NFL Combine 2012: Defensive Freaks Who Will Blow Scouts Away

The NFL combine is a chance for freakish athletes like the following to shine. It puts all their raw size, strength and speed in plain view and in clear numbers. 

This article is going to focus on players with jaw-dropping skills who play on the defensive side of the ball. 

Nick Perry, DE/OLB, USC

At 6'3" and 250 pounds, Perry is the perfect size to be a pass rushing OLB in a 3-4. He also has the speed to go with it. 

This quick college defensive end can be expected to run around a 4.6 in the 40. He also should display good agility in drills. 

This will help his draft status after a less-than-dominant and short college career. 

Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

Claiborne isn't quite the size/speed freak that former teammate Patrick Peterson proved to be, but he is close. 

Claiborne is 6'0" and should weigh in around 188 pounds, and this dude can fly. He will be among the leaders for the fastest 40 time at the combine. 

He also has great agility and vert. Claiborne will be a top-10 lock after his combine performance. 

Devon Still, DT, Penn State

Still has the body type scouts love when looking for an interior defensive lineman. He is 6'5" and should tip the scales at around 310 pounds. 

What is even more promising is that he has the frame to add another 20 pounds. He also has great explosiveness. 

Still will likely run a 5.0 to 5.1 in the 40. And even more impressive—and important for a DT—will be his time in the first 10 yards. Still has an amazing first step. 

He will also post great weightlifting numbers, and scouts will leave completely enamored with his potential.