2011 NFL Scouting Combine: Breakout Candidates: Offense

The NFL Scouting Combine is arguably the strangest sporting event of the year as 300+ guys run around in tight pants performing a combination of fitness tests and football drills. No fans in the stands just scouts with stop watches. Yet NFL Network will devote 30+ hours of live coverage to these events and the football fans eat it up.  

The combine carries the added meaning this year, as the lack of a collective bargaining agreement makes it one of just two NFL Events left on the calendar (the NFL Draft itself being the other).    

One of the scariest aspects of the scouting combine, is the amount of money that can be made or lost based on tenths of a second.  Expect to hear numerous exultations and condemnations during the course of the combine workouts but keep in mind, these workouts are just a piece of the draft puzzle.  As a matter of fact, the workouts themselves are just a part of the gauntlet players go through in Indianapolis as medical checks, the Wonderlic and team-player interviews play a role as well.  In many cases, the interviews carry as much if not more impact than the workouts themselves.

Disclaimers aside, let's get back to the "meat market" portion of the article as we look at players whose workouts possess breakout potential: The Underwear Olympians. 

Quarterback:

Jake Locker, Washington - Locker's stock has been in decline after a disappointing senior season and Senior Bowl, but the combine gives him an opportunity to flash the tremendous athleticism that has always tantalized the scouting community.  The structured nature of the workout should also provide a nice showcase for his strong arm.  Note: Cameron Newton is not expected to fully participate at the combine and thus ineligible for Underwear Olympian honors.

Running Back:

Derrick Locke, Kentucky - In a crowded field of undersized backs, look for Locke to showcase his speed and explosiveness.  Don't be surprised if he runs the fastest 40 among running backs.

Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech - After an injury plagued sophomore season, Willams will look to flash the agility and explosiveness which made him a first round prospect.

Fullback:

Charles Clay, Tulsa - Like Dorin Dickerson last year, Clay is a player without a true position.  Does not block well enough to play tight end or fullback and not quite dynamic enough to be a running back, but has a tantalizing combination of speed and athleticism for a 235 pounder.  Expect him to showcase sure hands in the receiving drills as well.

Wide Receiver:

Jerrell Jernigan, Troy - A hot name in the draftnik community all season, Jernigan is looking to flash his speed and agility and make a name for himself at the Combine.  He is a contender for the fastest 40 in Indianapolis.

Jonathan Baldwin, Pittsburgh - Baldwin will look to put his disappointing junior season behind him by showcasing his rare combination of size and speed.  6'5" receivers who can run sub 4.5 do not grow on trees. Of course, how well he answers questions about attitude concerns will affect his stock as much if not more than his workout.

Tight End:

Virgil Green, Nevada - After turning a lot of heads with a stellar week at the Shrine Game, Green is looking to carry the breakout combine performance torch held previously by Vernon Davis, Dustin Keller and Jared Cook.  Green is looking to break 4.5 in the 40 and challenge 40 inches in the vertical.   Expect excellent hands and agility in the drills as well.  

Offensive Tackle:

Nate Solder, Colorado - He may be raw from a technical standpoint, but the converted tight end is poised to remind scout why he has the highest ceiling among this year's tackle class by showcasing rare athleticism for a tackle.  Odds on favorite among linemen in the 40 and vertical, Solder will also show nimble feet and lateral agility in the drills.

Tyron Smith, USC - Buzz has been building for Smith since he declared back in December.  He is undersized at just 280 pounds, but is a great athlete with the quick feet and agility to play left tackle.  A great workout could springboard him to the top of this year's tackle class especially if he has been able to near the 300 pound mark.

Guard:

Danny Watkins, Baylor - After a breakout performance at the Senior Bowl, look for the former firefighter and hockey player to maintain his momentum in Indy.  Watkins is strong as an ox and an underrated athlete built to shine in the combine setting.   He will likely ace the team-player interviews as well.

Ben Ijalana, Villanova - The top small school prospect in the draft, flew under the radar at Villanova, but this athletic guard/tackle tweener will show fans why scouts have been raving about him all season.

Center:

Rodney Hudson, Florida State - Hudson won't wow in the size and strength department, but his lateral agility and quickness will shine through in the drills as he demonstrates why he is one of the top pulling guards in the draft and a candidate to convert to center.

Chris Maier is Senior Editor for NFLDraft101.com. He can be contacted at [e-mail]. Follow Chris on twitter: nfldraft101