15 Players Who Could Earn First-Round Grades At the Combine
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The NFL Scouting Combine is the final opportunity for draft prospects to display their talents in front of all 32 teams. Unlike pro days, the Combine provides a bit of competition as well. Every year, the Combine has an effect on draft stocks. While these 15 prospects may not have cemented their status as Round 1 picks, performing well at the Combine could ensure they are among the first 32 picks in the 2015 NFL Draft.
15. Owamagbe Odighizuwa (DE-UCLA)
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15. Owamagbe Odighizuwa (DE-UCLA)
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A fast-riser is UCLA's Owamagbe Odighizuwa. The senior, who missed all of 2013 due to hip surgery, is one of the best run-stopping defensive ends in the draft. On a defense with Eric Kendricks, Myles Jack and Ellis McCarthy, it's easy to see why it took so long for him to get noticed. He's not a great pass-rusher, but his six sacks in 2014 prove he's capable of getting to the QB. If his medical report comes back clean, he could be a Round 1 pick.
14. Eli Harold (OLB-Virginia)
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14. Eli Harold (OLB-Virginia)
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Eli Harold is one of several defensive ends who will make the move to OLB in the NFL. Just like the rest of those prospects, Harold will have to prove he's capable of playing in coverage. At 6-foot-4 and 235 pounds, he's a much better fit for a 3-4 defense. That decreases his chances of being a first-round pick, but teams like the Indianapolis Colts and Green Bay Packers will take a look at him. He needs to improve his run defense.
13. Quinten Rollins (CB-Miami, Ohio)
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13. Quinten Rollins (CB-Miami, Ohio)
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Six months ago, Quinten Rollins wasn't on the radar of NFL teams. Today, he's a potential first-round pick. After playing basketball for the RedHawks, Rollins tried out for the football team. Not only did he make the team, but he won a starting job and was named the MAC Defensive Player of the Year. He finished the year with 72 tackles and seven interceptions. Some teams may consider moving him to safety if he doesn't run well at the Combine.
12. Devin Smith (WR-Ohio State)
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12. Devin Smith (WR-Ohio State)
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Some draft analysts believe Devin Smith is already a first-round pick. I currently have him as a late Round 2 pick, but he could elevate his stock at the Combine. It's simple, he must prove that he's more than just a vertical threat. If he can learn to run multiple routes with the aggressiveness he runs vertically, he could climb the draft board. As the No. 10 WR on my board, he's going to have to perform extremely well at the Combine.
11. P.J. Williams (CB-Florida State)
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11. P.J. Williams (CB-Florida State)
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While not as skilled in man-to-man coverage as Trae Waynes or Marcus Peters, P.J. Williams could wind up as a Round 1 pick. He's the best zone defender in the draft and has great awareness. That awareness, along with his aggressiveness, are likely a result of his time at safety. He was involved in a hit-and-run back in October, but it was later downgraded to a traffic citation. He's one of the favorites in the broad jump at the Combine.
10. A.J. Cann (G-South Carolina)
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10. A.J. Cann (G-South Carolina)
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A.J. Cann is by far the best guard prospect in the draft. I have him ranked 30 spots higher than the No. 2 guard, Laken Tomlinson. He has outstanding power and pancakes defenders with ease. He's not very agile but has an above-average initial burst. Pairing Cann with a solid left tackle would create an ideal left side to run behind. Several playoff teams, such as the Broncos, Lions and Patriots, could be in the market for a starting left guard.
9. Maxx Williams (TE-Minnesota)
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9. Maxx Williams (TE-Minnesota)
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Like Cann, Maxx Williams is by far the best prospect at his position. Even as a redshirt sophomore, he's more NFL-ready than seniors such as Ben Koyack and Nick O'Leary. Williams benefits from a weak TE class and could be selected in the first round simply because there aren't many other options at the position. He has great hands and can line up as a TE or in the slot. He'll take away a safety, as he's too quick for an outside linebacker.
8. Brett Hundley (QB-UCLA)
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8. Brett Hundley (QB-UCLA)
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Brett Hundley has the arm and legs to be a great dual-threat QB in the NFL. The reason he's not ranked as high as Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota is because he panics when pressured. His offensive line didn't do him any favors, but Hundley must keep his eyes downfield when the pocket shrinks. Unfortunately, the Combine doesn't give him an opportunity to improve on this. He could be a trade target if he falls to the final few picks of Round 1.
7. Arik Armstead (DE-Oregon)
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7. Arik Armstead (DE-Oregon)
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Much like Baylor's Shawn Oakman, Arik Armstead possesses elite size and athleticism. Also like Oakman, his numbers are nowhere near where they should be. Based on potential, Armstead would be a top-10 pick. The consistency just isn't there, and there's no guarantee it ever will be. At 6-foot-7 and almost 300 pounds, he's capable of playing in a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme. He's still raw, but a team will likely take a chance on him in Round 1.
6. Cameron Erving (OL-Florida State)
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6. Cameron Erving (OL-Florida State)
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Cameron Erving has the versatility to play all five offensive line positions in the NFL. His draft stock significantly increased when he moved inside to center and has been on the rise ever since. Teams like the Carolina Panthers and Indianapolis Colts would be wise to consider Erving in the first round. At the Combine, he needs to prove he's one of the most athletic offensive linemen in the draft. Teams will pay close attention to his footwork.
5. Sammie Coates (WR-Auburn)
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5. Sammie Coates (WR-Auburn)
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Sammie Coates has the size and speed typically reserved for first-round receivers. The reason he's not yet considered a first-round lock is because he drops way too many balls. He's the Adam Dunn of the college football world. Sure, he hits a lot of home runs, but he also strikes out a lot. He should have a top-five 40-yard dash time at the Combine, but how well he catches passes from quarterbacks he's never worked with will be critical.
4. Dorial Green-Beckham (WR-Oklahoma)
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4. Dorial Green-Beckham (WR-Oklahoma)
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Similar to Jameis Winston, the only aspect of Dorial Green-Beckham's Combine that matters is the interview. He's going to be grilled on each and every incident that occurred while he was at Missouri. How he conducts himself while being interviewed will be the difference between Green-Beckham being a first or second-round pick. He was able to practice while at Oklahoma, so the rust factor doesn't really come into play.
3. Marcus Peters (CB-Washington)
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3. Marcus Peters (CB-Washington)
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Another player who didn't finish the year with his team is Marcus Peters. Peters and first-year coach Chris Petersen didn't start off on the right foot, and their relationship snowballed from there. Peters is one of the most talented corners in the draft, but he must prove to be a level above Michigan State's Trae Waynes and Stanford's Alex Carter in order to be considered in the first round of the draft.
2. Melvin Gordon (RB-Wisconsin)
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2. Melvin Gordon (RB-Wisconsin)
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Melvin Gordon was the No. 1 RB in the country in 2014 and deserved to be a Heisman finalist. Despite his stellar season, I don't believe he should even be discussed on draft day until Todd Gurley is off the board. Gordon is a great back, but there are several things that could prevent him from being a first-round pick. He fumbled too much down the stretch, he's a liability on passing downs and Wisconsin backs haven't had much NFL success lately.
1. Todd Gurley (RB-Georgia)
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1. Todd Gurley (RB-Georgia)
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After tearing his ACL, Todd Gurley won't be able to participate in the drills at the Combine. What he needs to be a first-round pick is for his medical checks to come back clean. As long as he's on track with his rehab, there's no reason not to select the Georgia RB in Round 1. He can change the momentum of a game on one play and has the size to carry the workload in the NFL. He's a top-five talent who could be the steal of the draft.
Shawn Spencer is an NFL Draft writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Spencer_NFL, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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