NFL Combine 2011: Should the Top Quarterback Prospects Throw in Indy?

Ndamukong Suh, viewed as one of the most elite defensive tackle prospects in the past 10 years, decided to do every workout at the Combine, claiming he had "nothing to hide."

While he's no quarterback prospect, whose stock can fluctuate more than a liposuction patient, he did make the point that he knew he was talented enough to impress.

All quarterback prospects have flaws in their game in the transition from the college to the pro level. And now, more prevalently than in the past thanks to the mass spread offenses in college, these young NFL quarterbacks are generally more of a project than they had been in years past.

Blaine Gabbert, Cam Newton and Ryan Mallett likely won't throw because of their need to still develop their footwork and would rather wait until they have more time to train. Jake Locker and Christian Ponder likely won't throw at the Combine because they said they'd like to wait until their Pro Day.

What's the real reason? Is it fear or cautiousness?

Are they scared that if they miss a throw or two that their stock will tank? Cautious that teams will realize the weaknesses that scouts may not have discovered yet? Concerned that they will, maybe for the first time since their first few starts in college, be truly out of their comfort zone?

They have reason to be scared or cautious or patient as they decide on whether they will throw in front of receivers they've never played with—this is their future employer.

But in all honesty, they don't have much reason to be scared. Joe Flacco helped his draft stock significantly because he was both willing to throw and actually got a chance to throw well.

Scouts understand that the quarterbacks will likely miss a few throws because of the lack of connection. Scouts already have seen just about every game these quarterbacks have played—especially the top ones—so they have a very good feel for their weaknesses.

And scouts would be happy to push these quarterbacks' buttons on their composure in high pressure situations and would usually rather a quarterback take a chance and throw at the combine than be hesitant and not throw.

Blaine Gabbert needs to show he has the footwork to be a drop-back passer.

Cam Newton needs to show that he can make reads on players routes and that he has a deep touch.

Ryan Mallett needs to show he has velocity understanding.

Jake Locker needs to show that he's not as erratic of a passer as is commonly believed. Christian Ponder needs to show that he hasn't lost velocity from his injury.

When it comes down to it, I can see why Blaine Gabbert and probably even Cam Newton won't throw at the Combine and based on past Combines, they don't need to. Both are virtual locks to be top 10 picks.

However, Jake Locker and Ryan Mallett have accuracy concerns that may not make them first rounders on some boards whether they throw or not. So why not give it a whirl? The latter two haven't released their intentions yet, but I'd bet they foolishly pass.

Overall, I understand the reasoning not to throw at the Combine. It may not help a quarterback's stock enough to outweigh the risk of possibly being exposed. But when it comes down to it, quarterbacks are almost always making the wrong decision in deciding to pass on throwing at the Combine.

As of now, I've personally confirmed that Blaine Gabbert and Christian Ponder will NOT being throwing at the Combine. Also, Colin Kaepernick WILL be throwing at the Combine confirmed so far.