The 11 Prospects for whom the NFL Combine is crucial.

The NFL combine is coming up in less than two weeks and the participants have been announced. I won’t go into my disgust of leaving out Darwin Thompson and Devine Ozigbo, but I thought these 11 players could help or hurt their stock when it is all said and done as March arrives.

Deandre Baker CB, Georgia

    The star cornerback for the Bulldogs had another dominant year in 2018, for the second consecutive year Baker didn’t allow a touchdown in coverage. Unfortunately as it stands, scouts have questions about his size and deep speed. If Baker can run a solid 40 time and come in at or near 5’11, he could shoot up draft boards come March. The tape is certainly there.

Kyler Murray QB, Oklahoma

The combine may not be more important for any one player. Kyler Murray is the most electric player in the draft. Everyone knows Kyler has insane speed and plus arm strength, however the size he comes in at and his combine interviews will be key to how high or low the Oklahoma Heisman winner goes. Many teams will be interested in interviewing Murray to see how dedicated he is to playing football.

Drew Lock QB, Missouri

    This one may not be on many people’s lists for a prospect who needs to have a good combine. I’m not worried about what size Lock comes in at or how athletic he is. He is a legit 6’3 and has a basketball background. He will charm many of the teams with his charismatic attitude and is one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the draft. What I do want to see is Drew Lock throwing right beside the mass’ QB1 and QB2, Dwayne Haskins and Kyler Murray. Drew Lock has the ability to showcase his talents next to the top two guys and prove he belongs in the discussion for the top QB in the draft.

N’Keal Harry WR, Arizona St.

    N’Keal Harry was dominant for the Sun Devils, he has tremendous size, jumping ability, and ball skills for the position. Harry however, has had some trouble separating and team scouts question his speed and agility. He can jump into orbit, I just wonder how well he can run. If he can run in the 4.5s, he will no doubt be one of the top wide receivers taken come April.

Rashan Gary DL, Michigan

    Every year there are some misfit players, Gary has shown he wants to play edge rusher at the next level and he dropped weight in 2018 to play the position. Many believe however, his traits favor better inside at 3T. The combine will be crucial for Gary to prove he can play the edge and be the an impactful player at the next level. Teams love his athleticism but this is his chance to prove it to the doubters.

Charles Omenihu ER, Texas

    I think Charles Omenihu is a day 1 impact player at the next level. He has great length and saved his best game for his last as he was the best player on the field in the Sugar Bowl. Omenihu is another player where his position and fit are questions, his size and athleticism will be key to what positions teams believe he fits best. I think he is one of the better players in the draft and is a fit at edge rusher.

Deionte Thompson S, Alabama

    Deionte Thompson was one of the most hyped up and talked about prospects during the summer and into the early part of the season, and for good reason, he flashed insane ball skills and range. As the season went on however his level of play decreased and in the playoffs he has several coverage busts and ended his final season on a down note. The combine could rocket launch Thompson back into talk of a top 15 player. His speed will be the thing to watch as some question how fast he really is.

Justin Hollins ER, Oregon

Justin Hollins is probably the least well known player on this list however I think by the end of the combine he could be one of the more talked about risers. He had a great week at the Shrine Game and if he can continue that trend in Indy, he could end up as a solid player late day 2. He was overshadowed by fellow teammate Jalen Jelks but I think he is the superior prospect. He should test well and show off his excellent length and good athleticism.

Christian Miller ER, Alabama

    Christian Miller has had some troubles staying on the field, in 2017 he tore his bicep in the opener against FSU and had some hamstring troubles in the later half of 2018. His production due to this was limited but when he was on the field he flashed a high ceiling with some impressive traits. He is a good athlete and has great bend. He is a bit of a projection but if his medicals check out and he can show out in Indy he may see a jump in his draft projections.

J.J. Arcega-Whiteside WR, Stanford

    J.J. Arcega-Whiteside’s case is similar to fellow PAC 12 wide receiver N’Keal Harry, both are big-bodied red zone targets with separation question marks. “JJAW” had a lower leg injury versus Washington so his injury will also have to check out. He runs pretty decent routes for a big man but it will all come down to JJAW’s athleticism to determine how highly he will be sought after

Rodney Anderson RB, Oklahoma 

Rodney Anderson was one of my favorite players who I was super excited for going into 2018. He had good size, speed, and could play all 3 downs. However much like the rest of his college career it was plagued by injury as the star running back suffered an ACL injury in his second game. His medicals will be crucial for NFL teams as it is much an unknown at this point. If healthy he is the most talented back in this class.