Vertical Jump for Football: Position Requirements

Why Vertical Jump Matters in Football

Vertical jump indicates lower body explosiveness, which translates to:

Acceleration and first-step quickness

Jumping for catches and interceptions

Explosive blocking and tackling

Change of direction ability

The NFL Combine tests vertical jump as one of its key athletic measurements.

NFL Combine Averages by Position

Wide Receivers: 35-38 inches (89-97 cm)

Highest jumpers in football—need to win contested catches.

Cornerbacks: 34-37 inches (86-94 cm)

Must match receivers in the air.

Running Backs: 33-36 inches (84-91 cm)

Explosiveness for cuts and hurdles.

Linebackers: 32-35 inches (81-89 cm)

Need to close gaps quickly and defend passes.

Defensive Linemen: 28-32 inches (71-81 cm)

Lower averages but still important for pass rushing.

Offensive Linemen: 25-30 inches (64-76 cm)

Lowest averages, but explosiveness still matters for blocking.

What's Considered Good?

For high school and college prospects:

Above 36 inches: Elite, will stand out at any level

32-36 inches: Very good, competitive for college

28-32 inches: Good, position-dependent

Below 28 inches: May need improvement depending on position

Training Implications

Football players benefit from:

Explosive strength training (power cleans, trap bar jumps)

Plyometrics for reactive ability

Single-leg power development

Sport-specific movement patterns

Vertical jump is trainable—many players improve significantly between high school and the NFL Combine.