NFL Combine 2012: Studs That Will Threaten Workout Records

Scouting combine numbers don’t tell the whole story, but they sure are fun to look at.

Sometimes 40-yard dash times and vertical leap heights don’t translate on the field, but there have been a few players that have improved or hurt their draft stock based on their combine results.

In 2005, Ronnie Brown ran a scorching 4.4-second 40-yard dash at the combine. That helped vault him to the number two spot in the draft, ahead of his college teammate Cardell “Cadillac” Williams.

This was significant because he had been Williams’ backup the two previous years at Auburn.

In the same year, Mike Williams from USC ran a pedestrian 4.6-second 40-yard dash. Because he was a wide receiver, the skepticism began about his inability to get separation on the next level.

The best record-setting combine performances are phenomenal when you really grasp the shear athleticism required to accomplish the feat. 

Still, every year, a new set of freakish athletic players gather to threaten the seemingly unbreakable records of their predecessors.

Here are three of the most impressive records from the combine and the players that have a chance to break them in 2012.

Fastest 40-Yard Dash Time: Chris Johnson (4.24 seconds), 2008 and Rondel Melendez (4.24 seconds), 1999

2012’s Biggest threat: Florida, KR/PR,RB Jeff Demps

In 2008, Chris Johnson equalled Rondel Melendez’s sick 4.24-second 40 time, and they share the record for fastest 40-yard dash. Don’t look now, but Florida has a rocket headed to the Draft Combine.

Jeff Demps has already been clocked as fast as 4.26 seconds per nfldraftscout.com, and one look at him on tape shows he is blazing fast.

Demps, a track and field star, is also a dangerous return man.

He’s only 5’8”, and that's generous, but he weights a solid 190 pounds. Demps has a future as a kick returner and punt returner. If he can refine his skills at the line of scrimmage, he could be a more explosive Darren Sproles clone. 

At the NFL combine this year, he’ll do nothing to hurt his stock. And watch out, because 4.23 or 4.22 is certainly a possibility when that gun goes off. 

Witness the blur for yourself:

Most 225-Pound Bench Press Reps: Justin Ernest (51), 1999

2012's Biggest Threat: Iowa State, OL Kelechi Osemele 

Most folks couldn’t dead lift 225 pounds once, let alone bench press it 52 times. In order to break Ernest’ record, that is what someone will have to do.

Last year Stephen Paea did 49 reps, and many called him the record holder. But, per Topendsports.com, Ernest is still the top guy.

This year Kelechi Osemele of Iowa State is the premier threat to break the record. Osemele is known for his mean streak, and he’s got some power to go with it.

He can bench press 465 pounds per the Wcfcourier.com, up from the 315-pound bench press he tallied as a high school senior, per Rivals.com.

Osemele is a monster that just might turn green at the combine as he thrust up his 52nd rep. Take a look at him (#72) maul a defender here:

Highest Vertical Leap: Gerald Sensabaugh (46”), 2005

2012's Biggest Threat: Virginia, CB Chase Minnifield  

Gerald Sensabaugh can truly sky. A 46” vertical is amazing—that is what I call NBA All-Star Weekend hops.

The biggest challenger to his throne is Virginia’s Chase Minnifield. Minnifield is really an underrated athlete. The son of former NFL player Frank Minnifield, Gerald certainly has a ton of pure athleticism to display at the scouting combine.

In fact, Minnifield has some nice basketball exploits of his own. Take a look at Minnifield posterizing an opponent from his high school days at Henry Clay High School in Lexington, Ky. He can show you better than I can tell you: