2012 NFL Draft: Projecting Where the Combine's Surprises Might Land

Sunday's action at the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine has concluded, and the end of day five brought with it with the final curtain for the offensive players at this year's annual NFL poke and prod.

For stars such as quarterback Andrew Luck of Stanford, Baylor wide receiver Kendall Wright and offensive tackle Riley Reiff of Iowa, the combine was as much a formality as anything, as these players will almost surely be first-round picks.

However, for some lesser-known players, the combine was an opportunity to get noticed by NFL scouts, and here are some players who took full advantage of that opportunity, as well as a glance into the future to see where those players might conceivably be drafted in April.

Tom Compton: OT, South Dakota

After toiling for four seasons in relative obscurity at South Dakota, offensive tackle Tom Compton needed a big showing at the combine to bolster his draft stock, and while the 6'5", 314-pound lineman struggled in the bench press, he performed very well in the 40-yard dash and three-cone drills.

Compton's 20 reps in the bench press raise questions about the FCS All American's upper-body strength, but the agility that he displayed at the combine could have significant appeal to zone blocking teams that employ smaller, faster offensive linemen.

Projected Destination: Seattle Seahawks, fifth round

James Hanna: TE, Oklahoma

Oklahoma tight end James Hanna likely wasn't on many NFL teams draft radars after a season in which the 6'4", 252-pound senior had only 27 catches, but that's all changed after Hanna's impressive showing at the combine.

Hanna placed in the top five at his position in all six major drills at the combine, and if Hanna can follow up that strong outing with a good workout at Oklahoma's pro day, it's quite possible that a team will take a chance on him in the draft's later rounds.

Projected Destination: Buffalo Bills, sixth round

Stephen Hill: WR, Georgia Tech

At 6'4" and 215 pounds, wide receiver Stephen Hill of Georgia Tech certainly possesses the frame that NFL scouts and coaches covet, but after only reeling in 28 passes a season ago the junior was on the fringe of many pundits' draft radars.

Hill's performance Sunday in the combine may well change that, as it wouldn't be at all surprising to see the 4.36 speed that Hill displayed in Indianapolis vault the Yellow Jackets star into the draft's third round, where he could be a steal for squads with a need at the position.

Projected Destination: San Francisco 49ers, third round

Robert Turbin: RB, Utah State

Utah State running back Robert Turbin was extremely productive as a senior for the Aggies in 2011, gaining over 1,500 yards on the ground and scoring 19 touchdowns, but after losing almost two whole seasons to injury, there were questions regarding Turbin's durability and straight-line speed entering the combine.

Turbin was timed by hand at a speedy 4.44 seconds in the 40-yard dash (4.5 seconds electronically), which should allay fears about his wheels, while the 5'10", 222-pounder's knee and foot were given the proverbial green light by doctors.

Turbin's solid showing at the combine should give his draft stock a considerable boost, and he now looks like a good value for teams looking to add a back in the middle of the draft.

Projected Destination: Cleveland Browns, fourth round

Doug Martin: RB, Boise State

The offseason has been very kind to Boise State running back Doug Martin, as the 5'9", 227-pound senior followed up an outstanding showing at the Senior Bowl with a strong outing at the combine, including a 4.47 second 40-yard dash and 28 reps on the bench press.

NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock and Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk both remarked during Sunday's telecast of the combine that they believe that Martin, who gained over 1,500 total yards and scored 16 times a year ago, is capable of being an every-down back in the NFL, and at this point it's getting pretty hard to argue any differently.

Projected Destination: Cincinnati Bengals, second round