NFL combine ratings up with move to prime time

The NFL Scouting Combine's shift from early afternoon to prime time led to a ratings spike.

The 2020 event, which kicked off Thursday at 4 p.m. ET, drew an average of 322,000 viewers, making it the most-watched first day and weekday of combine coverage, the league announced.

Thursday's Combine coverage averaged 322K overall viewers & 141K P18-49 viewers -- up +119% & up +71% respectively vs. last year's Day 1 coverage

- NFL Media (@NFLMedia) February 28, 2020

Those numbers came despite top quarterbacks Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa being absent for the individual drills, including the 40-yard dash.

The highlight of Thursday's coverage was Alabama receiver Henry Ruggs III challenging the record for the fastest 40-yard dash, clocking in at 4.27, just 0.05 seconds slower than John Ross' time of 4.22.

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