NFL Combine 2011: 10 Players With the Most To Prove By Position
At the Combine, players are working on generally their final chance to improve their draft stock before teams solidify their boards and prepare for draft strategy now that the scouting aspect is all but done.
Generally, juniors have the most to prove at the Combine because this is the first time that NFL teams are seeing them workout since the final game of the season, but there are still seniors that can either really hurt or help their future as NFL Draft pick hopefuls.
Quarterback: Cam Newton, Auburn
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This draft's most intriguing and hardest to figure out projection-wise, Cam Newton has a lot to showcase to NFL teams whether he throws at the Combine or not. As of now, he's said he won't decide until the night before, but odds are I'd go with no, with Blaine Gabbert and Christian Ponder already ruling themselves out.
Newton will need to show up off the practice field and both at the chalk board as well as in team meetings. With so many questions surround him, such as leadership issues, system questions, and of course the NCAA investigation, it'll be tough for NFL teams to limit themselves in what questions they ask. If he says all the right answers, he'll start a bidding war for a Top 3 pick. If not, he'll likely stick around the 8-16 area as a prospect.
Running Back: Graig Cooper, Miami (FL)
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I looked at a lot of running backs for this pick, but in the end I went with a player who has already overcome so much in his time as a college student and player. Cooper had a catastrophic knee injury two years ago, an injury that lead most to believe that his NFL dreams were shattered.
However, he came on strong to end the season and so far, reports are that the knee is in good shape and that he can contribute to an NFL team. If he can come back from that injury, test out well in front of the doctors and on the practice field, he could comeback from career over to possible draft selection.
Wide Receiver: Leonard Hankerson, Miami (FL)
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I talked to Leonard at the Senior Bowl, and he talked about the biggest question on every team's mind that he talked to: speed. If Hankerson has top notch speed, he's a lock for the first round and could even be a mid rounder. If not, he's limited as a number two receiver and teams will hesitate to pull the trigger.
We've had Hankerson as a 1st round talent since mid-season, and once he runs his sub 4.5, which he's assured me he will, then he'll be safely in the first round and hotly contested over in the pick 20 area.
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Tight End: Kyle Rudolph, Notre Dame
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Rudolph made a bold move in declaring early for the draft despite being out for his entire junior season with an injury he suffered earlier in the football season.
He is being considered by some teams as a first round talent, but it's tough to give him that grade until the knee checks out and he shows that he still has the speed, routes, and cutting abilities that made him the top tight end prospect coming into the season.
Defensive End: Robert Quinn, North Carolina
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Robert Quinn should have a dynamic week at the Combine, and he needs it if he hopes to get back into the Top 5 area. He missed the entire season this year and doesn't have any film or really anything to go off of as far as his development is concerned.
If he can wow scouts on the practice field, which is very likely, as well as in the meetings in dissecting plays and showing football IQ, he could regain his pre-season hype and be safely in the Top 7.
Defensive Tackle: Jurrell Casey, USC
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Casey has some stiffness and overall weight concerns about his game, which is why the projected first round talent has fallen to around the 3rd-4th round area of our rankings. But, the Combine does have flexibility and lateral quickness drills that could either expose or aid Casey's potential as an NFL starter.
He'll need to show the abilities to be both a defensive tackle as well as 5-technique player, as that versatility could make the difference in being a 2nd round pick or falling quickly on draft day due to concerns about where he may fit in the NFL.
Inside Linebacker: Martez Wilson, Illinois
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Wilson made a bold decision to declare early for the draft despite having consistency and some character red flags, but so far based on the film he has and the buzz around him, he could fly up boards with a good workout.
Originally viewed as a developmental athlete, Wilson has a chance to push himself into the Top 50, maybe even Top 32 with a great workout and the versatility in drills to play in both a 3-4 or 4-3 defense.
Outside Linebacker: Mark Herzlich, Boston College
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Herzlich had a remarkable comeback story as an NFL Draft prospect, recovering from cancer and regaining his potential to play on Sundays in the NFL. This season wasn't as productive as his sophomore season that put him on the map, but that was likely mostly due to him only a few months after his chemo ended.
Herzlich didn't show great stamina much of the year and looked a little stiff throughout the season, so workouts showing he's back to or close to his pre-cancer shape could push him up draft boards and reduce the limitations on scheme fits he may need.
Defensive Backs: Prince Amukamara, Nebraska
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As of now, Patrick Peterson of LSU is the consensus top cornerback in the draft, and a Cowboys scout I spoke with at the Senior Bowl said Amukamara wasn't that far off (interesting because they are likely in the market for a cornerback).
However, reports are that some teams don't feel he's a true number one man cornerback, and may need a zone to be successful. While I don't believe that is the case, Amukamara will have a chance to showcase that he's not a certain scheme fit and can be a shutdown cornerback in the NFL as he tries to inch closer to Patrick Peterson's level as a prospect.
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