NFL Combine 2011: Eight Ways Ryan Mallett Can Improve His Slipping Draft Stock

Hang your head up kid. Your draft stock may be falling but you're going to be just fine. 

The constant buzz around Ryan Mallett is that his draft stock is plummeting. However there's room for improvement, and it starts with this weekend. 

The NFL Combine's purpose is for players to increase their draft status. No other player needs to do well at the Combine than Ryan Mallett. 

Here are eight ways Mallett can better his chances of being drafted sooner rather than later. 

8. Find a Team That Shows Interest in Him

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 04: Quarterback Ryan Mallett #15 of the Arkansas Razorbacks looks to pass against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 4, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Matthew

Some would say that the way Mallett ended his career drastically hurt his draft status. His last throw for Arkansas was an interception in the Sugar Bowl against Ohio State. 

As of right now there aren't that many teams too keen on him. In the coming week Mallett has the opportunity to get NFL teams to really start talking about him, and in a good way. 

7. Prove He's Healthy

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 04: Dexter Larimore #72 of the Ohio State Buckeyes sacks Ryan Mallett #15 of the Arkansas Razorbacks in the second quarter during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 4, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Mallett suffered a concussion in the 2010 season in a game against Auburn. When any player has a concussion his chances of getting another are far better than any other player on the field. 

Before this past season Mallett injured his foot and even had to have surgery on it. He was seen around campus sporting a sweet ride if I do say so myself.

In the medical exams at the Combine Mallett will need to meet the expectations of scouts. 

6. Have Good Wonderlic Test Score

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 04: Quarterback Ryan Mallett #15 of the Arkansas Razorbacks looks on before taking on the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 4, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C

Intelligence is very important at the quarterback position. A poor Wonderlic score could really damage Mallett's stock even more than it's already been hit. 

Some teams could care less about the test, and others believe it to be very vital. However, if Mallett scores below a 20 it will be all down hill for the Arkansas QB.

Mallett's decision making is of concern to many, and with a good score he could hush a few of those who doubt him. 

5. Excel in Agility Drills

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 04: Quarterback Ryan Mallett #15 of the Arkansas Razorbacks attempts to throw as Nathan Williams #43 of the Ohio State Buckeyes attempts to sack Mallett in the first half during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome

Mallett's inability to move quickly in the pocket is one of his biggest problems. When he is blitzed heavily he gets flustered and panics. Mallett struggles at moving his feet when being pressured. If that isn't fixed then he will be a bust in the NFL as defensive coordinators will shut him down with ease. 

If he can post a decent time in the three cone drill or the shuttle run teams will feel better about his pocket presence. They test a prospects speed in short bursts and his change of direction skill. 

4. Pass a Drug Test

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GAINESVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 17: Quarterback Ryan Mallett #15 of the Arkansas Razorbacks warms up before play against the Florida Gators October 17, 2009 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

There are rumors going around that Mallett has a drug problem. People are saying that his drug problem was the reason he didn't declare for last year's draft. 

If any of that is true than Mallett is done for. However if he can pass a drug test it will put scouts mind's at rest.  

3. Run Better Than Most Expect

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FAYETTEVILLE - SEPTEMBER 25: Ryan Mallett #15 of the Arkansas Razorbacks tries to avoid pressure from Courtney Upshaw #41 of the Alabama Crimson Tide at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on September 25, 2010 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Alabama won 24-2

We know Mallett is not fast, and teams realize this lack of mobility. 

However if Mallett can put up a 40-yard-dash time that surprises scouts then his draft stock will rise. It will show that he's been working hard to improve his game. 

2. Have a Solid Interview

The character and maturity of Mallett is under the microscope. He was arrested for public intoxication in 2009 and some believe he was once addicted to drugs. 

To be quarterback in the NFL you have to be mentally and emotionally stable. Mallett needs to answer questions scouts ask him very carefully. He has to show them he has the intangibles to play at the next level, and that he can be a leader in the NFL. 

1. Throw the Ball Well

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FAYETTEVILLE - SEPTEMBER 25: Ryan Mallett #15 of the Arkansas Razorbacks passes the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on September 25, 2010 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Alabama won 24-20. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Get

Unlike Blaine Gabbert and Christian Ponder Mallett has agreed to throw at the Combine. This is a very smart move for him. He knows he is under scrutiny right now, and by him going out there and throwing it lets scouts know he isn't afraid. He believe he has what it takes to be an NFL starter.  

All he has to do is show scouts what he does best. If he slips up then he deserves to has his stock fall. This is his best chance to prove to teams that he can be an NFL quarterback. If he doesn't do well it's his own fault.