NFL Combine 2012: Mychal Kendricks and the Linebackers with Rising Draft Stocks

Dontari Poe, Stephen Hill and Robert Griffin III weren't the only players to thoroughly impress at the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine. 

These three linebackers significantly improved their draft stock with strong showings in Indy on Monday. 

Mychal Kendricks, California

Coming into the combine, Kendricks wasn't an unknown prospect, but he certainly wasn't in the front of everyone's mind in terms of the top linebackers. 

In 2010, Kendricks had somewhat of a breakout year with 8.5 sacks, but only tallied 66 tackles. In 2011, he became a more well-rounded linebacker. 

He had 107 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and two interceptions. He then dramatically increased his stock even more at this week's combine. 

He ran the fastest 40-yard dash of any linebacker with an official 4.47 and put up a solid 24 reps on the bench press. He also was a top performer in the 20-yard shuttle. 

This Cal product isn't a pass-rushing dynamo. However, to me, he projects as a speedy middle or outside linebacker that can do it all from his position. 

He is a true playmaker that could be picked as early as Round 3. 

Luke Kuechly, Boston College

I don't want to get overly controversial, but I honestly think there's a perception that white athletes aren't or can't be as athletic as black athletes.

That surely wasn't helping Kuechly coming into the combine. Many thought he was an overachieving, technically-sound linebacker who didn't necessarily exude athletic ability. 

This Boston College tackling-dynamo proved everyone wrong. 

He ran the third-fastest 40-yard dash with an official time of 4.58, put up 27 reps on the bench and was extremely fluid in the all the backpedal and lateral agility drills.

At 6'3'' and 246 pounds, Kuechly really silenced the doubters on Monday.  

Ronnell Lewis, Oklahoma

Lewis actually worked out with the defensive linemen, but he'll be an edge rusher from the outside linebacker position at the next level.

He bulked up from 244 to 253 pounds, and did the most reps on the bench with a whopping 36 in all. He ran a 4.68 in the 40-yard dash and was fluid in the outside rush drill. 

Lewis battled injuries in college, but he did enough to boost his stock in Indy by demonstrating his superb, god-given athletic ability.

He could be a second or third-round pick.

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