NFL Combine 2012: Why Andrew Luck Shouldn't Throw at Combine

There are currently conflicting reports as to whether or not Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck will actually throw at this week's NFL Scouting Combine.

As far as I'm concerned, I don't see any reason why he should participate in the throwing sessions.

Some will certainly claim that if Luck is as good as the hype, he wouldn't have anything to worry about and should be able to toss the ball around without any negative feedback.

That said, there is nothing he can gain from fully participating at the Combine.

Luck is far and away considered the best quarterback in the 2012 NFL Draft, and will almost certainly be selected with the No. 1 overall pick.

At this point he can only hurt his stock by working out.

NFL teams shouldn't need to see Luck throw to gauge how good he is. The kid has put three years of phenomenal tape together and everyone knows exactly what he can do at this point. Participating fully for scouts this week would only open himself up to questions.

I know we want athletes to take risks and put themselves out there as much as possible. We want them to show how "macho" they are and that they are confident enough in their ability to do anything. But this would be a profoundly stupid move for Luck.

Last year Cam Newton chose to throw at the Combine and turned in a disappointing outing. Luckily he made up for it at his pro day and ended up being the first player taken in the draft.

Clearly whoever is advising Luck has warned him what can happen when throwing to unfamiliar receivers in an unfamiliar setting.

Things can turn ugly, and that's the last thing he needs right now.

While it would be extremely gutsy of Luck to show up and fully participate this week, there is absolutely no good reason why he should do so.