More than 300 prospects for the 2012 NFL Draft are preparing for the biggest job interview of their lives set to take place next week in Indianapolis at the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine.
2012 NFL Scouting Combine: Who needs a good showing
While the combine is not going to drastically affect most prospects, the drills and interviews could stand to benefit a number of prospects looking to improve their draft stock. It’s one of the last chances for a player to prove himself in front of NFL scouts before the draft.
Some players have a lot more to prove than others. After the jump, we’ll take a look at who has the most to prove in Indianapolis.
Speed Concerns
1. Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina - No players has been more heavily criticized throughout the pre-draft process than Alshon Jeffery. Many question his ability to separate from defenders in the secondary. He put on some weight last season at South Carolina, and he is going to have to prove that he has decent speed at the very least. Jeffery is a big time playmaker, but scouts are going to want him to run in the 4.5 range.
2. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State - Another receiver who has had his deep speed called into question is Justin Blackmon. The Oklahoma State wideout destroyed secondaries largely due to his ability to shed tackles after making a catch. In the NFL breaking tackles becomes difficult, so a strong 40 time would do wonders to solidify Blackmon as a top-ten prospect.
Character Concerns
3. Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama - The interview portion of the NFL Scouting Combine is crucial for Dre Kirkpatrick. Kirkpatrick was arrested in January for marijuana possession only to have the charges dropped a few weeks ago. Teams are going to grill the talented corner to find out what type of kid he is and whether or not he can be trusted with a first round paycheck. There are few people out there questioning this kid's ability on the field, but the off the field concerns need to be addressed.
4. Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama - Two drug related arrests got Janoris Jenkins kicked off the Florida Gators football team. A year later, Jenkins has done wonders to resurrect his draft stock, but his work is far from over. While everyone who has spoken to him seems to think he has learned from his mistakes, Jenkins will have to convince 32 NFL teams that next week.
Weigh-In/Strength Concerns
5. Matt Kalil, OT, USC - It may seem strange that one of the top prospects in the 2012 NFL Draft has something to prove at the combine, but Kalil will have the attention of scouts at the weigh-in. Kalil is currently listed at under 300 pounds, which is not terrible, but I'm sure scouts would like to see him add some bulk while maintaining the quick feet and flexibility that have made him a top-five lock.
6. Andrew Datko, OT, Florida State - Andrew Datko has the size to be an NFL left tackle, questions about his strength, particularly in his lower body, have been raised. The former Seminole will get a chance to show how hard he has been training to improve that aspect of his game.
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