Justin Blackmon Combine: Star WR Right To Risk NFL Draft Status in Indianapolis

At first glance, Justin Blackmon's decision to attend the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine might seem like a foolish one. The former Oklahoma State stud and two-time Biletnikoff Award winner is already considered the top prospect at wide receiver in the 2012 NFL Draft, virtually guaranteeing him a spot as a top-10 pick.

Why "do it all," as he told Albert Breer of the NFL Network? Why risk his stock by running in the 40-yard dash and potentially raising more questions about his supposedly "so-so" speed?

From Blackmon's perspective, the better question may be, why not? He's a confident kid, a two-time All-American with the strength, route-running skills and (in his mind) straight-line speed and acceleration to be an elite pass catcher at the next level.

If anything, staying away from the combine would be a detriment to Blackmon's draft stock. Doing so would allow scouts and player personnel people to fill in the blanks for themselves while raising further concerns about Blackmon's fitness to be a potential top-five pick.

By coming into the Circle City with the hunger and desire to prove himself, Blackmon is showing just how fearless he is, proving that he's not afraid of his own perceived physical limitations or what doubters would have to say about them. He's eager to show that he can thrive amidst the pressure cooker of the combine and that he can—and will—stand out amidst the biggest and most intimidating meat market in football, if not all of professional sports.

And, of course, if he runs a 4.4 or a 4.5 in the 40-yard dash, he'll solidify his status as the best receiver in the current draft class and thrust himself into the conversation as a top-five-caliber talent.

Not so foolish after all, wouldn't you say?

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