We're into the time of year where performance on a Saturday in the fall matters as much or less than a sprint, jump or lift done in a compression outfit at a combine or pro day. It's incredibly important. Just ask Teddy Bridgewater, who saw a pro day performance described as "one of the worst I've ever seen" and "average at best" doom him to win the Pepsi Rookie of the Year award, earn a spot on the Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie team and post one of the most efficient seasons for a rookie quarterback in NFL history.
Again, it's importance is tantamount to a player's future success.
Paul Dawson became the latest college standout to test poorly at this weekend's NFL combine. The former TCU linebacker won 2014 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year honors by leading the league with 128 tackles and tied for the conference lead with 18.5 tackles for loss while also posting six sacks, four interceptions (with one pick six), two forced fumbles, five pass breakups and five quarterback hurries.
But Dawson recorded a 4.97 40-yard dash, more than three tenths of a second off the lead for his position.
While any player would rather have Dawson's tape and a 4.6 40, Dawson didn't lose perspective after posting a slower-than-desired time.
You don't want to meet Paul Dawson on the field.