NFL Combine 2012: Analyzing the Most Explosive Potential First-Round Playmakers

Those who have the ability to change the complexion of a game really standout in the NFL Draft.

And with so much attention focused on quarterbacks and having a high football IQ, the playmakers can go underappreciated. That said, let's take a look at some potential first-round playmakers for the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine.

Morris Claiborne: CB, LSU

We know Morris Claiborne is a lockdown defender who can blanket virtually every receiver in the land while also providing great help with edge run support. What goes overlooked though, is his ability to not only snag interceptions but change the field position.

Between 2010 and 2011, Claiborne intercepted 11 passes and returned them for 274 yards, including one touchdown. That's an average of almost 25 yards per return which is 1/4 of a football field (not including the end zones).

In addition, that's 2.5 less first downs that an offense has to get on the possession change. Talk about a momentum shift, and Claiborne also served as LSU's kickoff returner last season. There, he accumulated 552 yards on 25 returns and scored a touchdown.

Doing all of this requires a great deal of focus, and the ability to quickly change directions while anticipating the receiver's route. Watch for that at the combine because he is expected to stand alone when compared to other defensive backs.

Melvin Ingram: DE/OLB, South Carolina

This is a guy who can do a lot of different things for a defense.

Last season Melvin Ingram recorded 10 sacks (nine in 2010) and 48 tackles for the Gamecocks. Some pretty solid numbers for a guy who can switch between defensive end and outside linebacker.

Ingram also recorded two interceptions, recovered two fumbles and scored three touchdowns (one on a fake punt run for 68 yards). The man simply has a knack for finding the football, and because he goes all out on every play, Ingram's versatility only benefits a defense.

On occasion, Ingram would even play defensive tackle to help stuff the run as he can split double teams and beat any one-on-one blocking situation. Plus, he served on South Carolina's hands team to prevent opponents from recovering onside kicks.

How many defensive lineman/linebackers in the country provide that ability as well?

None, because Ingram's instincts, IQ and tangibles, such as awareness and agility, are as good as it gets.

Kendall Wright: WR, Baylor

Although Kendall Wright appears undersized at 5'10", 190 pounds—his acceleration, lateral quickness and top speed are among the best in the NFL Draft.

Now, had it not been for his quarterback Robert Griffin III, Wright may not be considered a first-round draft choice. However, he did consistently improve over four years and capped off a good career with a great season in 2011.

In 2011, Wright accounted for 1,663 yards on 108 receptions and scored 14 touchdowns. He has great route-running skills, explodes out of each break in the pattern and can outrun any defender on the field.

He averaged 15.4 yards per catch, and in four games during 2011, averaged over 20 yards per reception. If there's one receiver who can potentially match all the tangible qualities to Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon, Kendall Wright is that guy.

John Rozum on Twitter.