league meetings, unlike many of his other general manager counterparts, he admitted that watching workouts on his television at home was a more enjoyable experience, thanks to the broadcasting, and went into detail about the NFL combine experience; its good and not so good parts.

Seahawks GM John Schneider believes teams can 'get more' out of watching player workouts on TV

There was a time when, to scout players, you had to jump on a plane to another city and be present for that specific game or workout, and even to this day, this is how it’s still done for many teams. That said, Schneider isn't wrong when he says that the way TV and broadcasting have evolved over time has made it much easier to evaluate such things remotely. 

While speaking with Seattle Sports' Wyman and Bob, Schneider opened up about all things "NFL combine" and the ins and outs, his process of navigating the event, and why he prefers to stay home in Seattle to watch it on TV. Considering all the face-to-face obligations and meetups, his perspective sounds much more productive.

Schneider explained that after all of the obligatory meetings, media sessions, and interviews, he would rather watch workouts from home on TV, partly because the broadcasting and technology have become so good, and partly because the Combine floor is a nonstop gauntlet of people trying to talk to you.

He also said that teams could 'get more' out of watching combine workouts on TV due to the camera angles, timing systems, and drill coverage, making it easier to watch players' movement much more closely, and then rewatch them, if necessary. 

Aside from the pros of watching on TV, Schneider also discussed how college football's integration of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) has changed the way some players conduct themselves in team interviews. Schneider appears to believe that NIL has done more good than harm in helping college players grow as they prepare themselves for the NFL. 

Television, social media, and streaming have transformed the sports world into something we've never seen before. Cameras are everywhere, so are hot mics, which could also get athletes in a lot of trouble if they're not careful. As it relates to the combine and player evaluation, however, Schneider may be on to something real. 

Collinsworth has made watching the NFL on NBC a more enjoyable experience with his gifted broadcasting skills, so whoever is broadcasting the NFL combine, Schneider would clearly rather listen to those voices than otherwise. If that helps him find new talent for the Seahawks, then there's no reason to change the pace.