It never fails as the combine comes to a close. No this is something that can be counted on like the sun rising in the east, setting in the west. It is as reliable as death and taxes. "It" is the proverbial naysayer. More specifically the droves out countless tweeters, bloggers, columnists, sports radio hosts, college football fans and school specific fanatics that scream, almost in unison:

"THE COMBINE DOESN'T EVEN MATTER"

Sometimes it comes after their players don't do so hot on the track. Sometimes it comes after a player from a rival school elevates his stock. Sometimes it comes out of spite and disgust with all the hype surrounding the biggest job interview in America.

No matter where it comes from the fact is it comes. You'll hear it rained down from former players who weren't elite combine invites. Trumpeted by sports radio personalities who like to think they've got some clue as to what it takes to play in the league. Recited like a mantra by fans who are looking for a way to validate their All-American corner who just ran a 4.7-40 yard dash.

Its frustrating, annoying and more than anything ridiculous. The fact that twitter has exploded with people saying "it doesn't matter" is just another reason to add to the recklessly penned columns about how "the combine isn't important." Here's a fact folks:

LIKE IT OR NOT THE COMBINE IS A GREAT TOOL THAT COMPLETES THE HOLY TRINITY OF PLAYER EVALUATION

That holy trinity of course being film evaluation, personality assessment and finally combine production.

Read more for why the combine does matter and ITB's official stance on the NFL Draft Combine's importance...