NFL Combine 2012: Players Who Will Be Draft Surprises After Combine

With the 2012 NFL Combine right around the corner, prospects are preparing themselves for what is essentially the biggest job interview of their life.

Starting Wednesday, Feb 22, potential draftees will have six days to wow their prospective employers. Executives from every team in the league will be in attendance, so players can boost or cripple their draft stock with their combine performance.

Since it's no fun to dwell on the negative, I'll highlight some players who will climb up draft boards with strong showings at the combine.

Trumaine Johnson, CB, Montana

I was lucky enough to watch in person as Johnson destroyed wide receivers the past few years at the University of Montana.

At 6'2", 205 pounds, he's an elite physical specimen. He uses his strong frame, blazing speed, excellent timing and exceptional ball skills to overwhelm opposing receivers.

He should blow scouts away at the combine from an athletic standpoint. He's simply massive for a cornerback, and I'm expecting him to put up insane numbers in the broad and vertical jumps.

He's probably a mid-to-late second-round pick right now because there are some questions surrounding his dedication to the game and his willingness to put team success ahead of himself. However, if he impresses in the interview process, I wouldn't be shocked if he climbs into first-round territory.

Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

Wright has skyrocketed up draft boards the past few months, as Robert Griffin III drew the eyes of the nation to Baylor football.

Wright lacks ideal size (5'10", 190 pounds), but he's insanely fast and elusive. He's been clocked at 4.42 seconds in the 40-yard dash, which is the fastest time from the top-notch receivers in this class.

He's also got ridiculous overall athleticism. He's a former member of the Baylor basketball squad, so you know he can jump.

He needs to polish his technique if he's ever going to dominate in the NFL, but his athletic gifts will make him stand out at the combine.

I'm expecting Wright to be drafted in the 15-20 range of the first round.

Ladarius Green, TE, Louisiana-Lafayette

Like Wright, Green is a little undersized for his position, but he makes up for it with his ridiculous athleticism.

In today's NFL, athletic tight ends who can cause mismatches are a hot commodity. Green fits that mold perfectly, as he can blow past linebackers and outmuscle safeties. He'll be a dangerous weapon at the next level as long as he adds a little bulk and maintains his speed.

As of now, I'm projecting Green to be drafted late in the third round. With a strong showing at the combine, he could move into the late-second, early-third range.