NFL Combine 2012: 3 Stars That Should Skip the Combine

 The NFL Combine is a great way for college football players to prove their worth to NFL franchises, especially those players that are fringe first, second or third-round picks.

But for some players, performing at the NFL Combine is not only a waste of time, it can also be a gamble.

There are three players in particular that should not only skip the combine beginning on February 22nd; they should avoid it like the plague.

1. Justin Blackmon, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State

There is no doubt that Justin Blackmon is the best wide receiver prospect in the 2012 NFL draft class, so I just don't understand why he feels he need to attend the combine.

There is nothing he can possibly gain by performing in Indianapolis.

Most mock draft boards have Blackmon going fourth overall to the St. Louis Rams, following Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III, and USC tackle Matt Kalil.

Why potentially put your top-five draft status in jeopardy with a bad workout? If Blackmon performs poorly, he may put some doubt into the minds of NFL executives, which is exactly what Blackmon does not need to risk.

Stay home.

Get drafted fourth overall by the Rams.

Get paid millions.

Pretty simple, right?

2. Devon Still, Defensive Tackle, Penn State

Much like Justin Blackmon at the wide receiver position, Devon Still is widely considered to be the best defensive tackle available in April.

He has already displayed a quick burst off the snap during the 2011 college football season, wrecking havoc in Big Ten offensive backfields all fall.

Another thing for Still to consider is the sprained toe he suffered prior to the Senior Bowl. The big defensive tackle had to skip the game, but missing out on the exhibition did nothing to hinder his draft status.

Why risk it now?

He is the best player available at his position. Whichever team feels they need the most help at the defensive tackle position is going to take him, regardless of whether or not he performs at the combine.

3. Nate Potter, Offensive Tackle, Boise State

Nate Potter is a nice offensive line prospect, but he is not one of the elite at his respective position in 2012.

That honor goes to guys like the aforementioned Matt Kalil, Iowa's Riley Reiff, and Stanford's Jonathan Martin. 

These three players should be ahead of Potter on most teams' draft boards already, and with other line prospects such as Ohio State's Mike Adams and Stanford's David DeCastro both projected ahead of Potter, he won't be gaining much ground on any of them by performing at the combine.

Sometimes doing nothing is better than doing something.

Potter needs to skip Indianapolis in February, and worry about New York City in April instead.