Auburn DT Nick Fairley catches his breath after running a drill Monday at the NFL Scouting Combine. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)

INDIANAPOLIS — It proves every year to be true that the defensive linemen drills are among the most intense at the NFL Scouting Combine.

After running their 40-yard dashes Monday, the first group of linemen went straight to position-specific skill and agility drills. They really get after it, and by the time coaches stop yelling, “Let’s get to work” about an hour later, the prospects are winded. Not only are coaches and scouts looking at the players’ footwork and agility but how they compete and take direction when they’re broken down and tired.

After a quick drink, a check of their cell phones and a change of shoes (think the football version of a triathlon), the player hit the broad jump and the vertical jump.

The work for the D-linemen ain’t no joke.

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