NFL Combine 2012 Results: Players Who Wasted a Golden Opportunity

Most of the NFL Scouting Combine focus is on players who had amazing workouts and shot up draft boards in the process. For every player who tore it up in Indianapolis, however, there are just as many players who don't take advantage of their chance to shine.

Here are three prospects who wasted a golden opportunity and will now need to seek out other ways to improve their stock before draft weekend.

Mohamed Sanu

Nobody expected Sanu to run a great 40-yard dash because he's not that type of receiver, but his number (4.67) was still a disappointment. That's basically bottom-end speed for a wideout, making it tough for a team to dedicate an early pick to him.

None of his other results jumped off the page, either. That will only further the concerns teams had about him coming into the combine, making you wonder if he should have gone back to school for his senior season to focus on his physical attributes.

With so many receivers in the same general vicinity, including the impressive Stephen Hill, Sanu definitely took a step or two in the wrong direction.

Vontaze Burfict

Burfict needed a big performance at the combine to solidify his shaky stock and it just didn't happen. There will be more questions than ever about his ability to transition to the NFL while maintaining the same level of effectiveness.

The Arizona State star ran a ridiculously slow 40 at 4.93 seconds, making his the lowest-ranking linebacker who decided to run. No matter how tough you are, it's tough to keep up with NFL running backs and tight ends at that pace.

There was always a feeling his physical traits would eventually overtake his other issues, such as his temper, but a poor showing on Monday proves that's far from a guarantee.

Michael Brockers

No player has garnered more hype over the past couple weeks than Brockers. He shot up inside the top 10 in some mock drafts and it was impossible escape the buzz. That will likely change after a rough go of it at the combine.

He was suppose to be an elite athlete who would eventually develop into a dominant tackle, but his numbers left a lot to be desired. His 40 time ranked near the bottom of all defensive lineman and his bench press wasn't any better.

Perhaps this is simply a case of a prospect's reputation coming back down to Earth after getting out of control. Regardless, teams now have reason to think twice before spending an extremely valuable pick on him near the top of the draft.