The NFL Draft is one of the most crucial events in football, where teams sift through a pool of talented prospects to shape the future of their franchise. While traditional scouting methods still hold value, modern analytics now play an important role in this evaluation process. Among the many metrics available, Relative Athletic Score (RAS) has emerged as a prominent tool in assessing a prospect’s athleticism.
Developed by Kent Lee Platte, RAS has transformed how scouts and analysts evaluate players’ raw athletic ability, providing insights that go beyond tape and in-game performance. But what exactly is RAS, and why is it so important for NFL teams?
What Is RAS And How Is It Calculated?
RAS stands for Relative Athletic Score, a metric that quantifies a player’s athleticism compared to their peers at the same position. It combines various physical measurements and drill performances from the NFL Combine and Pro Days into a single, standardized score on a scale from 0 to 10. A score of 10 represents elite athleticism, while a score of 5 indicates an average performance.
The algorithm evaluates attributes such as height, weight, arm length, and hand size, alongside combine results like the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, bench press, and shuttle drills. Each individual metric is ranked relative to other players in the same position, allowing for meaningful comparisons. For instance, a wide receiver with a vertical jump in the 95th percentile would score a 9.5 for that specific attribute.
Also Read: NFL Combine History: All You Need To Know About Its Location, Events, And More
The Origins Of RAS
RAS was created by Kent Lee Platte, a lifelong Detroit Lions fan with a passion for data analytics. Platte began working on the metric in 2012, inspired by online discussions about draft prospects. He noticed a disconnect between subjective observations, terms like “explosive” and “strong,” and the actual data.
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Platte launched the RAS database, which now includes measurements dating back to 1987. While data from before 2000 is less complete, the system remains one of the most comprehensive tools for evaluating athleticism. Platte describes his work as “a metric that can intuitively and easily gauge a player’s athletic ability relative to their position.”
Historical High Scorers In RAS
Over the years, numerous players have achieved perfect RAS scores of 10.0, highlighting their elite athleticism. Some notable examples include:
Anthony Richardson (QB): His 4.43-second 40-yard dash at 6’4”, 244 pounds, helped him secure the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 draft.
Calvin Johnson (WR): Known as “Megatron,” Johnson’s rare combination of size (6’5”, 239 pounds) and speed (4.4-second 40-yard dash) set him apart.
Cam Newton (QB): Newton’s unique physical profile and athletic ability helped him win the NFL MVP award in 2015.
Other players with perfect scores include Creed Humphrey (C), Zyon McCollum (CB), and Jordan Davis (DT).
How NFL Teams Use RAS In The Draft Process
NFL teams increasingly rely on RAS to identify and evaluate prospects. The metric helps scouts contextualize a player’s athletic traits, offering a starting point for deeper analysis. For example, in the 2023 NFL Draft, the New York Jets had the highest average RAS of 9.64 across their picks, followed by the Colts (9.48) and the Saints (9.44).
Chicago Bears’ GM Ryan Poles also stresses s athleticism in his selections. In 2023, all ten of his draft picks scored above 8.0 in RAS, with offensive tackle Darnell Wright leading the pack at 9.68. This approach aligns with the trend of using RAS to supplement traditional scouting methods.
Also Read: Ranking The Best And Worst NFL Combine Performances Of All-Time
Limitations And Misconceptions About RAS
While it is a valuable tool, it isn’t a definitive predictor of NFL success. Some high-RAS players, such as Brian Johnston (10.0 RAS, 2008 draft), struggled in the league, while low-RAS players like Tom Brady (1.49 RAS) have achieved legendary status.
RAS also doesn’t account for in-game intelligence, instincts, or production, which are critical factors for NFL performance. Additionally, missing data from certain drills due to injuries or player decisions can affect the score’s accuracy.
Main Tests And Metrics In RAS
The primary tests that contribute to RAS include:
40-Yard Dash: Measures straight-line speed. A time of 4.4 seconds is considered elite for skill positions.
Vertical and Broad Jumps: Assess lower-body explosiveness.
Three-Cone Drill: Evaluates agility and change of direction.
Bench Press: Tests upper-body strength, especially relevant for linemen.
Each test result is normalized and scored relative to the player’s position group, ensuring meaningful comparisons.
Why RAS Matters For NFL Teams?
It provides a clear, concise way to compare athletes across and within positions. It allows teams to identify outliers and match players’ physical traits to their schemes. For example, a team seeking a speedy wide receiver can prioritize prospects with high RAS scores in speed-related drills.
While it’s not a standalone evaluation tool, RAS complements film studies, interviews, and game performance analysis. As Platte notes, “RAS is not a be-all, end-all, but it’s a critical starting point.”
Also Read: How Does The NFL Draft Work? Everything You Need To Know
