NFL Combine 2011: Mark Ingram and 10 Prospects Who Can't Afford Slow 40 Times

The most anticipated event at the NFL Scouting Combine is always the 40-yard-dash. Scouts want to see how fast a prospect is, even though in a game he'll be running with pads. The 40-yard-dash shows how quickly a guy can get going.  

Players will try to increase their draft stock by blowing scouts away with their speed. However, if they don't show up and end up posting a weak 40-yard-dash time then it could cost them greatly. 

If a guy wants to increase the likelihood of him being drafted, he's going to have to move fast. In no particular order, here are 10 skill position players who cannot afford a slow time at the combine.   

10. Greg McElroy, QB, Alabama

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - OCTOBER 16: Quarterback Greg McElroy #12 of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks to pass against the Ole Miss Rebels at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 16, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

McElroy is ranked as the 11th-best quarterback in the draft. If he wants to jump up on the boards, it wouldn't hurt to post a good 40 time. 

He is being scrutinized for his size and arm strength. McElroy cannot have a weak 40 time or his stock will plummet. We know he's not a fast quarterback, but if he puts up an even worse time than expected it could be bad news for the 'Bama boy. 

9. Mikel Leshoure, RB, Illinois

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CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 20: Mikel Leshoure #5 of the Illinois Fighting Illini runs past Bryce McNaul #51 of the Northwestern Wildcats and towards Brian Peters #10 on his way to a 339 yard rushing performance during a game played at Wrigley Field on November 20

Leshoure is a potential first-round guy. With a solid combine workout, he could sneak into the bottom half of the first round. However, if he fails to meet expectations it won't be good for him. 

He's currently ranked as the third-best running back in the draft but he has the chance to be a late first-round pick. Scouts worry about his vision, agility and blocking. But there is no denying he is a powerful competitor. 

If he doesn't record a solid 40 time his stock will fall.  

8. Randall Cobb, WR, Kentucky

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LEXINGTON, KY - NOVEMBER 13: Randall Cobb #18 of the Kentucky Wildcats runs with the ball during the game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Commonwealth Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Lexington, Kentucky. Kentucky won 38-20. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Get

Cobb is an all-purpose type of player. Scouts know he can come in and contribute to a team right away. He has tremendous play-making ability. 

However, if he doesn't have a solid 40 time then his stock will drop drastically. Scouts aren't too keen on his size, but they know he can make plays. 

7. Andy Dalton, QB, TCU

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PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Quarterback Andy Dalton #14 of the TCU Horned Frogs looks to pass against the Wisconsin Badgers during the 97th Rose Bowl game on January 1, 2011 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Dalton is rated as the fifth-best quarterback by most. We know that he doesn't have blazing speed, but too slow of a 40 time will hurt him. 

Dalton does a good job outside of the pocket extending plays. If he can post a surprising 40 time then he will move up on the draft boards.  

6. Jake Locker, QB, Washington

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SEATTLE - OCTOBER 30: Quarterback Jake Locker #10 of the Washington Huskies passes against the Stanford Cardinal on October 30, 2010 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Locker cannot afford any more negativity his way. We know he has the skills to play in the NFL, but his intelligence and decision making is something scouts worry about. 

He has good mobility going for him right now, but if he has a slow 40 time then he'll receive even more hate from all the experts. 

5. Stevan Ridley, RB, LSU

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ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 07: Stevan Ridley #34 of the Louisiana State University Tigers runs in for a touchdown during the game against the Texas A&M Aggies during the AT&T Cotton Bowl at Cowboys Stadium on January 7, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by

Here's a guy who can greatly improve his stock from a solid combine trip. However, if he slips up in just one drill then it's going to be hard for him to bounce back. 

Ridley left LSU early for the NFL and many wondered if it was the right decision. Here is his chance to showcase his skills and prove that he is someone scouts need to keep an eye on. He's rated as the 10th-best back, but if he has a bad 40 time then it's possible he may not get drafted. 

4. Daniel Thomas, RB, Kansas State

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LAWRENCE, KS - OCTOBER 14: Daniel Thomas #8 of the Kansas State Wildcats carries the ball as Olaitan Oguntodu #44 of the Kansas Jayhawks defends during the game on October 14, 2010 at Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Im

Thomas has great size for his position. His speed is going to be something scouts will be watching at the combine. 

Scouts are concerned about his agility and blocking. Thomas is rated as the fourth-best running back and the combine will serve as a great chance for him to increase his draft status. 

3. Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

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SAN DIEGO, CA - FEBRUARY 10: 2010 Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Cam Newton of Auburn throws the ball during his workout routine for the media at Cathedral High School's sports stadium on February 10, 2011 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kent Horn

We know Newton has tremendous athletic ability. He will be performing in all the drills because he knows it is in his best interest to do so. By doing all the drills, Newton will blow all the scouts away with his size, strength and speed. 

However, if Newton puts up a disappointing 40 time it will add to those that don't believe he will be a good NFL quarterback. The likelihood of him doing that is very slim, but you never know. He certainly can't afford to do poorly in what is considered his best quality. 

2. A.J. Green, WR, Georgia

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AUBURN, AL - NOVEMBER 13: A.J. Green #8 of the Georgia Bulldogs pulls in this reception against Craig Stevens #46 of the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

There is no denying this guy can play football. Green is the best receiver in the draft class this year and he will be a top 10 pick. 

However, if he doesn't have a good showing in the combine he could drop a few spots which will cost him millions of dollars. Speed is the main concern for Green but he is working to improve it. A weak 40 time could lose him big bucks. 

1. Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 26: Mark Ingram #22 of the Alabama Crimson Tide rushes for a touchdown against the Auburn Tigers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 26, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Ingram is a lock to be the first running back being drafted in April. There is no question that Ingram is a spectacular back. He has exceptional vision, great agility and he is one powerful guy. 

However, if Ingram doesn't have a good 40 time he could fall in the draft, which would cost him a great deal of money. He is considered a top 15-to-20 pick, but if Ingram's 40 time disappoints, he will fall to the bottom of the first round. That would cost him a bunch of dollars.