2012 NFL Draft Projections: Workout Warriors Teams Will Reach For

Every year a few players deliver performances at the NFL Combine and their pro-days that make scouts and GM's salivate. Game tape is somewhat forgotten, and potential takes over due to athleticism, strength, etc. Let't take a look at a couple of workout warriors who will entice teams to select them earlier than when they should go off the board.

Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

Poe has seen his stock improve due to his combine performance perhaps more than anyone. It was there where Poe showed off his unfathomable pure strength, posting 44 reps on the bench press, a whopping eight more than any other DT. Considering his weight of 346 pounds, Poe's 4.98 40-yard dash time and 29.5" vertical jump are astounding. Following the combine, Poe's stock immediately sky rocketed from a no-chance first-round pick to a lock, and likely top-10 pick. He is being projected by many to go No. 9 to the Carolina Panthers. Taking Poe so early is a risk, considering his lack of on-field production (33 tackles and one sack in 2011).

Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech

Hill amazed many with his lightening-fast speed he displayed at the combine, as he ran a 4.36 40-yard dash, tied for the top speed for receivers. He continued to impress at his pro-day where scouts took notice of his improved route running and his catching ability. But Hill wasn't very impressive statistically in college, grabbing only 28 balls in 2011. Hill has been thought of as an end of the first-round or early second-round pick, but there's a strong possibility someone reaches for him in the early 20s, such as the Browns.

Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia

Like Poe, Glenn was awfully impressive in the 40-yard dash (5.15) considering his size (345 pounds). After that run, scouts stopped viewing Glenn as only a guard, but someone who could play tackle at the next level as well. That has boosted his draft stock tremendously, as he was very much being ignored as an impact player in the NFL. Glenn might be fairly selected at the end of the first round (Patriots at No. 31 are an option), but it is certainly possible a team like the Chargers will reach for him much earlier.

Josh Robinson, CB, Central Florida

Robinson is another guy who showcased his speed at the combine, running a 4.33 40-yard dash, which was the best time of anyone. His elite athleticism was further on display when he jumped a 38.5" vertical. Although he is a bit raw, Robinson surely has the potential to become a solid contributor in the NFL. That's why I would have no problem with him being selected late in the second round, but some have suggested he could be an option at the end of the first round. That seems like too much of a stretch.