The NFL Scouting Combine is in full-swing, and many current Seattle Seahawks are reminiscing about their time spent running, jumping and lifting at the most important job interview of their careers.
Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett sat down and talked about his experience at the combine and what makes it “super unique.”
“Hey I’m Michael Bennett, I was D-Line No. 5 in the 2008 NFL Combine,” Bennett begins, referring to the number he was assigned during the combine. “Don’t watch it, I ran slow.”
Bennet, in fact, ran a 5.13 40-yard dash. It may not be an elite number, but it hardly qualifies as slow. The three-time Pro Bowler also posted a 31-inch vertical leap, a 110-inch broad jump and 24 reps on the bench press.
“It was just a lot of stuff going on,” Bennett explained. “If you don’t understand the magnitude it can set you back.”
Bennett went undrafted and first signed with the Seahawks in 2009. Following his release that October, Bennett landed with the Buccanneers, where he played four seasons. He re-signed with the Seahawks in 2013 and has been in Seattle ever since, making three consecutive Pro Bowls.
The outspoken Bennett has been one of many Seattle success stories, joining Doug Baldwin as undrafted players who became stars in the Emerald City.
Despite going undrafted after his combine, Bennett still loves the event.
“I loved the opportunity to compete against the greatest players, and I think that’s what makes the combine super unique.”
