I just think of all the stupid testing metrics used on incoming players, the three-cone is the closest possible one to translating to a real football situation.
How many times in a game does a player lie on his back and lift 225 pounds repeatedly? Or jump straight into the air as high or far as he can? Or all out sprint for 40 yards?
Now how many times does he have to quickly navigate a small area maximizing his agility? That’s something just about every football player has to do on every play.
The importance of this skillset is magnified even more for receivers and defensive backs, where whether or not the receiver gets open is often determined within just a couple seconds of the snap.
Even linebackers and defensive linemen need that short area quickness and agility to beat blocks, cover or blitz/pass rush.