Jakub Samel at the NFL Combine

Jakub Samel at the NFL Combine – Valuable Experience and New Connections

The NFL Combine is an annual event that plays a crucial role in the recruitment process for the world’s top American football league – the NFL. It is where the best collegiate players undergo speed, agility, and position-specific football drills that help scouts and coaches assess their potential. This year, among the observers was Jakub Samel, the Sports Director and Head Coach of the PFL team, Panthers Wrocław. He had the opportunity to gain valuable insights alongside some of the best football professionals in the world, experiencing the event from a coaching perspective.

Learning from the Best – Close Interaction with NFL Coaches

During his time at the NFL Combine, Coach Samel attended all the key events related to player testing and evaluation. Over the course of four days—from Thursday to Sunday—he was surrounded by coaches and scouts from the Cleveland Browns, Seattle Seahawks, and Carolina Panthers. Each day, position-specific tests took place at the Indianapolis Colts' stadium, assessing both athletic ability and pure football skills. Thanks to a special pass from the Cleveland Browns, Jakub Samel was able to closely observe these tests, analyzing what NFL coaches focus on and which attributes they value the most.

"Every day, I had the chance to ask coaches and scouts about their approach to player evaluation. I learned which elements are crucial for different positions and how much detailed information can be extracted from each test or drill," Samel explained.

Inside the Selection Process – Recruiting for the NFL

On-field testing is only one part of the selection process. Recruitment interviews with players also play a critical role. Coach Samel had the opportunity to participate in so-called "informal" interviews, where NFL coaches assess a player’s skills and mentality in just 15 minutes. One of the most impressive experiences for him was observing the Cleveland Browns' running backs coach, who had a well-prepared interview script and effectively applied pressure on players to test their mental resilience.

Another unique experience was attending an internal meeting of the Cleveland Browns’ offensive coaching staff, where upcoming offensive scheme adjustments for the new season were discussed. Access to such insights is a rare opportunity to understand the latest strategic trends in high-level football.

New Connections and Opportunities for Panthers Wrocław

The trip to the NFL Combine was not only about gaining knowledge but also about building valuable relationships. On the first day of the event, Coach Samel met with the head of the NFL International Pathway Program, who is responsible for scouting international players aiming to enter the NFL. Thanks to this connection, Panthers Wrocław will be able to better evaluate potential international players for their ELF roster, as the International Pathway Program actively scouts football talent worldwide.

Additionally, Jakub Samel met with a scout from the Carolina Panthers, who shared materials detailing key attributes required for different positions. This knowledge will further enhance the precision of player evaluation and selection at Panthers Wrocław.

Conclusion: Another Step Toward Professionalization

Attending the NFL Combine was a highly valuable experience that will help Panthers Wrocław elevate the level of football in Poland. Observing tests, participating in recruitment interviews, and working closely with NFL coaches and scouts are major milestones in the organization's development.

Jakub Samel on his trip:
"This was another important trip that not only allowed me to expand my knowledge but also grow my network of contacts, which helps in further evaluating potential players and coaches. The chance to observe top college-level athletes alongside NFL coaches and scouts is a unique opportunity to learn their perspective on evaluating team candidates. I am very grateful to our owner for the tremendous support and for making such strategic trips possible."