It happens ever year. A player looks great at the NFL Scouting Combine and gets his draft stock elevated. Last year, Trent Williams pulled ahead of Russell Okung based on his Combine performance. Brandon Graham and Ryan Mathews also greatly helped themselves in Indianapolis. Sometimes being a Combine star makes teams think a player is better than he is. In 2009, Darrius Heyward-Bey and Aaron Maybin made a lot of money based on their shorts and shirts performance. So it goes both ways. Here's a look at some players who should benefit from the Combine:
Athletes who should shine at the 2011 NFL Combine
Patrick Peterson | CB | LSU
For the past month or so, Peterson has been saying he wants to run the 40-yard dash in the 4.2-second range. As great as that sounds, it wouldn't be unprecedented. Since 2005, three cornerbacks have run the 40 in 4.29 seconds. That would be Stanford Routt and Fabian Washington in 2005 and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie in 2008. Both Rodgers-Cromartie and Routt are the same height (6'2) as Peterson.
Jon Baldwin | WR | Pittsburgh
Many expect Baldwin to steal the Combine. Why? Because people who are 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds aren't supposed to be as athletic as Baldwin. He's expected to break 4.4 seconds in the 40-yard dash and impress in every other area. Baldwin's Combine performance could get him a spot in the top 20 picks.
Dontay Moch | LB | Nevada
Before the 2010 season started, Moch confirmed to MtD that he’s run the 40-yard dash in less than 4.3 seconds. It’s now time to find out the truth about Moch’s speed. Even if Moch breaks 4.5 seconds, plenty of people will start to take notice of the sack specialist.
Stephen Paea | DT | Oregon State
Despite a knee injury, Paea intends to push the 225-pound bench press as much as he can. In one YouTube demonstration, he did it 44 times. The Combine record is 45, held by three players. If he can lift, Paea could top that number.
Tyron Smith | OT | Southern California
When Smith declared for the draft, he was criticized for not having NFL size. Reports are out that Smith has bulked up to 304 pounds, so what of that opinion now? Most expect Smith to be the most athletic offensive tackle at the Combine this year. It’s not his 40 time that will be interesting, but his agility drills. They should show why Smith, a right tackle at USC, is regarded as an NFL left tackle.
Nate Solder | OT | Colorado
If Smith isn’t the most athletically gifted offensive tackle in this class, it’s Solder. He’s run the 40-yard dash in 4.8 seconds, registered a 34-inch vertical leap, has a 400-pound power cleans and squats 600 pounds. For a player who is inconsistent on the field, the Combine is a perfect avenue for a player like Solder.
Aldon Smith | DE/OLB | Missouri
The most important drill for pass rushers at the combine is the three-cone drill. Smith should do well in that drill and show a 3-4 team that he has the lateral agility to move to linebacker.
Curtis Brown | CB | Texas
Of the three Texas cornerbacks in this year’s draft, Brown has been considered the most athletic. In a jammed up cornerback class, Brown can secure a second-round grade with a strong combine where he can show his fluidity and speed.
Jordan Cameron | TE | Southern California
Much like Jimmy Graham last year, the former basketball player should dazzle at the Combine because of his excellent foot quickness. If he can post solid strength numbers, it will only help elevate his stock.
Jerrell Jernigan | WR | Troy
Although Jernigan may not have great height or deep speed, he's a powerful wide receiver who makes a lot of his catches in the short area. Jernigan should post some of the better agility numbers of the weekend.
Jake Locker | QB | Washington
Cam Newton | QB | Auburn
No explanation needed, right?
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