2017 NFL Scouting Combine: 5 Players With The Most To Gain

Oct 15, 2016; Tucson, AZ, USA; USC Trojans wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (9) scores a touchdown against the Arizona Wildcats during the first half at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

The 2017 NFL scouting combine draws ever closer. Perhaps it’s as good a time as any to ask the question. Who has the most to gain from it?

There are already some notable players who have their draft stocks pretty much locked. It doesn’t matter how they perform. Teams are reasonably confident of who they are and what they can do. On the flip side there are several whose draft livelihood may come down to that single afternoon in Indianapolis. Here are five names who understand that pressure well.

Patrick Mahomes (QB, Texas Tech)

It’s already common knowledge that Mitch Trubisky, Deshaun Watson and Deshone Kizer will be 1st round picks. The only one who can’t seem to get enough credibility for that is Mahomes. He was a stat machine at Texas Tech, has size, plenty of arm strength and almost endless creativity as a playmaker. Scouts are scared of his lacking polish as a passer. That’s why his interview process at the combine will be huge. If he makes a good impression, his stock will skyrocket.

JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR, USC)

At the start of the 2016 season, Smith-Schuster was considered one of the top wide receivers in the draft class. A surefire 1st rounder who probably goes in the top 10. Now he’s viewed by many as a classic 2nd round type. Why? Most of it centers on the reservations many experts have regarding his speed and ability to separate. Unless he’s able to alter than perception, it will hold true. That is why his 40-yard dash time could prove vital.

Derek Barnett (DE, Tennessee)

It’s hard to understand why Barnett isn’t considered a top 10 pick. Here’s a young man who terrorized quarterbacks in the SEC, notching 33 sacks in his college career. One would think that should garner him more respect. Instead he’s followed by questions of his size and overall athleticism, knocking down his stock. This makes the agility and explosion drills at the combine a chance for him to correct a few misconceptions.

T.J. Watt (OLB, Wisconsin)

Being the brother of J.J. Watt will have a double-edged sword effect for T.J. It will get him noticed but also lead many to think he’s not going to be liked his brother. The truth is he isn’t. This Watt is a different type of player. He’s got the same relentlessness and fire, but his job at the combine will be showing evaluators that he can be a legitimate outside linebacker. That means showing quickness, agility and speed for the position.

Kevin King (CB, Washington)

NFL teams are starting to covet the longer cornerbacks who boast size on the outside, enabling them to match up with the bigger wide receivers like Julio Jones and A.J. Green. It’s for that reason Kevin King is getting so much attention. At 6’3″ he boasts that coveted length teams drool over and he’s solid in coverage. What they aren’t sure about is his long speed. A typical problem for bigger corners. If he can run well, he’ll go from a 3rd-4th round guy to top 32 consideration.

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