NFL Combine 2012: Alshon Jeffery off to Good Start at Combine

Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery of South Carolina was in bad need of a strong showing at the NFL Scouting Combine, and while there's still much work to be done it's been so far so good in Indianapolis for the Gamecocks standout.

The junior has been one of the most polarizing draft prospects at any position this offseason among speculation as to his weight and speed, and some draft experts, including the NFL Network's Mike Mayock, had predicted that Jeffery could drop from the first round altogether.

"

Does not separate. What those guys run is important. He needs to run somewhere in those mid 4.5s.  Big and fast is good. Big and slow is bad. Bottom line is … he has got to run well.

"

However, Jeffery was able to dispel at least some of the clouds of uncertainty surrounding him Friday, as he was measured at 6'3" and 216 pounds at the combine.

"

#SouthCarolina WR Alshon Jeffery measured in at 6031, 216. Player I compared him to as prospect, Demaryius Thomas, was 6032, 224 at #Combine

— Chris Steuber (@ChrisSteuber) February 24, 2012"

That's one inch shorter but also 13 pounds lighter than Jeffery was listed at while at South Carolina, and puts to rest the talk that Jeffery had ballooned into the 240-pound range as had been reported previously.

Jeffery, who had 49 receptions for 762 yards and eight touchdowns a year ago, still has a ways to go, however, as he will have to show scouts Sunday that he hasn't lost strength along with the weight by performing well in the bench press.

It's also absolutely essential that Jeffery run well in the 40-yard dash, as a good time in the "dash for cash" would alleviate many of the concerns regarding his straight-line speed.

If Jeffery can pull that off then he should set himself up fairly favorably to be chosen in April's NFL draft before the end of the first round, and in any event, Jeffery's draft stock is in better shape now than it was when he arrived at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Follow @IDPManor