NFL Combine 2011: Each Top 10 Receiver's Most Important Workout
With the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine just three days away, all the current NFL draft talk is resting on each prospect's individual abilities.
Whether we criticize or hype, many players may come out of the combine seen as a different prospect than when they entered.
While performing well at each and every workout is key, nothing may be more important to players than standing out in areas where they are expected to struggle.
Here are the most important workout areas for the top receivers participating in the combine.
Darvin Adams, Auburn
1 of 10
Critical Workout: Bench Press
Darvin Adams was a fantastic weapon on Auburn's wide open, unconventional offense.
Adams nabbed All-SEC honors in 2010, and compiled 115 receptions for 1,978 yards and 17 touchdowns during his college years.
However, Adams needs to add some serious bulk to his frame. He's as exciting as they come in the open field, but facing more contested NFL coverages could become a major issue for Darvin unless he can prove his ability at the line of scrimmage.
At 6'3", 185 pounds, the best thing he can do in the combine is prove his strength.
Jonathan Baldwin, Pittsburgh
2 of 10
Critical Workout: Three Cone Drill
Pittsburgh's Jonathan Baldwin kind of fell off the map in 2010, going from a top receiver to a questionable prospect.
He caught 53 passes for 822 yards and five touchdowns in his final season, but he's not the most eye-catching NFL prospect, especially at receiver, considering his 230 pound frame.
The main reason why is his apparent lack of agility. Baldwin has made plenty of circus catches in his career, but he made his living catching jump balls. He has to prove his ability to run solid routes in an NFL offense.
DeAndre Brown, Southern Mississippi
3 of 10
Critical Workout: Shuttle Run
DeAndre Brown is a very attractive, yet high risk-high reward specimen.
He's huge at 6'6", 230 pounds, but, like Baldwin, he needs to prove he's more than just a red-zone threat.
There are also some questions about his character, which was put on display during a frustrating outing against South Carolina to open the 2010 season.
But Brown also suffered a horrific leg break in 2008 and has never possessed considerable speed or agility.
A strong shuttle run and three cone drill could help his cause.
Randall Cobb, Kentucky
4 of 10
Critical Workout: The Gauntlet
Randall Cobb was an absolute terror for SEC defenses during his career.
He made himself known as the nation's best utility player, lining up at receiver, quarterback, tailback and punt return.
And he had considerable success in all of those areas.
However, Cobb is working out as a receiver at the combine. Just labeling this man with a position is enough of a stretch and his size, at 5'11", 180 pounds, is a red flag.
We all know he's as athletic as they come.
But can he catch? If Cobb runs through the gauntlet without a drop, his draft stock could sky rocket.
A.J. Green, Georgia
5 of 10
Critical Workout: Bench Press
A.J. Green is considered to be a top five pick as of now, and might be the most talented receiver to come out of the draft since Calvin Johnson.
Heck, he may be in a league of five when it comes to top receiving prospects of all time.
While he seemingly does everything perfectly and then some, one area of concern might be his durability.
He's always been tabbed as being a little underweight, and many have overlooked the fact he was nicked up during the majority of his career at Georgia.
But he still had some pretty good numbers. As long as Green is on the field, he's going to be great. But he needs to make sure he can physically stand up to the competition.
Julio Jones, Alabama
6 of 10
Critical Workout: The Gauntlet
Alabama's Julio Jones is undoubtedly the most physically impressive wide receiver prospect.
He's a solid route runner and has made himself known for having surprisingly good speed.
One area that might bother people, though, is his quickness and consistency with catching passes.
He's had a few questionable drops that cancel out his circus catches, and needs to prove his hands are as useful as the rest of his talents.
Greg Little, North Carolina
7 of 10
Critical Workout: Bench Press
North Carolina's Greg Little didn't even play a down of football in 2010 because of a suspension by the NCAA.
However, he was considered to be the second coming of Hakeem Nicks before the season began. He might still be.
He's a huge, physical receiver who will catch just about anything, but he needs to prove that he's in prime shape to even play football.
A strong showing with the weights should erase any doubts scouts have about his physical readiness for the next level.
Torrey Smith, Maryland
8 of 10
Critical Workout: The Gauntlet
Maryland wide receiver Torrey Smith is a surprise prospect for most people. He's obviously lifted himself to top round draft status based on his play, mainly his speed and quickness.
He's proven to be one of the more athletic players in the receiving group, but he hasn't shown he has the most reliable hands in the business.
He's not going to be the most physically imposing prospect, so pass catching needs to be an area where he excels.
Terrance Toliver, Louisiana State
9 of 10
Critical Workout: Vertical Jump
Terrance Toliver might be the closest thing you will get to A.J. Green if you're a late picking team looking for a top receiver.
He's an extremely fun player to watch in the open field. He glides like a gazelle when he runs and has impressive size.
But can he use it? At 6'5", you expect him to be a big time red-zone threat. However, he's never been a stand out jump ball catcher.
Laterally, he's as good as they come, but he also needs to prove he can go up and get passes. Another area for concern might be his pass catching in traffic.
Titus Young, Boise State
10 of 10
Critical Workout: Bench Press
Titus Young is reminding a lot of people of Philadelphia Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson.
If that's an indication of anything, then this guy needs to be considered a first day draft pick.
He's insanely quick, but he's also 5'11" and barely 180 pounds. He never really played in a physical environment as a member of a WAC team, but his tape blows you away nonetheless.
Young needs to gain some strength, but overall, he's a potential draft steal.
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