2012 NFL Draft Combine: Top Players Who Must Impress Heading into Draft

The 2012 NFL Scouting Combine takes place in late February, and there are several players who need to shine bright or else they'll miss out on being drafted in the first round or possibly even being selected at all. 

Every year, there players who step up big-time at the Scouting Combine, as well as players who fall flat on their face. It's unfortunate, because it really hurts their draft stock, but it's just inevitable. 

CBSSports released the list of the 65 players attending the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine, and each and every one of them has the potential to significantly climb up the draft boards leading up to the 2012 NFL draft. 

With that said, here are three players who excelled in college but now have no choice but to dominate at the Scouting Combine. 

Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State 

One of the greatest college football quarterbacks to ever play the game, Moore may not even be drafted. I think he will, but if he flops at the Scouting Combine, he is definitely toast. 

Listed at 5'11", 191 pounds, Moore was far from impressive at the Senior Bowl, which puts even more pressure on him to excel at the Scouting Combine. 

Moore is undersized and lacks the great arm strength that's needed to be a great NFL quarterback. He'll have to show that he can make big throws at the Scouting Combine, but even then, since it isn't a game setting, only perfection will see his name drastically move up draft boards.

The winningest Division 1 college football quarterback is under the spotlight, and if he fails to deliver at the Scouting Combine, the chances of him hearing his name during draft weekend will be slim to none. 

Chris Polk, RB, Washington

Polk is a powerful running back who is a borderline first-round draft pick, and a great showing at the Scouting Combine will do wonders for his draft stock. 

Listed at 5'10", 224 pounds, Polk has to own in front of the scouts to become a lock for the first round. It won't be easy since he's up against great competition, but it's certainly possible. 

His speed is the main thing that brings him down. Polk isn't the fastest guy out there, nor does he have tremendous breakaway speed. Don't get me wrong, he has a great burst of quickness, but other guys are much faster. 

All this means is that Polk has to run a better than expected 40-yard-dash to blow people away. If he can do that and knock the interviews out of the park, then he may just land in the first round.

Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers 

Another potential first-round pick, Sanu had a sensational season last year, and he definitely made the right choice to leave early for the NFL. Landing in the first round will depend on previous picks and team needs of those in the late first round. 

In 2011, Sanu set a school record for most receptions in a single season with 115. Sanu also set a school record with 210 career receptions. He finished the year with 1,206 yards and is the fifth best wide receiver in the draft. 

In order to become a sure-fire first-round pick, though, Sanu needs to put his exceptional skills on full display at the Scouting Combine. 

Listed at 6'2", 215 pounds, Sanu has great hands and will no doubt contribute a great amount in his rookie season. However, being a first-round pick has to be his main focus right now, and the best way to achieve that is by thriving at the Scouting Combine.