The 2012 NFL Combine is well under way with quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs going through measurements, testing, and interviews today. The combine can make or break a player’s draft stock, and this year’s class has numerous players who need a good showing to sustain their ranking or prove their critics wrong.
Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
There has been much debate about Griffin’s height. After shrinking from 6’4 to 6’2 in college, it was rumored that he had shrunk again. Well, he put that to rest with today’s measurement of 6’2 and 3/8 inches. Those inches are huge from a probability standpoint. Many sub 6’2 quarterbacks not named Drew Brees have gone on to have unsuccessful seasons. Griffin wowed scouts in interviews as he answered each question with confidence and humility. On the possibility of playing behind Peyton Manning, Griffin said he would “hold the clipboard with pride.” Griffin decided not to throw at the combine saying, “You don’t go somewhere and run a game plan. You never practice and throw to guys you don’t practice with in an environment that you’re not prepared for. So that’s why.”
LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
James may be too small to be an every-down back in the NFL, however a good showing at the combine could change this opinion. James ran for 5,082 yards as an Oregon Duck so he is clearly very skilled. His biggest assets are his speed and pass catching ability. With a good showing in both drills, his stock could spike to the early rounds, with general managers envisioning James as Chris Johnson Jr.
Alshon Jeffrey, WR, South Carolina
Jeffery has an enormous amount to prove. He comes to the combine shrouded in character concerns and rumors that he is out of shape. He answered the out of shape rumor by weighing in at 216 pounds today. Next, he needs to show teams that his character issues are no more during the interviews. Couple that with a fast 40 time and you should see his stock rise back into the high first round picks.
Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
Blackmon’s highly anticipated 40 time will have to wait until his pro day next week. He has decided to not run at the combine due to a tender hamstring. As the consensus top receiver in the draft, a poor 40 time could open the floodgates for receivers like Jeffery to become the first receiver taken in the draft. Highly unlikely, but possible.
Mark Barron, Safety, Alabama
Barron is another player who comes into the combine as the consensus top player at his position. Therefore, he can only go down with a poor combine. As a projected late first rounder, if he wows during his drills and interviews, he could shoot up the first round ladder.
Cliff Harris, CB, Oregon
Harris has to first prove himself in interviews. Plain and simple. After being dismissed from the Ducks last season, he has to show teams that he has matured. Since he didn’t play, showcasing his skills at the combine will be critical in determining where he goes come draft day. Harris’ combine will make or break his NFL career.
Although it is disappointing that a number of the more hyped players will not participate in some of the drills, what really makes the combine so enjoyable to watch are the stories of triumph and perseverance. There is nothing more satisfying than watching a player give everything he has to rise from obscurity and become a hot prospect with a good combine showing. After this weekend, we could be talking about several different names.
