2011 NFL Draft: 15 Workout Warriors of the 2011 Combine
Every spring the NFL's best draft prospects travel to Indianapolis, Indiana for one week of interviews, tests, physicals and drills to assess their NFL draft potential. And every year a handful of players see their stock increase in the eyes of NFL general managers, scouts, coaches and more than anyone... the media.
Here is a look at fifteen players who will improve their stock at the NFL Combine.
15. Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor
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Taylor won't wow anyone with blazing fast 40-yard dashes, but watch him on the bench press.
Taylor could hit 45 reps. He has the body type to really jump up draft boards as a nose tackle. Taylor is already getting recognition from NFL draft writers. His name is becoming more and more popular.
14. Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
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Few offensive tackles ever run under 5.0 seconds in the forty-yard dash, but Solder will likely hit the 4.8 mark.
He's a very quick tackle.
His stock is going to rise after a solid week in Indianapolis. We predict Solder is the only senior tackle who will break 5.0 seconds in the 40.
13. Derrick Locke, RB, Kentucky
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If Noel Devine is not the fastest running back in the draft, Locke will be.
At 5'9" and 190lbs, Locke has the look of a third down back, and the speed of a game breaker. Smaller backs are becoming more and more viable in the NFL, which benefits Locke tremendously.
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12. Jerrel Jernigan, WR, Troy
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It is ok if you have never heard of Jernigan, but put his name on your "need to know" list. Jernigan has sprinter speed. He was clocked this spring at 4.32 in the 40.
If you are looking for a burner to attach yourself to this off-season, Jernigan is a name sure to rise up draft boards.
11. Robert Quinn, OLB, North Carolina
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Quinn will be a top 10 pick in April, and he'll solidify that position this week. Quinn can run a low 4.6 in the 40, and his agility will prove his ability to play outside linebacker in the 3-4.
Be sure to pay special attention to Quinn during the positional drills. NFL scouts are going to work him out at defensive end and outside linebacker. He will be sure to impress.
10. Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
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Peterson will enter the Combine with nothing left to prove, but we feel like he will any way. Peterson's stock won't climb with a strong Combine, but many doubters will be quieted when Peterson turns in a 4.39.
Peterson will fight with Prince Amukamara for the top cornerback spot in the NFL draft. A good showing in Indy could separate the two.
9. A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
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Green is a top five player in the 2011 class, and some might be surprised to see his name on this list. How is Green a workout warrior? At 6'4 and 212lbs you don't expect him running in the 4.4 range or to have a vertical like this.
NFL scouts are constantly looking for another Andre Johnson... A.J. Green just might be that player.
8. D.J. Williams, TE, Arkansas
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Few tight ends are as strong and as fast as Williams. Expect this Razorback to run in the mid 4.5s and move his way into the first round with elite agility and speed for the position.
The success of athletic rookie tight ends Jermaine Gresham, Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez will put scout's eyes on Williams.
7. Jake Locker, QB, Washington
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Locker is running 4.5s in the 40 consistently. He is also a strong player in the weight room, thanks to his baseball background. Locker will wow scouts on the track, but he will win them over on the bench press.
Locker's only weakness might be his accuracy. Given months to prepare for it, Locker can have his arm ready for the spotlight in Indianapolis.
6. Rashad Carmichael, CB, Virginia Tech
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Carmichael might be the fastest player in the 2011 NFL Draft. We have heard rumors of him clocked at 4.32. VaTech consistently turns out burners at cornerback, Carmichael is next. He combines sprinter speed with a tenacious style of play that is very appealing.
While raw, Carmichael is a talented cover man. He will excel in one-on-one drills where his speed will shut down the best of receivers.
5. Noel Devine, RB, West Virginia
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Devine made waves as a high school player because of his sick workout and game films. Expect a ton of buzz surrounding Devine, who is a bit of a Dexter McCluster-clone.
The only down side to Devine is his diminutive stature. He has the speed, open-field moves and vision to be a very good scat back in the NFL.
4. Titus Young, WR, Boise State
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This year's Jacoby Ford, Young will put up low 4.4s in the 40. Young is an accomplished receiver, but many feel he is a "system player". They will soon find out he's an amazing athlete.
Slot receivers are becoming more and more important to the NFL game and Young has serious potential on the inside. He will be a match up nightmare.
3. Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
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Some players are just made for the NFL Combine. Cam Newton's week in Indianapolis will be a big one. He must convince NFL executives that he did not lie about taking money to play at Auburn, and he must prove to NFL scouts that he can play quarterback at the next level.
Newton is going to make a lot of noise at the NFL Combine. He has tight end size, running back speed and the arm of a top 10 quarterback.
2. Dontay Moch, LB, Nevada
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Any outside linebacker that runs a legitimate 4.38 in the 40 yard dash is a scary athlete. Moch is not the strongest linebacker on the field, but his pure speed will make him a mouth-watering pass rusher.
The ESPN and NFL Network crews will be screaming one name over and over again this week: Dontay Moch.
1. Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
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We can find only one player more physically impressive than Dontay Moch. His name is Da'Quan Bowers.
Bowers will most likely run in the high 4.5s at the NFL Combine at 275 lbs. He is also strong, in fact he's very strong. Expect 30 reps on the bench press from his beast.
Bowers has the potential to be the first player chosen in the 2011 NFL Draft, depending on which team has the pick.
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