NFL Combine 2012: Players with Most to Lose at Lauded Workout

The NFL Combine is the perfect opportunity for breakout stars to get noticed. For the following athletes, it is also a moment when they may have weaknesses and shortcomings exposed. 

Not every NFL hopeful should be headed to the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on February 22nd. We have one superstar that would be better served staying at home. 

Then there are those that have no choice but to prove their worth amidst other athletes that share every last bit of their athleticism. 

The difference between the studs and duds at the Combine is razor thin. A half-second could mean the difference between extreme adulation and being shoved to the bottom of most draft boards. 

Here are the young men that will face a tough time at the NFL Combine. 

Luke Kuechly: The Boston College standout is considered one of the top linebackers in the draft. That may not be saying a whole lot, considering this may be one of the leaner years at that position. 

Kuechly joined a couple dozen other prospects at the IMG Academy in Florida in preparation for the Combine. I love the instincts that he brings to the position, but there are questions surrounding Kuechly's size and speed. 

I have him pegged as the most volatile athlete headed into the Combine. If he proves that he can put up a great 4-yard dash time, we will see him solidify his status as an early first-round pick.

However, a bad time could see him drop significantly on the board. 

Alshon Jeffrey: The South Carolina receiver is teetering between a first-round payday and something much later. There is no denying his promise as a 6'4", 230-pound talent, but he needs to prove a great deal at the Combine. 

He needs to have a 40-yard dash time near the top of the heap and drills that are off the charts to keep the buzz surrounding him alive. One false step could see him drop on boards well off the first round. 

Andrew Luck: Here is the big one. Luck could pretty much sit back on his sofa until draft day and try on his new Indianapolis Colts jersey. 

Luck will be at the Combine and has nothing to gain from that fact. The only thing that could possibly happen is that Luck loses his stranglehold on the No. 1 overall selection. 

I doubt he will throw, but there is still room for him to usher in doubt by showing his face at the Combine. 

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