NFL Draft 2012: Mohamed Sanu and Combine Failures That Will Bounce Back in Pros

Despite a poor accounting of their athletic skills at the NFL combine, there are a few players that will still be excellent NFL players. 

That is the way the combine works. Every year there are players who blow scouts away with their athleticism only that never materializes on the next stage. On the flip side, there are players whose athleticism leaves them as an afterthought, but their acumen for the game means they can overcome that and succeed. 

Here are three players that fall into that latter category. 

Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

Dennard's draft stock took a big hit when he came out and posted a 4.55 40-yard-dash time. This is the single most important drill for a corner and Dennard failed. 

He will be able to overcome this lack of elite speed, though. At 5'10", he has solid size. He will be able to combine that with his 30" arms to get a decent jam at the line. This will allow him to compensate for his lack of speed against the burners in the NFL. 

Dennard is a complete corner. He has the footwork and instincts to play man, the smarts to play in zone, and he is tough enough to help in run coverage.

He will be a solid starter in this league for a long time.

Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

Just like it is with corner, the 40 time is vital to a wide receivers' draft stock, and Sanu was worse in this area than Dennard. He clocked in at a sluggish 4.67. 

That number instantly turned people off as they wondered how he would get separation at the next level. 

Sanu will be able to thrive despite his lack of speed because of his strength, size and instincts. He is never going to be a deep threat, but he will rack up the catches and first downs.

Sanu knows how to find the holes in zones. He has a natural knack for presenting a clear throwing lane for his QB. He is also absolutely fearless when going over the middle, and his big body and strong hands allow him to come down with catches in traffic.  

Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

Adams ran a very sluggish 40 (5.31), but that certainly is not a deal breaker for an offensive lineman. What really turned people off is the fact that he only put up 19 reps on the bench.

And strength is kind of important for a player charged with keeping defensive players from destroying their QB. 

Still, Adams will prove to be a legitimate left tackle. He is going to get stronger as he ages and hits the NFL training rooms. 

Also, the 19 reps is not as bad after further inspection. At 6'7", Adams arms are 34" long. People with longer arms are never going to do well on the bench. And while that hurts them when lifting, it is key to success as a tackle. 

Adams has the perfect body to be a left tackle, and with good coaching and hard work, he will be an excellent player.