2012 NFL Combine 40 Times: Player Highlights and Grades

As we continue to progress through the first evaluation step for the 2012 NFL Draft, the Combine has certainly been exciting to watch.

That said, there were plenty of prospects who impressed, disappointed and remained stagnant. And with so much hype surrounding the top prospects as expected, here's how some top potential first-rounders panned out.

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Andrew Luck: QB, Stanford

40 Time: 4.67 seconds

Overall Grade: 97.0

As if we need any more evidence to know that Stanford's Andrew Luck is the draft's top prospect, his athleticism alone says a lot more more about the type of player he has become.

For one, the man is a 6'4", 235-pound quarterback who can elude defenders when needed and run over them while scrambling. The scary part though, is that Luck has such a high football IQ that he rarely needs to scramble.

He's deadly accurate, knows how and when to audible and has a strong arm. With all the intangibles you want in a quarterback, Luck has proven time and time again why he's the No. 1 overall prospect.

If anything, his athleticism is underrated considering his size and it's not like Stanford had provided him with top-notch receiving targets each year. Luck's best attribute is that he made everyone around him better while improving with every snap under center.

Robert Griffin III: QB, Baylor

40 Time: 4.41 seconds

Overall Grade: 95

Although he didn't throw at the Combine, Baylor's Robert Griffin III doesn't really have much else to prove.

And to some extent, he's literally an exact replica of Andrew Luck. Both have a high football IQ, are mobile, deadly accurate and possess second-to-none intangibles.

One small difference resides in Griffin having spent more time in the shotgun, as opposed to under center. Certainly an area where he needs more experience but his athleticism will allow for an easy, smooth transition.

Griffin also, basically carried Baylor during his career and none more evident than the 2011 season. There, aside from Griffin's accolades, he had zero help from a defense that ranked No. 114 out of 120 schools (allowed almost 480 total yards per game).

So, given a defense to fall back on in the NFL, Griffin will only have that much more success and time to develop.

Matt Kalil: OT, USC

40 Time: 4.99

Overall Grade: 94

Easily the best offensive lineman in the draft, USC's Matt Kalil displayed why at the combine.

Coming in at 6'7", 306 pounds, Kalil ran the second-fasted 40-yard dash and three-cone drill for lineman.

In other words, his athleticism remained despite gaining some weight since the regular season and the agility was perhaps the most impressive.

Now, Kalil does need to improve at become more aggressive as a run-blocker and stronger in his upper-body as a pass-blocker. Regardless of position in the NFL, in the running game the offensive lineman, tight ends and receivers that make second level blocks downfield is the difference between a few yards, first-downs and touchdowns.

With USC being a primarily pass-oriented offense, Kalil wasn't asked to do a lot of downfield blocking, so proving his acceleration and angular vision on making blocks against moving linebackers is needed. Nonetheless, in a pass-happy league, Kalil's the most appealing blindside tackle.

Michael Floyd: WR, Notre Dame

40 Time: 4.47

Overall Grade: 89.5

With Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon not fully participating, Notre Dame's Michael Floyd had an opportunity to shine at the Combine.

And shine he did.

If anything, Floyd proved to be a lot faster than previously anticipated and just as impressive on running routes as well as his hands of gold. Perhaps the most appealing aspect about Floyd though, is his willingness to be a dominant run blocker.

His reliability as a receiver over the middle and downfield is well known. Along with getting great yards after the catch, especially on screens, Floyd brings attitude to edge blocking for the perimeter ground game.

Because of his 6'3", 220-pound frame, Floyd can crack linebackers, overpower the smaller corners and isolates safeties one-on-one. Include a strong Pro Day and Floyd has top 10 selection potential.

Melvin Ingram: DE, South Carolina

40 Time: 4.79

Overall Grade: 90.5

Arguably the most versatile and dynamic player in the draft, South Carolina's Melvin Ingram did nothing short of what was expected of him at the combine.

With good size at 6'1", 265 pounds, Ingram is your ideal pass rushing defensive end/outside linebacker. He's quick off the snap, knows how to find the ball and has fluid hand techniques to slip past blockers.

Ingram could also drop underneath into coverage as his agility, low center of gravity and body control coincide well with his instincts and awareness. Now, Ingram does need to develop more as an inside pass rusher because going outside all the time won't pay nearly as many dividends.

That said, he has all the intangibles a franchise could want and is virtually unblockable in one-on-one situations. As long as Ingram continues to build strength while maintaining his body control and ball awareness, he'll be worth a top 10 pick.

John Rozum on Twitter.