NFL Combine 2012: Underrated Players Who Will Boost Stock at Combine

The NFL combine is a terrific opportunity for players who believe they deserve to be drafted earlier than currently projected to prove it against elite prospects at the same position. If they fail on the big stage in Indianapolis, they'll have no reason to complain when they endure a draft-weekend slide.

Here are three underrated players who will shine during the combine, which will take place starting on Feb. 22 at Lucas Oil Stadium.

QB: Brandon Weeden

The biggest issue holding Weeden back doesn't seem to be anything to do with talent, but rather the fact he's already 28 years old. After a successful final two seasons at Oklahoma State, he needs to prove he's still worth an early pick even though he's several years older than his fellow draftees.

He's got terrific arm strength, which is no surprise considering he's a former pitcher, and his accuracy has improved markedly over the past couple years. Another area where he's stepped up his performance is decision-making. The amount of head-scratching mistakes has dropped dramatically.

There are simply too many teams that need a quarterback for him to slide too far past the early portion of Round 2. Look for him to force the hands of several front offices with a great showing at the combine. After all, his age still leaves room for a decade or more of playing time if he succeeds.

RB: LaMichael James

Despite his tremendous collegiate career at Oregon, James hasn't generated much draft hype so far. That's mostly because teams are unable to look past his size, but it's hard to ignore nearly 5,700 offensive yards in three years with the Ducks.

The biggest reason he'll stand out at the combine is that biggest his physical skills are basically unmatched at the running back position. His speed will turn heads in the showcase event, the 40-yard dash, and he should do well at most of the other tests as well.

Since the league continues to move toward more pass-oriented offenses, James would seem to fit the mold. Darren Sproles could have made a case for MVP due to everything he did for the Saints this season, and James should play a similar role at the next level.

CB: Dre Kirkpatrick

Kirkpatrick was considered a fringe top-five prospect before an off-field issue caused his stock to dip over the past month. Luckily for him, the drug charge was dropped, according to ESPN, which should give him a good argument to make during team interviews.

Once he gets past those character concerns, his talent should speak for itself. He's a dynamic corner, who was one of the marquee pieces on Alabama's dominant defense, and he will be able to make an immediate impact in the NFL.

Don't be surprised if a good outing in Indianapolis, paired with the news about his drug charge, pushes him back toward the first few picks of the draft. Based on talent alone, that's where he belongs, because it won't be long before he's considered a true shutdown corner.