NFL Combine 2012: Top Prospects with Nothing to Prove in Indianapolis

The NFL Scouting Combine is a great place for prospects to prove that they have the tools to be a talented player in the NFL. There is always that one player who will be the talk of the combine, jumping spots by the day. 

However, there are proven players who don’t need to showcase anything else. These participants shouldn’t go to the combine because they have nothing else to prove.

Robert Griffin III

Baylor’s Robert Griffin III was, of course, invited to the NFL Combine because he’s one of the best quarterbacks in the class. However, with Andrew Luck almost certain to go at No. 1, I don’t see the reason why Griffin will partake.

At this point he could only hurt his draft stock by producing with a lackluster performance. Griffin passed for 4,293 yards, 37 touchdowns and only six interceptions last season; he only threw 17 interceptions in his entire collegiate career.

We have seen the pinpoint accuracy, we know of his athleticism and we know what tools he brings to the table. I don’t see why he would want to prove anything more.

A poor performance could halter teams from jumping to the No. 2 and No. 3 position before the Cleveland Browns have their opportunity at No. 4. A quality performance and things basically stay the same.

I don’t see the risk.

Trent Richardson

Alabama’s Trent Richardson is head and shoulders better than anybody at his running back position. On most boards he sits around the No. 5 spot, and that’s where I believe he will land.

If the top five shakes out like how I believe it will, Richardson won’t even give himself an opportunity to move up with a quality performance at the combine. 

Richardson rushed for 1,679 yards and 21 touchdowns last season. He doesn’t mind running past you or straight into your chest which makes him such a great prospect. 

A poor performance could see Richardson slide in the draft while a great performance will most likely do nothing.

Richardson doesn’t have anything else to prove.

Andrew Luck

What else does this guy need to prove? There are few naysayers of Luck that specialize in NFL mock drafts yet they still have him as the No. 1 prospect.

There’s nothing else Luck needs to do so participating at the combine would be meaningless.

He’s the best player in the draft and he will prove once against come combine time, but it won’t change anything.

Luck posted 3,517 yards, 37 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in his senior season at Stanford.