NFL Draft 2012: Prospects Who Will Hurt Stock at Combine

The NFL combine is an fantastic opportunity for young prospects to "wow" scouts and in-turn, move up draft boards. 

Unfortunately for some, the opposite is also true. 

Run a slow 40, fail to lift a lot of weight a lot of times or even prove that white men, in fact, can't jump and you could be waiting a long(er) time for your name to be called in April. 

It's not necessarily fair, or even rational for that matter, but it's life. Here's a look at top prospects who will come away from the combine with an "arrow down" next to their names. 

Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

Oh, Alshon Jeffery, what an enigma.

He has all the talent in the world, but a few weeks ago reports surfaced that he had swelled up to 249 pounds and was running a 4.88 forty. Now, those reports were eventually proven wrong, but the damage was done.

Which Jeffery is the real Jeffery?

Is it the stud who possesses Calvin Johnson-like skills with his down-field ability and terrific hands? Or is it the fatty-fat-fat who doesn't warrant a pick in the first round?

Jeffery has the athletic skills to put together a great combine, but after all this nonsense, he has to be perfect, especially in the 40.

If he doesn't run something in the 4.5s, a lot of teams will be scared off.

Doug Martin, RB, Boise State

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"They're situational guys," the AFC personnel director said. "There isn't a lot of strength at the position, but I can see a team taking James because he runs well, and saying, 'OK, he's situational, but in our offense, he'll get enough snaps to justify taking him in the first round.' "

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That quote about the group of guys who are candidates to be chosen as the second running back after Trent Richardson comes from NFL Network's Albert Breer, and it's what scares me about Martin.

If teams really are looking for a situational back, then Martin doesn't stack up with players like Lamar Miller, David Wilson, LaMichael James and Chris Polk.

All of those guys will "wow" scouts with their 40 times. Martin will not, and he'll fall to No. 6 among running backs.

Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

Kuechly is hands down one of the best tacklers in this draft. He led the NCAA in tackles the past two seasons and ranked second during his freshman year.

That type of productivity is simply amazing, and that's the reason he's so often talked about as a first-round pick. 

Kuechly makes up for his lack of athleticism with good instincts, a high football IQ and again, for emphasis, terrific tackling ability. 

The combine drills, except for the interviews, won't highlight those strengths. Scouts will be reminded of his average athleticism compared to guys like Zach Brown (the football player, not the band) who will blow people away at the combine. 

I, for one, will remain high on Kuechly. Whatever that's worth.