NFL Combine 2012: 5 Prospects Who Must Boost Their Stock

A lot of money can be won or lost at the NFL combine. A good performance can turn a marginal prospect into a first day pick, while a poor performance can send a prospect tumbling down draft boards.

A lot of teams and analysts view the combine's results with a grain of salt. We all know that Morris Claiborne will run fast and that Cordy Glenn will bench well. Their performances don't matter as much as some others.

Still, there are some less experienced prospects who don't have much film. There are other prospects who scouts worry about their athleticism. For these young men, the combine means everything.

Here are the five players who must use the combine to boost their stock.

Juron Criner

The knock on Juron Criner has always been his speed. He has freakish jump ball ability, runs decent routes and has incredible hands, but he seemed to struggle to get separation in college.

At the Senior Bowl, though, Criner managed to display more burst. Scouts will use the combine to determine whether that burst is for real, or just an aberration.

If Criner runs well and looks explosive, he could jump up to being a first-round pick.

Ryan Tannehill

Ryan Tannehill might be one of the most gifted quarterbacks in the draft, but he is a controversial prospect. His lack of experience and inconsistency has been maddening to scouts, but some team that needs a quarterback will still be taking a hard look at him.

Tannehill needs to focus on two aspects of the combine. He needs to come off as cerebral, with a complete knowledge of the quarterback position in his interviews. Second, he needs to display good footwork and mechanics.

He's got the arm strength and pure athleticism, so if he shows mastery of the finer points of the game, Tannehill could be a high first-round draft pick.

Michael Floyd

Michael Floyd was dominant in college, but like Criner, his speed could require a second examination. More importantly, though, teams will be interviewing Floyd thoroughly to see if he has moved past his character issues.

Floyd was more of a possession receiver in college, but he flashed deep speed on occasion. He could run faster than people expect. Floyd seems to have matured as a person as well.

The combine will be big for Floyd, but expect him to excel in this environment.

Vontaze Burfict

Vontaze Burfict will blow up the combine's athletic tests. He could be the most athletic linebacker prospect since Patrick Willis. What Burfict will need to show is that he understands the game and has learned to keep his emotions in check.

Teams will want to throw Burfict off-balance in the interviews. He must respond with maturity and intelligence. If Burfict proves his mettle, he could skyrocket up drafts boards.

Chris Polk

Rumors persist that Chris Polk is slow and non athletic. He can prove everyone wrong at the combine.

Polk will need to run with good speed and explosion, but more important will be his 10 yard split and his performance in the running back drills.

If Polk displays good footwork and burst, he will cement his position as the third best back in this draft, and should be taken in the second round.