NFL Combine 2012: Alshon Jeffrey Must Impress Scouts

Alshon Jeffery headed into the 2011 season as the top receiver in the 2012 NFL draft class according to many draft experts. But a relatively disappointing junior campaign dropped him considerably.

One of the things Jeffery is supposed to have is a good combination of strength and speed, but there were times this past season where he looked slow. He also didn't have a very good quarterback situation to work with at South Carolina.

In that sense, Jeffery's combine performance will be critical for his draft stock. Coming off an unspectacular season, his measurables will go a long way in determining where he lands.

Bethune-Cookman outside linebacker/defensive end Ryan Davis has been training with Jeffery in Tampa, Fla. Davis reportedly said that Jeffery is chiseled down to 217 or 220 pounds and that he "bet he runs a 4.5."

Jeffery has the strength and height (6'4") to be an impact player in the NFL, but scouts noticed his drop in production last season. After racking up over 1,500 yards and nine touchdowns in his sophomore year, Jeffery had just 762 yards and eight touchdowns in 2011. Sure, production isn't everything, but it helps.

One thing Jeffery does have going for him is that he exploded against Nebraska in the Capital One Bowl, notching 148 yards and a touchdown. He did this while matched up against one of this year's top cornerback prospects, Alfonzo Dennard. One of those catches was on a 78-yard Hail Mary, though.

Jeffery is also a very competitive player. Dennard wasn't the only top cornerback who he had burned during his time at South Carolina. He attacks in traffic to haul down passes, and he can pluck badly-thrown balls out of the air.

But the concerns are obviously there.

One NFL evaluator told Pro Football Weekly in November:

"

I am not a fan of (South Carolina junior WR Alshon) Jeffery - his whole approach to the game. He has a soft build. It looks like he does not work in the weight room. I don't see attention to detail in his game. I don't see precise routes. I'm a detail guy. He is scary to me. He is not as fast as Sidney Rice.

"

Jeffery has the potential to be selected early in the first round. He also has the potential to miss the first round altogether.

There are few standout receivers who need a bigger performance than Alshon Jeffery during the 2012 NFL combine.