NFL Combine 2012: Predictions for the Top 10 Players to Watch

The NFL combine is an important part of the draft process and can really shape the outcome of the draft. It gives each prospect an opportunity to give their draft stock one last positive spin before the individual workouts. Making a good impression is an important factor in what prospects are brought in for an extra look.

Each prospect is fighting for every little advantage, which is one of the reasons the combine plays such an important role. However, evaluators shouldn't put to much stock into a 40 time or it could lead to a major draft day mistake.

Chandler Jones, Syracuse

Combine Impact: Major Rise in Draft Stock

When watching Chandler Jones play on the field, you can quickly see the explosiveness in his game. His quick first step makes him a very dangerous pass-rusher. His draft stock will only continue to rise as we draw closer to the draft.

Jones will leave the combine as one of the most sought-after prospects in the 2012 draft class.

Look for a team like the Dallas Cowboys at No. 14 or New York Jets at No. 16 to give Jones some heavy consideration.

Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina

Combine Impact: Move into the No. 2-ranked cornerback

South Carolina's Stephon Gilmore doesn't get as much attention as the other cornerback prospects in this draft. However, he's a top-level athlete with good toughness and instincts. Gilmore is more than capable of developing into the one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL.

The combine will be his opportunity to show everyone his level of athleticism. Don't be surprised if he registers the top 40 time out of all the highly-rated defensive backs.

A strong showing at the combine could potentially propel him ahead of Alabama's Dre Kirkpatrick in the cornerback ranking.

Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State

Combine Impact: Solidifying his Stock

Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon needs to show that he has the top-end speed needed to make plays over the top. His college career shows that he's capable of compiling a ton of yards, but only well-rounded receivers find a way to crack the top 10.

Only a strong showing at the combine will secure a spot in the top 10 for Blackmon.

Expect to see Blackmon run just fast enough to show the evaluators he's capable of making plays down the field. He only needs a decent showing to solidify his hold as the top-rated wide receiver prospect in the draft.

Zach Brown, North Carolina

Combine Impact: Slight Rise

All evaluators can see the explosiveness of North Carolina's Zach Brown and the combine is the perfect stage for a player of his abilities. Brown has the speed and quickness of a defensive back but the size of a linebacker.

His ability to cover sideline to sideline will be attractive all defensive coordinators.

Brown's stock will only receive a slight bump because everyone already knows he's a terrific athlete. However, there's always a ton of hype generated when a player impresses at the combine.

A strong showing will solidify Brown's status as a first-round prospect.

Whitney Mercilus, Illinois

Combine Impact: Slight Drop

Illinois' Whitney Mercilus does a great job getting after the quarterback and that's the main reason he's in the first-round discussion.

However, Mercilus isn't an elite-level athlete capable of posting eye-popping combine numbers. He's sure to get overshadowed by prospects such as Syracuse's Chandler Jones and West Virginia's Bruce Irvin.

A less-than-stellar combine performance could lead teams to question his ability to transition to outside linebacker. Some teams feel that Mercilus doesn't have the size or anchor to hold up at defensive end. This means he needs to show enough athletic ability and speed to make teams comfortable about his possible position switch.

Alfonzo Dennard, Nebraska

Combine Impact: Slight Rise

The Senior Bowl practices weren't very kind to Nebraska's Alfonzo Dennard. Most evaluators left feeling that he wasn't quick or fluid enough to play cornerback in the NFL. At the very least, Dennard's stock dropped out of the first-round range.

He needs a strong showing at the combine to reverse the negative opinion left after the Senior Bowl.

Dennard isn't a burner but he plays faster than his numbers might suggest. Nevertheless, expect him to show up at the combine ready to repair his damaged draft stock. An average 40 time and cone drill will be more than enough to build some positive hype. Dennard's strength his is physical play, which means average speed will be more than adequate.

Robert Griffin III, Baylor

Combine Impact: Solidifying Stock

Baylor's Robert Griffin III will be drafted to play quarterback in the NFL, but that doesn't mean he can afford a poor combine appearance. His ability to make plays with this legs it what makes him such a dynamic prospect.

A less-than-stellar 40 time would kill some of they hype surrounding Griffin III, possibly costing him a shot at being the No. 2 pick in the draft.

A lot of where a prospect gets drafted has to due with impression he leaves on a team. It only takes one organization to fall in love with a player and select him earlier than expected. Griffin III boasts sprinter speed and shouldn't have any problems excelling in the combine setting.

Andrew Luck is the top prospect in the draft, but Griffin III is capable of creating enough buzz to cast some doubt.

Coby Fleener, Stanford

Combine Impact: Rise in Stock

The tight end position features at least three prospects capable of working their way into the first round. Where each prospect lands could come down to how each performs at the combine.

NFL teams are now looking for the next Rob Gronkowski. Stanford's Coby Fleener has the potential to be that type of difference maker at the next level.

Fleener's long legs make him a bit of a strider but he's still able to quickly reach full speed. This good short area burst will help him gain separation at the next level. In order to lock down a spot in the first round, Fleener needs to run one of the best 40 times of all the tight ends.

Kendall Wright, Baylor

Combine Impact: Rise in Stock

Baylor's Kendall Wright maybe the prospect with the most to gain at the upcoming combine. The wide receiver ranking is anything but set and a strong week could really shake things up.

Of the first-round receiver prospects, Wright has the best chance to post an impressive 40 time.

He doesn't have the size of prospects like Michael Floyd or Justin Blackmon, but his speed could be what really separates him. The preference of each team will determine who comes off the board where, but some might elevate Wright because of his ability to stretch the field.

Vinny Curry, Marshall

Combine Impact: Rise in Stock

Marshall's Vinny Curry is one of many prospects who needs the combine to help keep their draft stock going in the right direction. Curry must show that he has the fluidity to make a possible move outside linebacker. This type of versatility will make him a possible fit for teams running both a 3-4 and 4-3 system.

If Curry can show he's explosive as other outside linebacker prospects like Syracuse's Chandler Jones, he will all but lock down a first-round slot.

However, even a middle-of-the-road performance won't really hurt his stock. Curry's ability to rush the passer is about his savvy as much as its about his athleticism.