NFL Combine 2012 Results: Winners and Losers from the Weekend

The NFL Scouting Combine is an opportunity for prospects to generate some buzz and improve their draft stock. However, it's also possible to do damage and cost yourself some money. The key to success at the combine is to make sure you're prepared and work hard.

There are several prospects who decide not to participate in some drills, and unless you're a top-rated prospect this is a mistake. Most evaluators say they want to see prospects come out, compete and show they are prepared.

During the weekend, we were able to see the offensive line, tight ends, wide receivers, running backs and quarterbacks work out. The upcoming slides breakdown some of the winners and losers from this weekend.

Winner: Robert Griffin III, Quarterback, Baylor

Combine Impact: Solidified Stock

Baylor's Robert Griffin III was the star of the combine, wowing people with his athleticism and personality. His came in with an official 40 time of 4.41 seconds, giving him the second-best quarterback time in the history of the combine.

His performance in the other workouts continued to show his elite athleticism. However, Griffin's maturity during interviews is what stood out to me. He's a very engaging and personable prospect who properly expresses himself.

This weekend helped Griffin solidify himself as a top three draft pick. I don't see a scenario where he drops past the No. 2 pick. Expect to see the St. Louis Rams auction that selection to the highest bidder among franchises like the Washington Redskins, Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns.

Loser: Mohamed Sanu, Wide Receiver, Rutgers

Combine Impact: Stock Dropping

Entering the combine weekend, Rutgers' Mohamed Sanu was a borderline first-round prospect. He needed to show up and prove he has the speed needed to consistently gain separation. Unfortunately, Sanu's 4.67 40-time was the fourth-worst among the wide receiver group.

This time likely means he will be available in the second round. He's still an intriguing prospect because of his size and body control. However, his lack of top-end speed limits his big-play potential. He will need a specific game plan to be successful.

Look for Sanu to come off the board in the early to mid-second-round range. Teams like the Cleveland Browns and Minnesota Vikings could pull the trigger at the beginning of the second round.

Winner: Tommy Streeter, Wide Receiver, Miami

Combine Impact: Stock Rising

Miami's Tommy Streeter doesn't have very impressive on-the-field numbers so he needed to have a strong showing at the combine. At 6'5" and 220 pounds, Streeter boasts the size and bulk needed to outmuscle defensive backs. However, its his 4.40-second 40 time that created a major buzz.

Wide receiver prospects that feature that combination of size and speed tend to rise come draft day. This skill set gives him the potential to develop into a true No. 1 receiver at the next level.

Streeter's performance at the combine likely moved him into the third-round range. There's even an outside chance that somebody pulls the trigger on him in the second round. A team like the Chicago Bears could use a receiver with the size and speed of Streeter. 

Loser: Kendall Wright, Wide Receiver, Baylor

Combine Impact: Slight Drop

Baylor's Kendall Wright had an opportunity this weekend to separate himself from the other top receiver prospects. However, his unimpressive 4.61 40 time may drop him into the late first round. Wright doesn't boast the size of other prospects like Michael Floyd and Alshon Jeffery. This means that he needed to show top-level speed to overtake them in the ranking.

Expect Wright to be the fourth or fifth wide receiver off the board, near the end of the first round. Teams like the San Francisco 49ers and New England Patriots are the most likely landing spots. The franchises considering Wright will keep a close eye on his Pro Day in order to see if he can improve his 40 time.

Winner: Stephen Hill, Wide Receiver, Georgia Tech

Combine Impact: Major Rise

Georgia Tech runs a run-heavy option attack offense, which limits the opportunities for the wide receivers. This made Stephen Hill a bit of an unknown to the majority of people following the NFL draft. However, he used the combine to make a name for himself.

At 6'4" and 215 pounds, Hill ran one of the fastest times at the combine. His 4.36 40-time put him in a three-way tie for the top wide receiver time. At this point, Hill's value comes from his potential rather than production. However, NFL coaches love talented players they can mold into stars.

Don't be surprised if Hill works his way into the late first round. Teams like the San Francisco 49ers and New England Patriots could use someone with Hill's playmaking ability. 

Loser: Dwayne Allen, Tight End, Clemson

Combine Impact: Drop

Clemson's Dwayne Allen is locked in a competitive battle to be the first tight end selected in the 2012 NFL draft. Of the other top-rated tight ends, Allen was the only one to participate in the 40-yard dash. However, his 4.87 time could have really hurt his draft stock.

Allen is seen as a pass-catching tight end that will be asked to make plays down the field. His 40 time raises questions about his ability to attack the seam. He isn't a good enough blocker to warrant an early pick if he can't make plays in the passing game.

The upcoming Pro Days will play a major role in where these prospects land, but after the combine Allen's stock has dropped.

Winner: Matt Kalil, Offensive Tackle, USC

Combine Impact: Solidified Stock

Most consider USC's Matt Kalil the top offensive line prospect in this draft class. His performance at the combine only helped his case. Kalil performed well in all the workouts, showing a combination of good athleticism and strength.

His performance in the three-cone drill showed that he possesses the fluidity needed to mirror top-end pass-rushers. Look for Kalil to come off the board somewhere in the top five picks of the 2012 draft.

The Minnesota Vikings desperately need help at the left tackle slot and figure to give Kalil heavy consideration.

Loser: Rueben Randle, Wide Receiver, LSU

Combine Impact: Slight Drop

The top wide receiver prospects are going to battle all the way until the draft to solidify their stock. It's very likely that each team's draft board has a very different ranking. LSU's Rueben Randle was in that discussion until his unimpressive combine appearance.

Randle didn't run a great 40 time and measured about an inch shorter than his listed height. His stock won't take a major hit, but he failed to really gain any ground. He looks to be lock to come off the board in the second round. Usual suspects like the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings could take a flier on Randle.

Winner: Cordy Glenn, Offensive Line, Georgia

Combine Impact: Rise

At 6'5" and 345 pounds, Georgia's Cordy Glenn ran the fifth fastest 40 time among the offensive lineman group. This shows he boasts both good size and athletic ability. Most teams will go back and review his tape in order to determine if he's capable of playing some left tackle in the NFL.

The majority of the prospects at the combine are just looking for a way to generate some positive buzz. Glenn did exactly that and it will really help his draft stock. The teams that go back and review his tape could come away with a different opinion. In my evaluation of Glenn, I determined he's athletic enough to play left tackle at the next level.

A team like the San Diego Chargers or Chicago Bears must heavily consider Glenn if he's still on the board when it picks.

Loser: Justin Blackmon, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State

Combine Impact: Failure to Solidify Stock

Every year several prospects decide not to run the 40-yard dash at the combine. They typically prefer to run at their Pro Days in a familiar setting. Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon decided not to participate in most of the drills this weekend. This decision could raise some question marks about his competitiveness.

The Oklahoma State track is known as a fast surface capable of boosting someone's performance in the 40. Not running at the combine kept Blackmon from creating a positive buzz. More people/evaluators watch the combine rather than traveling to a Pro Day.

A good showing by Notre Dame's Michael Floyd could have pushed him ahead of Blackmon on some team's draft boards. He still figures to be a top-10 pick, but could have solidified a spot in the top five with a good showing at the combine.