No drill quite tests a draft prospect’s raw power at the NFL combine quite like the bench press. It is a tried and staple barometer of strength and upper-body explosiveness. It’s also had some remarkable displays over the years.

As the 2024 NFL combine gets underway through the rest of this week, we thought it was fair to look back upon the biggest (pun intended) bench press performances ever. It should be noted that skill positions are not really featured here because they don’t need this kind of raw upper-body strength.

But the big boys up front? Hoo boy, are they laden all over this list.

Let’s dive in.

10

C Russell Bodine, 2014: 42 reps

Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

9

DL Tank Tyler, 2007: 42 reps

George Walker/The Tennessean

8

DT Isaac Sopoaga, 2007: 42 reps

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

7

G Scott Young, 2005: 43 reps

6

DL Brodrick Bunkley, 2006: 44 reps

Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

5

DL Dontari Poe, 2012: 44 reps

Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

4

DT Jeff Owens, 2010: 44 reps

Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

3

DL Mike Kudla, 2006: 45 reps

2

OL Mitch Petrus, 2010: 45 reps

Tariq Zehawi/NorthJersey.com

1

DT Stephen Paea, 2011: 49 reps

Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports