NFL Draft 2011: 10 Players Whose Attitude or Workouts Are Hurting Their Combine

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The NFL combine is such an important step when determining who your team should take in the draft.

Not only can you test potential players on their athleticism, speed and strength, but you can evaluate their personalities and leadership abilities in interviews.

Some people think that a player’s skill set is all that really matters.

Others maintain that attitude is key to success in the NFL and that work ethic and leadership are the most valuable trait in a prospect.

Let’s take a look at 10 players who may be hurting their stock in the 2011 NFL draft by either their bad attitude or a bad workout.

 

10. Greg Jones: LB Michigan State

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Jones was one of the better players in the Big Ten, but his stock is falling because of his size.

He is very undersized for a middle linebacker, and he may not have adequate speed to play outside.

He weighed in at just over 6' and 242 pounds.

 

9. Greg Little: WR North Carolina

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Apparently there are questions about his honesty during team interviews.

Little has plenty of raw talent, but will that be enough for a team to take a chance on him?

8. John Clay: RB Wisconsin

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John Clay was a guy whose stock was high in my opinion, and it was solely because of his size.

He’s a big downhill type runner. He looked to be perfect for a team searching for a goal line back.

He’s dropped some weight though, which some would suggest was good, but his 40 time did not reflect the loss, and he apparently looked rather sluggish.

7. Jerrod Johnson: QB Texas A&M

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Johnson has dealt with a shoulder injury that impeded his progress during the season, but he was invited to the combine none the less to try out for a potential backup role.

His accuracy was way off during throwing drills though.

He may have lost enough stock to completely fall off the board.

6. Nate Solder: OT Colorado

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Solder was once a tight end, and it really reflected on speed drills and in his overall agility.

He displayed an incredible lack of strength during the bench press though.

An offensive lineman with good agility and little strength is a sitting duck in the NFL.

5. Jonathan Baldwin: WR Pittsburgh

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Like many players on this list, Baldwin’s stock may be dropping a little not because of his skills, but because of his attitude.

He also didn’t impress during drills and actually fell during a receiving exercise.

It’s debatable whether or not attitude is overstated or understated in the combine, but either way there are questions about Baldwin.

4. Marcell Dareus: DT/DE Alabama

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This big man has gotten even bigger, which reflects on his speed.

Dareus is known for his great agility and quickness for a big guy.

Yes, in the NFL you want your lineman to be huge, no doubt, but in the case of Dareus, it has me wondering if this is going to affect his ability to come off the edge.

3. Cam Newton: QB Auburn

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Newton had a less than Heisman performance in his throwing drills at the combine, and came off looking rather inaccurate.

He also referred to himself in the third person during his interviews, which in my opinion is never a good sign in regards to leadership.

2. Ryan Mallett: QB Arkansas

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Mallet apparently looked pretty good during his drills, but his off-field behavior is still a huge question and his attitude presents an even bigger question.

He may be worth it because of his raw ability, but I could have said the same thing for JaMarcus Russell.

1. A.J. Green: WR Georgia

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Green is unique to this list because in reality, his stock is looking great.

Many have projected him to be the No. 1 wide receiver in the draft, but Julio Jones of Alabama may be giving him a run for his money.

Jones is having an outstanding combine, so even though Green appears to be the best, his stock may have taken a hit.