Betting It All
by Matt Miller
Matt Miller looks at players who will make or break their draft stock at this week’s NFL Combine.
With the NFL Combine set to kick off in Indianapolis Thursday, hundreds of future NFL players are risking millions of dollars on the decision to run or not to run, to lift or not to lift and something called the Wonderlic. Millions will be made, and undeniably lost this weekend at the annual Scouting Combine. Here is a look at players that have much to gain and even lose this week.
<strong>QB Josh Johnson, San Diego</strong>
- Johnson impressed many after a great showing down the stretch. He is very athletic and has played in a pro system under Jim Harbaugh. Johnson could continue to climb this week if he can show the footwork and arm that NFL general managers seek.
<strong>QB Colt Brennan, Hawaii</strong>
- Brennan was disappointing at the Senior Bowl and will need a big week to rebound. Many are starting to doubt his slim frame (185 pounds) and marginal arm strength. If Brennan can come out throwing well, and do well in interviews, he could move back into the top three rounds of the draft.
<strong>RB Darren McFadden, Arkansas</strong>
- Many speculate that McFadden will not work out in Indy, which will hurt his stock. The talented junior has a lot to prove, on the field and in the team interviews. Running well in the 40-yard dash could give McFadden the boost that Adrian Peterson saw last year.
<strong>RB Chris Johnson, Eastern Carolina</strong>
- One running back who cannot wait to line up for the dash is Johnson. He is the early favorite to be the fastest running back timed at the RCA Dome. Johnson played very well at the Senior Bowl. His athleticism and speed are going to propel him up the charts.
<strong>WR Limas Sweed, Texas</strong>
- Sweed missed most of his senior season due to injury and then missed all but one day of the Senior Bowl practice’s with another. He must prove to NFL teams that he is durable enough to last through a 16-game season. A healthy Sweed is a first round pick.
<strong>WR DeSean Jackson, California</strong>
- Jackson’s weigh in will be of great interest to many. The slim receiver is rumored to weigh around 165 pounds, terrifyingly small for an NFL receiver. Jackson will wow scouts with his blazing 40 and agility, but his size could be a real factor.
<strong>TE Martellus Bennett, Texas A&M</strong>
- No player may have more to gain by working out than Bennett. He has great size and athleticism and may be the best all-around athlete in the class. A good workout by Bennett could push him into the first round.
<strong>OT Franklin Dunbar, Middle Tennessee State</strong>
- Last year an athletic tackle from a small school moved himself into the first round with a great showing in Indy, Joe Staley. Dunbar may not reach the first round, but he is a great athlete and some team will fall in love with his measurables.
<strong>DE Phillip Merling, Clemson</strong>
- Fast, aggressive and smart edge rushers are making a lot of money in the NFL these days. Merling projects as a left end at the next level and could make himself millions by running well and performing in the position drills this weekend.
<strong>DT Letroy Guion, Florida State</strong>
- Somehow Guion was underrated at FSU, but his name is out now. Teams are taking note of this talented three-technique tackle as we lead up to the Combine and NFL Draft. Guion has the talent to rise this week, but he most show consistency.
<strong>OLB Keith Rivers, Southern California</strong>
- Rivers was very impressive during his career at USC, and more so at the Senior Bowl. He seems to be in the sights of most teams in the top 15 picks. A good showing this week will put him in the top 10.
<strong>ILB Phillip Wheeler, Georgia Tech</strong>
- The middle linebacker class is weak this year, with no real studs standing out. Wheeler, who has also played outside linebacker, could very well clinch the top spot by timing well here and showing the ability to drop into pass coverage.
<strong>CB Antoine Cason, Arizona</strong>
- Cason’s stock relies on one thing — his 40 time. The only doubt about his play is how fast he is or isn’t. If Cason can time well (below 4.5), he could move up in the first round.
<strong>CB Leodis McKelvin, Troy</strong>
- No player is being talked about more in league circles than McKelvin. This will be most scouts first chance to see him run and move without pads or the ball in his hands. McKelvin could time below 4.4 in the 40 and should do very well in every agility drill.- Show quoted text -