The 2016 NFL Scouting Combine is right around the corner, which means football analysts from far and wide will soon fill television screens across America.
Among the most notable -- and arguably the most memorable -- is NFL Media's Mike Mayock. Seated in the NFL Network booth during the combine, Mayock breaks down the performance of the game's best up-and-coming prospects with a colorful vocabulary usually reserved for your favorite football-loving great uncle. Terms such as "burp the baby" and "dancing bear" flow from Mayock's mouth as he watches players work out in front of a gaggle of scouts at Lucas Oil Field in Indianapolis, and luckily for football fanatics everywhere, it will be broadcast live on NFL Network.
Some viewers might need some help understanding what Mayock means when he calls a lineman a "heavy-legged waist bender." Worry no more, football enthusiast -- we have a glossary of Mayock's terms that you should already be printing out to have at your disposal. Arm yourself with knowledge.
Road Grader:
An offensive lineman who is highly effective in driving a defender off the ball on a running play.
Natural Bender:
A flexible, athletic offensive or defensive lineman who bends at the knees, not the waist.
Downhill Thumper - LB:
A physical linebacker who attacks and plays on the other side of the line of scrimmage.
Heavy-Legged Waist Bender:
An offensive or defensive lineman who lacks the flexibility to dip his hips and bend at the knees, causing him to look heavy-legged.
High Motor Guy:
A player who displays tireless effort until the whistle on every snap.
Burp the Baby:
When a QB taps his hand on the football too long and throws late, allowing a defensive back to jump a route.
Gets Through Trash:
When a defender is able to successfully navigate through a mass of blockers and teammates and make a tackle.
Quicker than Fast:
A player who may not possess great 40 yard dash speed but has quickness that is effective in short areas.
Run the Arc:
When an edge rusher uses speed to run outside of an offensive tackle and then flattens his path to pursue the quarterback.
Bubble Butt:
An offensive or defensive lineman with a powerful lower body that provides speed and explosion.
Sand in the Pants:
An undersized lineman that possesses toughness but needs to add bulk and strength.
Taffy Pull:
Despite a flurry of activity, neither the offensive or defensive player gains a decisive advantage.
Power Step:
The inside foot of an offensive lineman, which closes the door to a defenders inside rush.
Dancing Bear:
A huge defensive lineman with the agility of a ballerina.
Phone Booth:
An offensive lineman with below-average feet that performs best in short areas.
Get-Off:
The initial explosion and quickness off the snap.
Space Player:
An offensive skill position player who typically excels in open areas due to athletic ability and speed.
Oily Hips:
An ability of an LB or DB to change direction quickly and efficiently.
Body Beautiful:
A ripped physique that even the other players talk about.
J.A.G.:
Just A Guy.
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