NFL Draft 2015: Analyzing Prospects in Need of Monster Combine Performances

There are several NFL draft prospects who are already safe bets to be selected early in the first round, but others must come up big during predraft evaluations in order to reach that level.

While all-star games and pro days are decent measuring sticks, there is no question that the NFL Scouting Combine stands out above the rest. The most promising prospects in football have a chance to show what they bring to the table alongside the very players who they are hoping to get selected ahead of.

Here is a look at three particular prospects who have an opportunity to solidify a first-round grade if they are able to impress scouts at February's combine.

QB Brett Hundley

Quarterback Brett Hundley was among the most productive players at his position in college football as UCLA's starter for three seasons. Despite that, nobody can seem to agree upon when he should be taken in the 2015 NFL draft.

There is no question that he is firmly behind Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston in the pecking order, and while he may be the No. 3 signal-caller in this class, that certainly doesn't guarantee him a place in the first round.

In fact, there is already some belief that Hundley has hurt his stock by not participating in the Senior Bowl. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Hundley opted against taking part in favor of healing up some injuries:

Per ESPN CollegeFootball, analyst Brock Huard feels as though Hundley passed on a chance to showcase his skill set to NFL talent evaluators:

ESPN's Todd McShay agreed and provided examples of quarterbacks from last year's class who helped their stock by attending the Senior Bowl:

It can certainly be argued that Hundley made a mistake, but he still has additional chances to prove himself. The combine is the greatest example of that. Since there is a solid chance that neither Mariota nor Winston will take part due to their standing, Hundley may end up being the headliner at the quarterback position.

He will need to impress in terms of his throwing, but it will also be vital for Hundley to test well in the agility drills since that is where he sets himself apart from many of the other quarterbacks in this class.

It only takes one team to fall in love with a player in order for them to become a first-round pick, and Hundley has a chance to make that happen if he dominates at the combine.

DE Vic Beasley

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Like Hundley, it is difficult to pin down precisely what type of draft value Clemson pass-rusher Vic Beasley has. He was dominant for long stretches at the collegiate level, but there are certainly some factors working against him as well.

He totaled 32 sacks over the past three seasons with the Tigers, which is extremely impressive on the surface, but it remains to be seen if he will translate to the next level. The big knock on Beasley is his size, which is understandable at just 235 pounds.

According to Bleacher Report's Matt Miller, that could be detrimental to Beasley's ability to wreak havoc in the NFL:

Smaller players like Von Miller of the Denver Broncos and Elvis Dumervil of the Baltimore Ravens have managed to become elite pass-rushers though, which means there is hope for Beasley.

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. is among those who believe that Beasley's production in college is something that could very well follow him to the NFL, per Aaron Brenner of The Post and Courier:

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Either way, there's not many guys that have been proven entities that have had the tackles for loss and sacks, and been disruptive. Not a lot of teams have handled him. I know (Florida State's) Cameron Erving did when he played left tackle against them last year, neutralized Beasley in that game. But for the most part, he's a difficult guy because he's so quick and he's so strong. He's a strong kid. You talk about speed and power, he can do all that.

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Even with that said, Beasley has to knock it out of the park at the combine. Since he is much smaller than most of his peers, Beasley has to be that much better in the drills, including the 40-yard dash.

Because of his size, he may have to play linebacker in the NFL. That means he will have to show fluidity at that position as well. If Beasley does all those things, then it will be tough to pass him up in the first round.

CB Marcus Peters

The cornerback position is fairly wide-open in this year's draft, as no single prospect has established himself as the surefire top guy. That means opportunity will knock for Washington's Marcus Peters when the combine commences.

At this point in the draft process, there is some negativity surrounding Peters. The main reason for that is the fact that he was dismissed from the Huskies football team this past season, according to ESPN.com.

NFL teams obviously don't take any type of character issues or insubordination lightly when it comes to incoming players. Because of that, it can be argued that Peters is starting off behind some of the other prospects at his position.

He can turn that around in short order by performing well at the combine. Teams are willing to look past certain issues and believe that a player can change if that player displays rare skills and ability that others simply don't possess.

Miller is among those who can envision Peters being the best cornerback in this entire draft class:

If Peters is truly the best from a physical standpoint, then he must prove it. He has to be that much better than everyone else due to the extra baggage he is carrying, but perhaps that will put a chip on his shoulder and allow him to take the combine by storm.

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