NFL Combine 2012: Wide Receivers Who Need a Big Showing at the Combine

On Wednesday, February 22, the National Football League will once again turn its attention to Indianapolis, as hundreds of collegiate athletes, scouts, coaches and reporters descend on Lucas Oil Stadium for the 2012 NFL scouting combine.

Among the players gathered at the combine will be some of the top pass-catchers in college football. For some of those wideouts, a strong showing in Indy could mean being taken in the first round of April's NFL draft, while a poor outing could potentially cost them millions of dollars.

No pressure, though.

Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina

South Carolina wide receiver Alshon Jeffery actually had a relatively quiet 2011 from a statistical standpoint, reeling in 49 catches for 762 yards and eight scores. But the 6'4", 229-pounder's mediocre numbers say more about the Gamecocks' awful quarterback play last year than they do Jeffery's ability.

Bleacher Report NFL draft expert Matt Miller grades Jeffery as a top-five pick in April's NFL draft, while other pundits argue that Jeffery isn't even a first-round selection.

With questions swirling regarding Jeffery's straight-line speed and conditioning, it's essential that Jeffery show up in Indianapolis in great shape and ready to run a quick 40-yard dash.

Mohamed Sanu, Rutgers

Rutgers wide receiver Mohamed Sanu enjoyed a wildly successful junior season for the Scarlet Knights last year, making 115 catches for 1,206 yards and seven scores on his way to earning first-team All-Big East honors.

Much like with many of the larger wide receivers, the biggest question mark regarding Sanu is his high gear and ability to separate, so scouts and coaches will no doubt be lined up to watch Sanu run the 40-yard dash.

A fast time could vault him into the late first round.

Tommy Streeter, Miami (FL)

At 6'5" and 215 pounds, Miami wide receiver Tommy Streeter certainly has the frame that NFL scouts drool over, and in his first season with significant playing time, Streeter caught passes for over 800 yards and scored eight touchdowns.

Streeter's route-running and blocking techniques are still rather raw, but if the lanky wideout can showcase his speed in Indianapolis, that coupled with his size should be enough for an NFL team to take a gamble on Streeter's potential in the third round of the draft.

Jordan White, Western Michigan

No wide receiver in college football was more productive in 2011 than Jordan White of Western Michigan, as the senior hauled in a ridiculous 140 catches for over 1,900 yards and 17 touchdowns en route to being named a third-team All-American.

However, at 6'0" and 215 pounds, White doesn't present a large target, nor does he have a reputation for possessing blazing speed, so it will be essential for White's draft stock that he perform well in Indianapolis.

White's combine showing could mean the difference between being drafted in the third round or the sixth.

Tim Benford, Tennessee Tech

One of the standouts in recent practices for the East-West Shrine Game was Tennessee Tech wide receiver Tim Benford, as the 5'11", 199-pounder gave defensive backs fits all week with his straight-line speed and agility while running routes.

The somewhat diminutive Benford didn't post gaudy numbers in 2011, with 923 yards and five touchdowns. But, if he can follow up his strong Shrine Game by wowing scouts at the combine, then Benford could find himself taken in the middle of the 2012 NFL draft as a potential slot receiver at the next level.

DeVier Posey, Ohio State

The 2011 season was a nightmare for Ohio State wide receiver DeVier Posey, as suspensions stemming from the scandals that rocked the school's football program last year limited the 6'2", 209-pound senior to only three games and 162 receiving yards.

Posey's measurables are decent, and a good time in the 40-yard dash will certainly boost his draft stock.

But it may be even more crucial for the former Buckeyes standout to impress upon coaches and scouts in interviews that his troubles are behind him, and his head is screwed on straight.