The entire NFL world descends upon Indianapolis this week for the annual player Combine. In past weeks we've highlighted in this column prospects whose senior seasons or performances in all-star games have either improved or lessened their stock in the eyes of scouts. This week we identify the five players with the most to gain or lose by their performance in Indianapolis.
Texas wide receiver Limas Sweed has an opportunity to showcase his best attribute -- his combination of rare size (6-4, 212) and athleticism. Sweed struggled with a wrist injury throughout his senior season and was unable to finish the week of practice at the Senior Bowl due to the injury. Sweed can calm fears about his durability with a clean bill of health and insiders suggest that he'll shatter the estimated 4.55 forty times given by NFL scouts previous to this season. This combination could put Sweed in position to be the first receiver drafted.
Auburn defensive end Quentin Groves also struggled with injuries throughout the 2008 season. Though he played through the pain, three dislocated toes robbed him off the burst off the edge that made him one of the country's more feared pass rushers. Now healthy, the 6-3, 250 pound Groves is expected to show the kind of speed to warrant a potential switch to outside linebacker, ala Dallas star DeMarcus Ware. Groves reportedly has been timed in the 4.4s by Auburn coaches.
3. Chris Johnson, RB, East Carolina - Stock Current Rating: 2008 Draft Scout #4 RB, Overall #33, Compiled Projected Round(s): 1-2
Characterized by some as a "poor man's Reggie Bush" expectations were high for East Carolina's Chris Johnson at the Senior Bowl. After all, Johnson led the country this year with an average of 227.69 all-purpose yards per game. Unfortunately, Johnson was hampered with a shoulder injury during the week of practice and wasn't able to show off his spectacular athleticism. The 5-11, 195 pounder will do so in Indianapolis, however. With reports of sub 4.3 speed, Johnson is expected to post one of the year's most impressive workouts.
4. *Justin King, CB, Penn State Current Rating: 2008 Draft Scout #7 CB, Overall #50, Compiled Projected Round(s): 2
Penn State cornerback Justin King elected to enter the draft after his junior season despite struggling, at times, in high profile conference match-ups this year. If he is able to work out as well as some project, the decision may end up being a good one. King, who reportedly has 4.3 speed and a vertical jump of over 40 inches, could be among the draft's most impressive overall athletes.
Another underclassman looking to turn heads with his Combine performance is Virginia Tech cornerback Brandon Flowers. Like King, Flowers has been timed by his collegiate coaches in the 4.3s. If he can demonstrate that speed to NFL scouts, Flowers, a two-time All-American, could vault into mid first round consideration after earning a second round grade by the NFL Advisory Committee.
02/20/08 - Rob Rang, Senior Analyst, NFLDraftScout.com
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