NFL Combine 2012: Players That Must Impress Scouts

The 2012 NFL Scouting Combine begins this week, and if a few certain players don't make the most of their opportunity their draft stock will greatly suffer. Scouts will be intently watching every move these players make, meaning they must give it their all each and every day. Drills and interviews will be intense, but those who step up and make a name for themselves will become a higher draft pick. 

With that said, here are just a few players that must thoroughly impress the NFL scouts in Indianapolis from Feb. 22-28. 

Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina 

There were conflicting reports about Jeffery's weight, but Bleacher Report's NFL draft lead writer Matt Miller put those to rest.

With ESPN's Mel Kiper, Jr. not having the former Gamecocks' standout selected in the first round of his latest mock draft, Jeffery has to use the combine to show everyone he truly is worthy of the first round. 

Listed at 6'4", 235 pounds, Jeffery has superb size to thrive in the NFL, but his speed and separation skills are in question. By dominating in drills, Jeffery will prove that he has what it takes to be an elite wide receiver in the NFL. 

Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama 

Shortly after winning the BCS National Championship, Kirkpatrick was arrested for marijuana possession. While the charges were later dropped, there are still big character concerns surrounding Kirkpatrick because of his bonehead move.

Kirkpatrick was being considered a Top 10—possibly Top Five—pick, but his stock took a big hit. He could still end up there, but he'll have to excel on and off the field at the scouting combine. 

Listed at 6'3", 192 pounds, Kirkpatrick is one of the most talented defensive backs in the class of 2012. 

Because of the arrest, though, any small slip ups during drills will really hinder his status on teams' draft boards. This is why Kirkpatrick has to blow everyone away in the interview portion as well as individual drills. 

Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina 

After a down year this past season, Coples really needs to step his game up at the combine. There was a great deal of hype surrounding Coples before the season ever began, but his play during the year ruined most of it. 

Coples benefits from a weak defensive line class this year, but that doesn't mean he can get away with a sloppy combine performance. 

Listed at 6'6'', 285 pounds, Coples has to be overly impressive at the combine if he wants to prove to everyone he is worthy of being a Top 10 pick. He has huge potential to be a bust, but he can diminish that talk some by flourishing at the combine.