NFL Combine 2012: Elite College Stars Who Must Impress Scouts in a Major Way

The 2012 NFL Scouting Combine is right around the corner, and several players desperately need to shine bright in the spotlight to help and/or maintain their draft status. 

The last thing these prospects need before the 2012 NFL draft is to flop in front of scouts. Indeed, a great deal is made of the Scouting Combine, so these athletes must excel. 

If they don't, it could cost them millions of dollars as they would likely be drafted later than they hoped. 

With that said, here are just a few players who have to succeed big-time in front of the many scouts in Indianapolis from Feb. 22-28. 

Chris Polk, RB, Washington 

A borderline first-round pick, Polk can shatter that notion with a solid showing at the combine. 

Listed at 5'10", 224-pounds, the former Washington Huskies standout is a powerful running back with great vision on the field. 

His speed is in question, which is why all eyes will be on him when he runs the ever-so-popular 40-yard dash. 

If Polk can blow everyone away with his 40-time, he'll easily jump up into the discussion for a sure-fire fist-rounder. 

Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor 

The Heisman Trophy winner put on one heck of a performance this past season, but this doesn't mean he is free from scrutiny at the combine. 

Griffin has the skills to be a franchise quarterback, which is one of the reasons why so many people will be intently watching his every move.

A dual-threat quarterback who thinks pass first is extremely dangerous, but because Griffin has seen so much praise in the last year, it puts more pressure on him as the draft approaches.

The NFL is a completely different ballgame, and scouts want to see if Griffin has all the tools necessary to win big.

Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina 

There were conflicting reports about Jeffery's weight, but Bleacher Report's NFL draft guru Matt Miller put those to rest.

Still, since Jeffery is considered one of the top wide receivers in the class of 2012 and a possible Top-10 pick, everyone will be watching to see how he does. 

In his last collegiate game, Jeffery was ejected for fighting, so expect that to come up in interviews with teams. Jeffery will have to handle that well or several teams will drop him from their boards. 

Listed at 6'4", 235 pounds, Jeffery has to show that he can separate from defenders with no issue and that he has a great 40-yard dash time.

Meanwhile, his vertical isn't in question. Time after time, Jeffery leaped up and made incredible catches in college. 

Since he's highly rated, Jeffery has to step up and deliver an outstanding show at the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine.