NFL Combine 2012: Justin Blackmon and More Stars Who Will Be Exposed at Combine

The NFL Scouting Combine is the place where players go to make or break their future. Everything tangible that can be measured and recorded is going to be. That will be the downfall for a number of stars this week. 

It is much easier to look great on tape against inferior college teams than in front of a group of scouts and evaluators poking and prodding into everything that you do. 

Here are the college stars who will not have a lot of luck at the combine this week. 

Justin Blackmon, Wide Receiver

While most receivers are doing what they can to improve their draft stock this week, Blackmon is trying to maintain his status as the top pass-catcher. 

He could go as high as No. 2 overall if the St. Louis Rams like what they see in Indianapolis and don't trade the pick. 

The problem with Blackmon is going to be his speed. It is a silly way to evaluate a player, strictly based on his time in a 40-yard dash, but that is how this process works. 

Blackmon is not a burner running straight ahead, so unless he runs in the low-4.5 range, he will have a lot more questions than he does now. 

LaMichael James, Running Back

Despite being one of the most productive college running backs the last three years, James is flying under the radar in the draft. His low center of gravity could work to his benefit, and he has a great physique. 

With the NFL becoming more pass-oriented than ever before, it is incumbent upon running backs to catch the ball out of the backfield. 

James has never had to do that while playing at Oregon. He can have a good workout and 40-yard time, but unless he proves to be effective in the passing game, he will slide out of the second round. 

Mark Barron, Safety

It might be blasphemous in some parts of the country to say that an Alabama defensive player is overrated, but Barron is getting too much love and looks to be headed for a fall at the combine. 

He is good at reading the quarterback and attacking the ball, but he is a very instinctual player. He is never going to have ideal speed for a safety, nor is he going to suddenly develop natural cover skills. 

The end result will be Barron falling to the bottom of the first round when draft day rolls around on April 25. 

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