Ryan Tannehill Combine: Huge Interview Would Guarantee First-Round Selection

Refer to it as a cattle call or say that it's a crucial set of events. Whatever you think of the NFL combine, it's Ryan Tannehill's ticket to the show and he must not waste it. 

There is no denying that we have a two-horse race sitting at the top of the NFL draft in regards to quarterbacks. 

It's Andrew Luck, one giant chasm, followed by Robert Griffin III, another wide gap and then every other arm after that. This doesn't negate a need for quarterbacks that is quite huge at the moment. 

Tannehill has been targeted by some pundits as a first-round selection and as others as being far too over valued at the moment. 

The answer will lie somewhere in the results we get this weekend at the NFL combine. There is no questioning that Tannehill is athletic. This is a QB who can also fit in at receiver, but versatility will only get you so far. 

It's important to note right away that Tannehill will not take part in the workouts because of a foot injury. It's for that reason that I consistently see him dropping to the second-round as durability becomes somewhat of a problem. 

The talent and arm is there for scouts to watch on tape. There is hope that he can get a workout in with a pro day before the draft. 

This leaves the combine, mental tests and the interview process. No other quarterback will get a much heat in those areas than Tannehill. 

As Rick Snider of The Washington Examiner puts it, the interview is extremely important. 

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Tannehill doesn't require quite as much skepticism because he may cost them only a second-round pick. Foot surgery is limiting him to interview sessions, but those are just as important, maybe more. Everyone has seen game film, but pro teams have little first-hand experience with college players. 

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The Redskins are playing a dangerous game with Tannehill who they hope is around after the first round. 

CBS Sports Marty Gitlin writes for the Browns that Tannehill could be long gone by their second pick. 

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Ryan Tannehill, who will be at the combine for interviews and medical testing but won't be able to participate in drills because of a foot injury, must show he's a clear upgrade from current starter Colt McCoy and can fit perfectly into the west coast system. His stock is rising, however, and he might be gone at No. 22.

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All of this is to say the buzz is swirling despite Tannehill working out. The questions for this converted receiver has been whether he has a grasp of offenses and if he can lead a team. 

That can all be answered in intensive interview sessions. 

If he comes away a winner in those, teams with real QB needs will snatch him up in the first round. There is no room for error, and no benefit in waiting, just to see someone else grab him. 

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