2011 NFL Scouting Combine's Breakout Candidates: Defense

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. There are 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 added meaning this year, as the lack of a new 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 roles 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.

Defensive Tackle

Kenrick Ellis, Hampton: The star of the NFLPA practices, Ellis is a 6'5", 336-pound defensive tackle who will could run sub 5.0 in the 40.  That alone would be impressive, but expect him to showcase his agility and athleticism in the drills as well.

Lawrence Guy, Arizona State: The little known Sun Devil has tremendous length and ranks as the most underrated athlete among defensive tackles in the draft. He should boost his stock as a five technique with a strong workout.  Guy is a candidate for the fastest 40 by a defensive tackle.

Note: DT Stephen Paea (Oregon State) will miss the workouts while recovering from knee surgery but is looking to challenge the combine record in the bench press.

Defensive End

Robert Quinn, North Carolina: After sitting out his senior season due to an NCAA-mandated suspension, Quinn has quietly sat by while Da'Quan Bowers and Von Miller gathered the top pass rusher accolades. After Quinn showcases his off-the-charts athleticism in Indy, don't be surprised if Quinn re-enters the top-five mix and possibly gets selected ahead of Bowers or Miller.

Allen Bailey, Miami (FL): His stock in free fall after an up-and-down senior season and Senior Bowl performance, Bailey will remind scouts of his upside potential with his combination of size, speed and athleticism. 

Outside Linebacker

Dontay Moch, Nevada: An undersized defensive end who will be moving to linebacker in the NFL.  Listed at 245 pounds but likely a lot less, Moch is an athletic freak who has been timed in the 4.3 range in the 40. That is unheard of for a linebacker, not to mention a defensive end.  Expect to see above average fluidity in the conversion drills as well.

Brooks Reed, Arizona: Like Moch, Reed is an undersized defensive end with excellent speed and athleticism.  He may not light up the combine with a stellar 40 time, but will Reed ooze burst and fluidity in the drills. Reed should ace the conversion drills as he looked better dropping into coverage than many of the linebackers at the Senior Bowl.

Inside Linebacker

Martez Wilson, Illinois: If there is a player flying a little under the radar who could propel himself into the first round at the combine, it is Wilson.  He possesses tremendous size at 6'4" and 250 pounds and has the speed and athleticism to dominate in the 40 and in the drills.  He looks like an inside backer but has sideline to sideline speed.  After this week, he will have established himself as a guy who can play all three linebacker positions and may challenge Akeem Ayers to be the first true linebacker taken. 

Cornerback

Curtis Marsh, Utah State: A toolsy cornerback prospect who has had just one year playing out on an island, but is highly regarded in large part due to his upside and size/speed combination.  This week, fans will get to see what the buzz is all about.

Davon House, New Mexico State: House is flying under the radar a little due to playing on a bad team with no pass rush but he is a long, lean corner with good speed and fluidity in coverage who will show he has the athleticism to turn and run with receivers at the next level.

Note: Elected to showcase some day two candidates, but if Patrick Peterson elects to workout he could put on a show.  He has been talking about running a 4.3 40.

Safety

Will Hill, Florida: He may not have had the best season on the field, but Hill will show he is one of the best athletes in this year's safety class at the combine.

Robert Sands, West Virginia: The safety position is prime for a breakout performance and Sands' physical tools to rise to the occasion.  Sands has rare height (6'4") and length for a safety.  He is a long strider who should display excellent burst, speed and range for his size. 

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