2017 NFL Scouting Combine: 5 Players With Most To Lose

Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) gestures to the sidelines during the first half of a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-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 lose from it?

Several times each year certain prospects go into the combine with their draft stocks on fire. Scouts are certain he’s going to be a lock for the top 20 or top 10 of the 1st round. Then something happens at the combine. A poor drill or bad interview perhaps. Then suddenly the snowball is rolling down the hill. Which of the top names in this class face just that danger as the festivities prepare to commence?

Mitch Trubisky (QB, North Carolina)

At the moment, most are considering Trubisky a top 10 lock for the draft. His productivity as a first-year starter and solid tape have people excited about his potential. What they’re waiting to find out is how he interviews. Mental acuity, intelligence and natural charisma are big things with teams when evaluating quarterbacks. If he falls well short in either of those categories, rest assured his balloon will deflate in a hurry.

Dalvin Cook (RB, Florida State)

The biggest thing that Dalvin Cook has going for him is speed. His home run capability as a running back is drawing Jamaal Charles comparisons. So he’ll be expected to run well at the combine. If he doesn’t, that’s a red flag. There are also some character concerns regarding off-the-field issues that are making tons of draft analysts nervous. He’ll have a chance to put those to bed during interviews, or verify them. No doubt this could cost him millions of dollars.

Ryan Ramczyk (OT, Wisconsin)

After some early debating, it’s clear that from a physical standpoint that Ryan Ramczyk looks like the most complete offensive tackle in this class. He’s a big athlete who moves well and can generate push in the ground game. The one thing that could potentially strip it all away are the medical checkups. Ramczyk was dealing with a significant hip issue at the end of the season. If that hasn’t improved, then teams are going to take him out of the 1st round conversation.

Malik McDowell (DE, Michigan State)

There are plenty of negative remarks about McDowell. Accusations of him being lazy, which in turn have led to injury problems and lacking productivity. Teams won’t draft players they feel don’t love the game high. No matter how gifted. So the interviews will be huge for him, but so will the medical checkups. They’ll want to see if McDowell shows up to the festivities in or out of shape. First impressions will definitely set the tone for his stock.

Marlon Humphrey (CB, Alabama)

Alabama is a longtime factory for a top defensive talent and 2017 will be no different. The problem with Marlon Humphrey is that certain parts of his game reflect deeper issues. He’s certainly big enough and seems to have speed. What some wonder is whether he has the natural fluidity and instincts to play receivers down the field. How he’s able to show his transition skills and high-pointing the ball in drills will help clear things up. Or validate fears.

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