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Alabama running back Derrick Henry runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Alabama running back Derrick Henry runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)Darron Cummings/Associated Press

NFL Draft 2016: 1st-Round Order and Predictions for Combine's Early Stars

Rob GoldbergFeb 27, 2016

With the NFL Scouting Combine underway, fans are left dreaming about which stars could end up on their favorite teams.

Although the "Underwear Olympics" is just one of many factors in determining draft stock, the pure athleticism on display can go a long way toward moving up draft boards. Those who excel in Indianapolis can automatically become the perfect fit for a team in either the first or second round.

Here is a look at the early winners at the combine along with predictions for which teams will call their names in April.

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Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana

It isn't always easy to turn heads as an offensive lineman, but Jason Spriggs has certainly done that this offseason. The Indiana tackle has continued to climb draft boards and now appears to be firmly in the discussion as a first-round pick.

Joe Marino of Draft Breakdown provided his opinion before the start of the combine:

Spriggs lived up to his potential with some incredible numbers in key events:

The 6'6", 301-pound athlete showed off his explosiveness, which will certainly help him at the next level. Just for good measure, he also totaled 31 reps on the bench press, good enough for fourth at the position.

With size, strength, athleticism and the technique to succeed, the tackle has as much upside as almost anyone in the class. This makes him a quality fit for a number of teams, but one intriguing option is the Minnesota Vikings at No. 23 overall. While Adrian Peterson can run behind any line, this was a unit that struggled throughout most of the year and can use an upgrade. Franchise quarterback Teddy Bridgewater also needs to be protected going forward.

Although Spriggs might come along slowly, the Vikings will be better off long term with the Indiana star on the line.

Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama

It's hard to believe the reigning Heisman Trophy winner still has a lot to prove, but here we are. Derrick Henry excelled last season behind an elite offensive line, and scouts want to know whether he can be as effective in the NFL.

Henry certainly quieted some doubters Friday with some truly impressive numbers, similar to those of Super Bowl MVP linebacker Von Miller, per Jack Andrade of NFL Network:

While Henry will be running the ball and not rushing the quarterback, this just goes to show the type of size and athleticism the Alabama product possesses. He certainly won't be easy to tackle at any level.

Although he still isn't guaranteed to go in the first round, the running back is aware how devalued the position has become in recent years and is working to change that.

"You’ve got to make the teams want to draft you," Henry said this week, per Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post. "It’s all on the player now, at least at running back, and I can accept that. I’m ready to get after it."

The New York Jets, Houston Texans and a few others could bite in the first round, but perhaps the best fit might be early in Round 2 to the Dallas Cowboys. The best offensive line in football helped produce a respectable season for Darren McFadden, but Henry could be an immediate star with that much room to run. It almost makes too much sense to pass up.

Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame

November 28, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Will Fuller catches a pass and runs for a touchdown ahead of Stanford Cardinal cornerback Terrence Alexander (11) during the first half at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ga

Speed isn't everything for wide receivers, but it definitely helps a lot. While Laquon Treadwell—the projected top wideout in the class—decided not to run the 40-yard dash over concerns about his time, other players used this opportunity to showcase their own abilities.

Will Fuller took advantage more than anyone:

The Notre Dame star got everyone talking with an unofficial time of 4.33 seconds but actually had an even faster official time, finishing at 4.32 seconds in what should stand as one of the fastest of the entire weekend. 

Bleacher Report's Connor Rogers also used this opportunity to remind people this speed helped him on the field as well:

Fuller is not just a track star; he is a talented receiver who can burn even the best cornerbacks down the field.

The receiver isn't perfect, though, with inconsistency and drop problems. This plus other needs around the league could keep Fuller out of the first round. Still, this could create a great opportunity for the Cleveland Browns at the start of the second round. The Browns are projected to take a quarterback with the No. 2 pick and could give him a new favorite target at No. 32.

Two early picks could help transform what has been a stagnant offense for years.

1Tennessee Titans
2Cleveland Browns
3San Diego Chargers
4Dallas Cowboys
5Jacksonville Jaguars
6Baltimore Ravens
7San Francisco 49ers
8Miami Dolphins
9Tampa Bay Buccaneers
10New York Giants
11Chicago Bears
12New Orleans Saints
13Philadelphia Eagles
14Oakland Raiders
15Los Angeles Rams
16Detroit Lions
17Atlanta Falcons
18Indianapolis Colts
19Buffalo Bills
20New York Jets
21Washington Redskins
22Houston Texans
23Minnesota Vikings
24Cincinnati Bengals
25Pittsburgh Steelers
26Seattle Seahawks
27Green Bay Packers
28Kansas City Chiefs
29Arizona Cardinals
30Carolina Panthers
31Denver Broncos

Follow Rob Goldberg on Twitter for year-round sports analysis.

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