NFL Draft Prospects Who Must Step Up at the Combine

Like it or not, the annual NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis carries a ton of weight when it comes to determining the overall value of a draft prospect. This year will be no different as prospects will be measured, go through intense physical and mental evaluations, endure numerous interviews and participate in workouts and position drills.

For some prospects, certain aspects of the Combine are more critical than others. Players with red flags for behavior will need to ace the interviews, while quarterbacks with questionable arm strength or accuracy will need to be on point in passing drills. There are plenty of other examples as well, but the point is, the Combine is important for each and every one of the 332 prospects taking part; some more than others.

So which prospects have the most to gain or lose at this year’s event? I asked some of my fellow writers at NFL Mocks to name the player at the top of their list.

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Erik Lambert: In my mind it’s Connor Cook. Not only can he dissuade or confirm fears about his accuracy in the throwing drills, he’ll also have a chance to show teams in interviews that this idea he’s a selfish guy and not a leader is false. People underestimate how important those meetings can be because the NFL Draft is all about perception. If a team perceives you as not a team player, they’ll drop you on their boards. Cook has to find a way to make them understand that isn’t the case. If he fails, he’ll be a late Day 2 pick. If he succeeds, he could jump back into the 1st round conversation.

Rodney Stokes: I can’t settle on one prospect so I’m going to say the entire cornerback class. How they measure out alongside their performance at the combine may shift this class around. It’s a very talented class but in an era where bigger cornerbacks are more valued, there may be a few changes on the big board after this weekend.

Matthew Holowiak: For me I’m saying Reggie Ragland. With Myles Jack and Jaylon Smith not participating it could be the way to ensure he will be the top linebacker taken in this draft. Final impressions are everything and those who can’t compete typically drop.

Eric Robinson: He may not have the “most” but Noah Spence has a golden opportunity to solidify a top ten status at the Combine. The 40 time is one thing, but if he shows elite skill in drills and interviews, well he can firmly be a top-10 pick.

Shawn Spencer: I agree with Erik that Connor Cook probably has more on the line than any other prospect. He could go as early as the first round and become an immediate starter, or he could fall and be selected by a team in the middle rounds that will just stash him on the bench. It happened last year with Brett Hundley and it could happen to Cook this year. I’ll add a new name to the list as well, and that’s Massachusetts WR Tajae Sharpe.

The productive wideout seemed to be on the rise before a hand measurement of 7.75 inches at the Shrine Game stalled his momentum. He then earned an invite to the Senior Bowl, but his week was cut short because of a quadriceps injury. His ability to catch the football will be monitored closely by NFL teams. How he performs in the gauntlet drill will have a huge impact on his draft stock.

Next: NFL Combine: Best Performances of All Time

Stay on top of the NFL Combine this week with the NFL Mocks Live Combine Tracker. We will have up to the minute workout results from Indianapolis for all of your favorite NFL prospects.

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