2009 NFL Combine: Will the Wildcat Formation Survive?

The Wildcat formation certainly wasn't created last season. The variation of the single wing has been around for years, but it's taken on a life of its own after the Miami Dolphins displayed their version of it in a dominating performance at New England last season.

The Dolphins won that game 38-13 over the Patriots, and other NFL teams soon tried their own versions of the Wildcat at certain points as the season went on.

Now, teams face two questions concerning the Wildcat. 

One, will the Wildcat formation survive in the NFL and become a staple formation?

And two, will teams actually begin to draft players with the Wildcat in mind?

If this is the case, we could find out this year as NFL teams start to draft towards athletes that can play roles in the backfield—such as what Ronnie Brown did last year—which would solidify the Wildcat as a real part of NFL offenses for years to come.

So what are you looking for in a potential player in the Wildcat package?

First, he better have great hands. Standing in the shotgun with the option to run, hand off, or pass, having great hands isn't always easy to find in running backs.

It's one thing to take a handoff, but it's another to catch a snap and be able to handle the ball after that.

Second, he better have the ability to throw the ball. The wildcat formation gives the back the option to fake a run and make a pass. So looking for a back or receiver that has a background as a high school or college quarterback isn't a bad way to go.

Third, he needs to have great vision. Once the player gets the snap, there isn't a lot of time to dance around back there. You have to be able to make one cut and get up field or cutback if that option is available.

So who are some college players coming out in the 2009 NFL draft that might fit this mold? Here are a few guys that could be potential Wildcat difference makers.

Percy Harvin, WR, Florida

Fast, strong, great hands. Played both receiver and running back at Florida. Perfect candidate for Wildcat.

Derrick Williams, WR, Penn State

Similar to Harvin, Williams is extremely quick and possesses the hands to play the position.

LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh

McCoy reminds many people of Reggie Bush with the ball in his hands—he possesses the open field running skills to make some things happen in the Wildcat and has the good hands to go along with it.