2011 NFL Draft: 10 Bold Predictions for the NFL Combine
The 2011 NFL Combine will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis from February 23rd through March 1st, allowing NFL prospects to showcase their skills before NFL scouts for the first time (officially, anyway) prior to the 2011 NFL Draft.
Most schools will later host a "pro day," where players can run drills in front of scouts at their own school, but these tend to be a bit more relaxed, with fewer scouts in attendance.
The Combine is the league's premier talent exhibition.
The list of players invited to the Combine was released last night.
Who will shine and who will flop?
Here are 10 bold predictions about the 2011 NFL Combine.
10. Wisconsin's John Clay Will Disappoint
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This Wisconsin Badger chose to skip his senior season and declare for the NFL Draft. Clay didn't want to share carries with Montee Ball and James White or risk getting beaten out by them.
Clay rushed for over 1,000 yards and scored double-digit touchdowns for the second straight year in 2010. He is listed at 6'1", 248 pounds—that makes him the heaviest running back, not only at the Combine, but in the entire 2011 NFL Draft.
I predict Clay will show good numbers in the bench press, but his 40-yard dash, shuttle run and three-cone drill won't be so hot. John Clay's stock will drop and he may go undrafted.
9. The Boise State Receivers Will Shine
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The Boise State Broncos are losing their top two receivers in Titus Young (pictured) and Austin Pettis. They both caught 71 passes on the year. Young's yardage was over 1,000 and Pettis' was just under that.
I predict these two will shine in the Combine. Pettis will have a great 40-yard dash time that will move him up in the rankings. He is currently listed as the 23rd-best wideout, while Young is ranked No. 8.
Both will prove that they belong in the NFL.
8. Nick Fairley Will Dominate the Bench Press
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Nick Fairley, formerly of Auburn, is listed at 6'5", 298 pounds, but he probably weighs more. He is a massive defensive tackle.
At the Combine, Fairley won't impress anyone with his speed. However, when it's time to hit the bench press, he will flourish.
With the weight on the bar set at 225 pounds, scouts will watch to see the number of reps each player can perform.
Last year, Jeff Owens of Georgia stole the show with 44 reps. This year it will be another SEC defensive lineman to own the bench press. I predict that Fairley gets to 40, which should excite NFL scouts.
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7. Ryan Mallett's Stock Will Rise
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Ryan Mallett has been falling on everyone's draft board. His last pass in his college career went for an interception in the Sugar Bowl. His performance was subpar during the game and it has cost him.
But no worries, Mallett—you can easily make up ground by blowing scouts away at the Combine. Everyone knows he has the arm, but Mallett will have a chance to show that he can fit the ball into a tight window and display good footwork, something he gets ripped about.
I predict good things for Ryan Mallett's Combine workout.
6. Jacquizz Rodgers Will Have the Fastest 40-Yard Dash of All Running Backs
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The 5'7", 190-pound running back burst onto the scene as a freshman for Oregon State. He put together three consecutive seasons with over 1,000 yards rushing and double-digit touchdowns, scoring an astonishing 21 touchdowns in 2009.
Rodgers knows his speed is what will get him drafted. I predict he owns the 40-yard dash and comes out on top among all the running backs. He will have to dominate every speed drill to increase his chances of being drafted.
It's hard for some teams to take a risk on such a little guy, but Rodgers has lightning speed.
Because of that, someone will draft him.
5. Jake Locker Will Not Throw
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Another guy who has seen his stock fall this year is Washington's Jake Locker. He chose to finish college and it has hurt his ranking significantly.
He has too much at stake here, and cannot risk doing poorly at the Combine. He will choose not to throw and will instead wait until his pro day.
It's a great strategy, because then Locker will be throwing to his own receivers.
4. Colin Kaepernick's Stock Will Rise
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Kaepernick passed for over 3,000 yards for the first time in his career this season. He threw for 21 touchdowns and rushed for 20 as well. Listed at 6'5", 220 pounds, he has a great build for an NFL quarterback, especially since he can run very well.
Kaepernick needs to improve on his accuracy on short passes as well as the deep ball, but I predict Kaepernick will climb the rankings with a great Combine performance. He'll have a solid 40-yard dash time and will show scouts he can throw it.
Teams know he still has a lot of room to improve if he wants to run an NFL team, but they will see a lot of potential in Kaepernick. He is a very hard worker and a coach can develop him to be a really good quarterback.
3. Blaine Gabbert Will Disappoint
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Listed at 6'5", 240 pounds, Missouri's Blaine Gabbert is the ideal size for an elite quarterback. He is ranked as the No. 1 QB and some believe he will be taken first overall.
I predict a sad showing from Gabbert at the Combine. He has been praised so much by these experts and I don't think he will live up to the hype. If he chooses to throw, I don't think it will end very well.
His time in the 40-yard dash will also be a disappointment, but most teams won't care about his speed. They want to know if he can lead a team to victory, but I predict poor decision making from the Missouri quarterback.
2. A.J. Green Won't Impress with His Speed
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The best wide receiver in the 2011 NFL Draft will not have a great 40-yard dash time, but most scouts will not be bothered by this because Green can catch anything.
And I mean anything.
No one has the ball-skills that Green possesses.
The 6'4", 210-pound wideout will go up and always bring it down. He has great awareness and vision. His vertical leap will impress the scouts, along with his ability to run exceptional routes.
He won't blow past corners on every play, but Green has the ability to make you miss and get those crucial yards after the catch.
1. Cam Newton Will Wow the Scouts
10 of 10Cam Newton is 6'5" and 250 pounds. We know he can run the ball well, but he can also throw it with the best of them.
There's no question scouts will be going gaga over Newton at the Combine. All his numbers will be impressive.
But, then again, his numbers are always impressive. Currently, he is rated as the No. 3 quarterback.
After the Combine, his ranking will improve.
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