NFL Combine 2012: Stars That Will Regret Skipping the Combine

The NFL combine has a way of elevating a prospect's draft stock considerably, as we've seen throughout the years.

This year brings a new crop of budding talent, just waiting to explode in the pros.

But some prospects, for whatever reason, choose to skip out on the combine, leaving scouts frustrated and questioning whether they're worth a high pick.

Here are three prospects who will see their draft stock fall after skipping out on the combine.

3. Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin

According to RosterWatch.com, Nick Toon will run the 40-yard dash, but skip certain workouts.

You can't exactly blame Toon, given he has a foot injury, but he's largely seen as a fringe first-round prospect, and if he misses the combine he's likely not going to make it into the first round come draft day.

Toon doesn't have elite speed, but his ball skills, route-running and ability to dissect defenses has many tabbing him as a solid possession receiver in the NFL.

By not allowing scouts to get a good look at him, I find it hard to believe anyone's going to reach for Toon in the first round.

2. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Trent Richardson is unquestionably the top running back in the class, but if he's seen as a can't-miss prospect, there's the potential for some teams to select him early in the draft despite the position not being a primary need.

Richardson reportedly won't participate in on-field activities at the combine after having minor knee surgery.

As electric as Richardson was while at Alabama, scouts are primarily looking at how he'll translate to the next level. Missing the combine could very well drop him down draft boards.

1. Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

According to CBSSports.com, Robert Griffin III will likely miss the throwing session at the combine, opting to save it for pro day.

Griffin is a dual-threat quarterback, but scouts are particularly interested in how he throws the ball from the pocket. We all know he can run, but being a quarterback is obviously primarily predicated on how you hit your receivers.

By skipping the throwing session, Griffin magnifies some people's concerns that he's not advanced enough from the pocket.