NFL Draft 2013: Combine Standouts That Will Live Up to Hype

The 2013 NFL combine was a tough couple of days for some disappointing prospects, but others boosted their stock and managed to outperform expectations in Indianapolis.

We’re here to focus on that latter group, especially the players that look ready to excel in the NFL—not just in the weight room.

Let’s take a look at three potential draftees that should make an immediate impact upon entering the league and look to have a bright future.

Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama

Height: 6’0”

Weight: 201 lbs.

40-Yard Dash: 4.37 seconds

Vertical Jump: 36.0 inches

Broad Jump: 122.0 inches

3 Cone Drill: 6.95 seconds

20-Yard Shuttle: 4.32 seconds

Milliner came into Indy as the top cornerback prospect in the 2013 class. He emerged with his stock through the roof and is now a surefire top-10 pick.

Over the past few months, the former Crimson Tide star helped his squad win a national championship and then absolutely blew the roof off the combine. The kid proved he’s a winner on the field and a workout warrior in the gym.

His 4.37 second 40-yard dash time was second amongst all defensive backs in this crop of talent and only affirms that he has the pure speed needed to flip his hips and run—something coach Nick Saban often doesn’t ask his CBs to do in Tuscaloosa.

Any doubts lingering that he would struggle when asked to play a more traditional coverage role have been alleviated, as he has the athleticism and size to jam up and run with any wideout in the NFL.

We expect Milliner is going to develop into one of the top corners in the league sooner rather than later.

Dion Jordan, DE/OLB, Oregon

Height: 6’6”

Weight: 248 lbs.

40-Yard Dash: 4.60 seconds

Vertical Jump: 32.5 inches

Broad Jump: 122.0 inches

3 Cone Drill: 7.02 seconds

20-Yard Shuttle: 4.35 seconds

Jordan may not have a defined position, but his versatility only makes him more alluring to a number of potential suitors early in the first round.

This Oregon product put together one of the better showings for a defensive lineman at the combine, including a blistering 4.6 40-yard dash time and an impressive 6’6”, 248-pound frame.

As a projected 3-4 OLB or 4-3 DE, this Duck can rush the passer and has the sheer athleticism to get into the backfield. If he’s jammed up, Jordan isn’t shy about using pure power to get past his blocker either.

Don’t be surprised to see this versatile senior make a successful jump from Eugene to the NFL and turn into an absolute nightmare for opposing quarterbacks to deal with.

Khaseem Greene, LB, Rutgers

Height: 6’1”

Weight: 241 lbs.

40-Yard Dash: 4.71 seconds

Bench Press: 17 reps

Vertical Jump: 30.0 inches

Broad Jump: 116.0 inches

3 Cone Drill: 7.58 seconds

20-Yard Shuttle: 4.20 seconds

60-Yard Shuttle: 11.87 seconds

Greene started his career as a safety, but he soon made a wise decision and switched to linebacker during his junior year. He’s a natural fit at the position, and it showed when he earned co-Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2011.

He followed up that stellar campaign by outright winning the same award in 2012, becoming one of only two players in the conference’s history to accomplish that feat.

This Scarlet Knight possesses the heart, natural talent and athleticism to compete at the next level and should be making big plays all over the field in the near future.

Add in Greene’s versatility to play a number of positions and his solid coverage abilities (stemming from his time as a safety) and you have a prospect that promises to contribute in the NFL.