NFL Combine 2012: Why This Year's Scouting Combine Means Less Than Years Past

When the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine kicks off in Indianapolis next week, the league's teams will no doubt be paying just as much attention as usual. However, unlike most editions of the annual event, not much will be decided as far as the first round of the 2012 NFL draft is concerned.

This year's draft class is pretty well separated already, even without seeing the players workout on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium.

At this point in the process, we already know who the top offensive players are at virtually every position. Stanford's Andrew Luck and Baylor's Robert Griffin III are the top quarterbacks on the board, while USC's Matt Kalil is the best offensive lineman, Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon is the best receiver and Alabama's Trent Richardson is the best running back.

In fact, the guys I just listed are so far superior to their competition that even an insane workout from someone at their position won't like change the draft order much.

On defense, I doubt anyone will pass North Carolina defensive end Quinton Coples as the best defensive player on the board, though LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne has a chance. Meanwhile, South Carolina's Melvin Ingram and Alabama's Courtney Upshaw are locked in a battle to be the first edge rusher taken. 

Alabama's Mark Barron is far and away the best safety in what appears to be a weak class at the position and film study has established Boston College's Luke Kuechly as the best linebacker on the board.

Most of the players who will be taken in the first round are essentially set. Next week's Scouting Combine will likely only be important for guys looking to improve their stock and elevate themselves to second-round status or possibly edge their way up into the back end of the first round.