NFL Combine 2015 Results: Prospects in Need of Impressive Pro Day to Boost Stock

The NFL Scouting Combine did not go as planned for some top names. 

While most of what the globe will center on now that the spectacle in Indianapolis is over are the highlights—wowing 40-yard dash times and Herculean-esque bench-press efforts—over there in the corner rest the underperformers. 

Whether it be injury, an untimely off day or some other factor yet to come to light, not all recognizable names helped their stock.

In fact, some are in damage-control mode and need the friendly confines of their school's pro day to help turn things around.

Shaq Thompson, ?, Washington

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

The question mark isn't a mistake.

Shaq Thompson entered the combine billed as one of the most athletic players in the class who could line up at linebacker, safety and even see some offensive snaps at running back in the NFL.

He leaves the combine without a direction. He weighed in at 6'0" and 228 pounds but ran just a 4.64-second 40-yard dash, not exactly the speed necessary to rush the passer at a high level, run with wideouts or break away for big gains.

Thompson elected not to show his strength levels by not participating in the bench press. He also apparently disappointed some by not doing some running back drills because he felt the need to clarify the decision on Twitter:

In the end, Thompson probably best slots as a hybrid defender who plays specific roles tailored toward the down.

If he can get his weight up before a pro day, though, Thompson can secure a spot as a linebacker. That, of course, must mean he finds a way to retain his speed while adding bulk, too.

Sammie Coates, WR, Auburn

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

Everybody knows Sammie Coates is a burner.

Or, well, thought he was after a collegiate season in which he averaged 21.8 yards per catch before blowing away the competition at the Senior Bowl.

It's back to earth for Coates, though, as he ran just a 4.43 40-yard dash in Indianapolis after measuring 6'1" and 212 pounds.

To be fair, the Auburn product ranked among the best at the position in a number of other areas, but the 40-yard dash seems to be a sticking point when it comes to a wideout's draft stock.

Measurements were not the only issue for Coates, though. As CollegeFootball 24/7 captures with a comment by Mike Mayock, drills also proved to be a major hiccup:

Coates can recover, but it's going to take an amazing performance at his pro day. He should have that given how those friendly surfaces usually work, but at the deepest position in the draft, Coates has a long way to go.

Shane Ray, DE, Missouri

Missouri's Shane Ray is another high-profile prospect who could not afford a slip in Indianapolis at such a deep position. 

As it turns out, Ray was unable to give any drills a go except the bench press, where he tallied 21 reps.

"Unfortunately (Sunday) I won't be able to perform because of an injury I had in my bowl game with my foot," Ray said, per NFL.com's Chase Goodbread. "So everything that is listed for tomorrow as far as the 40, and all the athletic drills, I'll be doing on my pro day."

It's a very unfortunate turn of events for Ray, who now faces a serious uphill battle in the stock department. 

The film is one thing. Scouts needed drills to pair with it, as well as an example of his fluidity and reaction times in order to decide if he can actually stand up and play linebacker at the next level, too.

Ray will give observers some of these answers at a pro day if healthy, but the fact that potential performance will not come in a controlled environment among his peers will hang over the results.

Make no mistake—Ray remains one of the top defenders in the class. But he will need to give the NFL realm something in the near future.

Devin Funchess, WR/TE, Michigan

Funnily enough, Michigan's Devin Funchess faces similar questions that plague Thompson above.

Funchess played a bit of everything with the Wolverines, and there's nothing wrong with a weapon that can move around and keep defenses guessing.

The problem is, Funchess weighed in at 6'4" and 232 pounds. That's not really heavy enough to play a traditional tight end slot at the pro level, and his 17 reps of 225 pounds in the bench press somewhat reinforce a lack of strength necessary for the role.

As for being a weapon on the outside, though, Funchess only ran a 4.7 40-yard dash, suggesting he may not have the quick-twitch athleticism required of an outside receiver.

In all likelihood, Funchess will spend most of his NFL days at tight end, which is a good sign considering notes by NFL Network's Albert Breer and Rotoworld's Josh Norris:

Among an avalanche of good news and rising stocks, Funchess sticks out as a prospect who needed to make a statement.

He didn't, but the good news is that he can get back into the first-round conversation with a better showing at his pro day. There, perhaps coming in a bit heavier and running well is what is in order.

Note: Stats courtesy of NFL.com as of Feb. 23 at 9 p.m. ET. All advanced metrics via Pro Football Focus.