NFL combine:
Draft prospects who could break out, plus overall and position rankings.
Upon origination in 1982, the NFL scouting combine — then known as the National Invitation Camp — was simply a practical way for NFL teams to get potential draft prospects in the same place at the same time to perform sweeping medical examinations.
The primary focus of today’s combine remains the same, but the event has taken on a new level of theater in recent years because of live NFL Network coverage and more than 900 credentialed media members as of last year.
While fans and media members are focused on potential workout warriors who might steal the show in the 40-yard dash and other physical drills, the most important evaluations of the week happen behind closed doors in medical checkups and personal team interviews. A poor showing in on-field drills might not spell doom — see DeAndre Hopkins’ 4.57-second 40 yards — but an unforeseen medical red flag or undesirable personality trait could send prospects tumbling down draft boards.
At the 2016 NFL combine, there is much in the way of draft position — and eventually dollars — to be won or lost for potential draftees who are rigorously tested by teams vetting potential investments for possible defects.
Nolan Vasan of NFLDraftGeek .com examines 10 prospects with the most on the lin: Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State:
Defensive backs typically are not selected in the top five, as only two have earned such an honor in the last 10 years (Patrick Peterson and Eric Berry). Ramsey is widely expected to join that group, but the consensus All-American can’t be discounted from consideration at No. 1 overall if he has the decisive performance at the combine many observers are expecting.
At 6-1 and 200 pounds, Ramsey has been a dominant presence on the field, but he also won the Atlantic Coast Conference indoor long jump title and placed fourth in the NCAAs in 2015.
Ramsey has stated his hopes to compete in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, but in the meantime he’ll be focused on wowing scouts and general managers in Indianapolis. Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Mississippi:
After a marijuana-related arrest got him suspended for the team’s bowl game, Nkemdiche will be looking to revive his draft stock.
There isn’t much question about Nkemdiche’s natural ability and athleticism that made him one of college football’s most feared defensive lineman, but there are serious doubts as to whether he has the maturity to succeed as a professional.
Nkemdiche will be looking to follow in the footsteps of Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston and Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters, who interviewed well with teams last year at the combine, eased concerns about their o -field issues and went on to have successful rookie seasons.
Myles Jack, LB, UCLA:
Upon being ruled out for the season after a knee injury in late September, Jack declared for the draft and set his sights on being fully recovered in time for the combine.
Jack was the Pac-12’s o ensive and defensive freshman of the year in 2013, as he also played running back.
If he has no limitations in workouts, his athleticism gives him the potential to be one of the event’s big winners. Noah Spence, DE, Eastern Kentucky:
As with Nkemdiche, the former Ohio State pass rusher’s success or failure at the combine will be largely dictated by his ability to ensure NFL teams that his o - field troubles are behind him.
Spence was dismissed from Ohio State after several drugrelated incidents but landed back on his feet at Eastern Kentucky and most recently regained momentum for his draft stock by performing at a high level at January’s Senior Bowl. Laremy Tunsil, OT, Mississippi:
With a little over two months until the April 28-30 draft, no one player has established himself as the consensus favorite to go first overall. That could begin to change, however, if Tunsil earns high marks at the combine.
Tunsil is noted for rare athleticism at 6-5 and 315 pounds and could blow away scouts with his performance in on-field drills. Tunsil’s stock could also be solidified if medical reports come back clear on his injury history, which has included a torn biceps, dislocated ankle and broken leg. Jaylon Smith, LB Notre Dame:
After tearing his anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in the Fiesta Bowl on New Year’s Day, Smith will start his road to recovery at the combine.
Before the knee injury, Smith was widely considered a top-10 pick, but his stock is now in limbo. How physicians evaluate just when (and if ) Smith’s knee will be back to 100% will go a long way