Labor situation looms over NFL’s scouting combine

Ask any NFL rookie about the biggest challenge stepping up from college football, and he’ll likely say it’s the increased speed of the game.

This year’s pro prospects are likewise bracing for a speed-of-the-game adjustment.

It could come to a full stop.

That’s the unusual, uncertain climate as the NFL heads into its annual scouting combine, a business-as-usual event that is taking place in otherwise turbulent times. Although life must go on, and teams need to scout, test, weigh and measure the latest crop of hopefuls, the league’s overwhelming focus is on striking a labor deal with its current players. That new collective bargaining agreement — one that replaces the deal that will expire after March 3 — probably will include some type of rookie wage scale, presumably dialing down the staggering salaries lavished on players chosen at the top of the draft.

A field of 333 players has been invited to the combine, which begins Thursday and runs through Tuesday. The event takes place at Lucas Oil Stadium and draws representatives from each of the 32 NFL teams, including scouts, coaches, front-office executives and some owners.

Even the most prized and fortunate of players, among them Auburn quarterback Cam Newton (who just signed a shoe and apparel deal with Under Armour), have to consider contingency plans in case a lockout interrupts their typical run-up to their rookie season.

“My mom always stressed growing up, ‘Don’t put all your eggs in one basket,’ and that’s the analogy that I have to use in this situation,” Newton said in a phone interview. He said he has explored other ways to prepare for the pros in case of a lockout.

Newton, who some experts project as the No. 1 pick, plans to participate in drills at the combine — something many elite players have skipped in recent years — but is undecided on one aspect.

“I use the words ‘being transparent’ and not shying away from showing my talents to any organization that would like to analyze my game as a whole,” he said Tuesday. “I’m taking that step of performing, doing every single thing — I’m still debating am I throwing or not — but as of right now as far as the 40, shuttle drills, I’m going to do all that.”

Among the combine invitees are three players from UCLA: linebacker Akeem Ayers; safety Raheem Moore; and kicker Kai Forbath. Eight are from USC: running backs Allen Bradford and Stanley Havili; tight end Jordan Cameron; offensive linemen Tyron Smith and Kristofer O’Dowd; receiver Ronald Johnson; defensive lineman Jurrell Casey; and defensive back Shareece Wright.

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