It is time for the 2012 NFL Combine.

NEPD Editor: Mike Loyko

With so much build up and hype surrounding the combine and more specifically the 40 times, it’s easy to over look the more important aspects of the scouting combine.

The 40 yard dash is one of the most overrated events at the combine. There are a number of more important drills and evaluations that take place at the combine. Here are the ones I’ll be watching.

1. The Weigh In and Measurements

The weigh-in is one of the first things that happens upon arrival in Indianapolis and for some players it’s the most important. Speed, agility, vertical jump can all change to some degree.

However, players can’t change how tall they are, how long their arms are or how big their hands are. Some players may be immediately removed or red flagged on a teams board do to their weigh-in results. Many teams and agents love to puff those heights and weights up in the media guide, so there are always some surprises.

I will be closely watching to see if any players measure significantly shorter than their listed height. It’s also always a red flag when a player reports to the combine out of shape or over weight. We all remember the pictures of Andre Smith in 2009. Arm lengths will be important for offensive and defensive linemen and I’ll be looking at hand size for the skill position players.

2. Medicals

Each player is given a thorough medical and psychological evaluation at the combine. Every year an injury or medical condition that wasn’t known about previously pops up. Whether it be one like the stress fractures in Michael Crabtree’s foot in 2009 or the life saving discovery of the cancerous mass in Marcus Cannon’s stomach.

This is especially important for players like Jared Crick and Greg Childs who missed most of the season due to injury, to see how they have healed and if they are recovered from their injuries. Rest assured that something will pop up this year that will cause a shake up to the draft board.

3. Position Drills

I put much more stock in the position drills at the combine than I do in any one individual drills. For QBs, the throwing drills will showcase their ability to make NFL throws with an emphasis on their arm strength. For WRs it’s how good their hands are and how many balls they drop under the intense pressure of the combine.

The combine is set up to showcase almost everything for each position. For offensive linemen I am looking for how quickly they can “kick and slide” to get to a speed rusher. For defensive linemen and linebackers I am looking for hip, knee and ankle flexion and their ability to play low and with leverage. What I love to watch most is the DB drills as it is fairly easy to see which DBs have quick hips and play fluid. The position drills are much more practical and have a much better in game pertinence to them than the generic drills.

3. 3-Cone Drill

As a scout we all tend to look at different things and place a higher value on them than others. One area I place a high value on is short area quickness and change of direction. The 3-cone drill is a drill that highlights quick change of direction ability. This drill is especially vital for corner backs, wide receivers and pass rushers. For a CB they need to be able to change direction at high speeds and turn to run with a WR. For a WR they need to be able to change direction and turn on a dime to get open. Pass rushers need to be able to turn at a high speed to get around an offensive tackle.

The best time in recent years was set by Oregon WR Jeff Maehl at 6.42 seconds. A good time in this event is anything between 6.7-6.95 seconds depending upon the position. Some teams value this more than others, the Patriots being one of them as I wrote in my WR case study. In 2010 Devin McCourty ran a 3 Cone of 6.7 flat and was in the top ten of the position.

The word versatile gets thrown around a lot in the scouting world during draft season. But, rarely do we come across a player who is truly as versatile as CJ Parish. In the past two seasons alone while playing for the Arizona Wildcats CJ Parish has played fullback for a high powered offense, led the team in sacks as a defensive end and played on his feet as an OLB.

Change is often met with resistance or done so with some hesitation, that is not the case with CJ. He has been moved from defense to offense and back to defense again, to do what’s in the best interest for the team. The changing back and forth probably diminished CJ’s draft stock a bit as he wasn’t able to focus and train for one position. He had to be ready to play all three positions when called on. Despite all this CJ did it willingly which speaks to the kind of team player he is.

As of right now most teams envision CJ as an H-back or hybrid FB at the NFL level. His 6-2″ 245 pound frame make him an ideal size for an H-Back. However his 4.49 forty speed is what could really make him a weapon at the next level. If CJ had received a combine invite and ran the 40 there he likely would have broken the record for a fullback. In a league where an H-back or joker type TE is being used more and more Parish will likely get his chance to prove he can play in the NFL.

NEPD Editor: Doug Kyed

To say that Marvin Jones’ career at Cal was filled with adversity might be an understatement, but that’s not what he calls it.

Whether it was an injury his freshman year, discovering he was going to be a father while still learning his playbook, or getting overshadowed by a five star recruit, ‘humble’ is a word that his father taught him, and that he uses often in describing his path from dreaming about the NFL, to training for it.

And it fits him well.

Jones began his football journey at just seven years old while living in Orange County, CA. He was always the youngest player on his Pop Warner teams, which he said later helped him transition to each next level.

“I still remember the day when my dad said he signed me up, I was jumping off the walls,” said Jones.

Jones and his family moved from Santa Ana to Fontana, CA when he was in 5th grade, but what was most important to him was that they always stuck together.

“It’s a humble setting with me and my family. We did move around a lot, but the fact remains that I was always with my family. Me being with my family and the lessons we’ve learned together has shaped me to where I am today.”

Spending so much time in that family atmosphere, Jones said that he always stayed out of trouble as a kid.

“I never got in trouble. In the Jones house you always knew right from wrong, you knew the repercussions from what you do. I was always a good kid, I always surrounded myself with friends and family and people like me.”

Jones came to Cal as a four star recruit out of Etiwanda High School in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. He had 17 offers coming out of high school including Arizona State, Arizona, Colorado, Nebraska, Oregon and Oregon State. By the end of his recruiting process, it was between Oregon and Cal.

“I was a guy that was going to stay in the Pac-10. I’m a So Cal guy. People like us don’t really like going away from home. I just fell in love with the atmosphere, the camaraderie that everybody had, nice weather, first class education. So I just felt home when I went to Cal.”

Just as Marvin was getting situated at Cal in his first days of fall camp, he got some life altering news. His girlfriend was pregnant and he was going to be starting his own family.

“It was definitely hard at first when I got the news. I was worrying about trying to get the plays right and do everything right and make plays to start as a true freshman because the position was wide open,” said Jones. “That was one experience that shaped who I am. It just made me more mature all around as a student athlete and a father and a player on the field.”

The family atmosphere that Marvin grew up with helped him adapt quickly to parenthood with his son Marvin III. Jones said his father always taught him to stay humble and handle responsibility.

“It’s just great, coming home everyday knowing that your little You is home. You go home and play even though you might be tired and you just want to be by yourself, but when he yells ‘Daddy’ and jumps on you, it gives you a little spark.”

“I couldn’t be prouder of Marvin. He is a great father with two beautiful little boys, a great student, a great player and a great person,” said Cal Head Coach Jeff Tedford.

Jones is in his third year living with his girlfriend and they have since added another son, Mareon. He said it was great being at Cal getting to live with his family, since it gave him something to relieve the pressure from the football field and class room.

One thing that Marvin learned from interviewing with NFL teams, is that they’re looking for stability at home. They didn’t ask him about his experience balancing football and fatherhood, but whether he was still living with his family.

Jones wound up starting his first game as a freshman at Cal, but a knee injury sidelined him for much of the remainder of the season.

“Coach (Tedford) kept me along, kept me traveling with the team and going through the whole process because he wanted me to have the experience. It was a humbling experience for me because I thought I was still one of the best wide receivers even though I wasn’t 100%.”

Having a year to learn the college game, and learn the California pro style offense from the sidelines wound up being a benefit to Jones.

Marvin found a nice rapport with his quarterback Kevin Riley in his sophomore and junior years, becoming the number one receiver on the team. In his sophomore year, Jones finished with 43 receptions, 651 yards and six touchdowns.

His junior year, his production spiked finishing with 50 receptions, 765 yards and four touchdowns. He also found true freshman and five star recruit, Keenan Allen starting across from him. Marvin took him under his wing sitting down with him every day going over game plan, route running, and different schemes they might be facing across the line of scrimmage on defense. Rather than seeing Allen, who he looks at as his “little brother,” as a threat, he knew that Keenan could help him out as a presence on the other side of the field.

Coach Tedford noticed that attention Jones was giving Allen.

“He’s a great leader for the younger players and such a great example for anyone and everyone on this football team,” said Tedford.

After Marvin’s junior year, he considered going pro, but after going over it in his head, decided that he was still too unknown in the national eye. He also saw some aspects of his game that he still needed to work on, including his physicality, getting releases off the line and getting off of press coverage.

He was also close to graduating and wanted to go through his senior experience and make it to the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama.

Will Roger Goodell be announcing a trade up or a trade down for the Patriots this April?

NEPD Editor: James Christensen

The 2012 NFL Scouting combine is right around the corner. Before we start thinking about 40-times, wingspan and 3-cone times, here is one version of how the 2012 NFL Draft might go down for the Patriots.

1st Round (27)
Fletcher Cox, DL, Mississippi State (Scouting Report)

As Mike Loyko stated in his very in-depth post describing Patriots needs, the Patriots are missing a penetrating force at the 3-4 defensive end position. Brandon Deaderick was a decent complement to Vince Wilfork and Kyle Love, but certainly was not a dynamic presence.

Fletcher Cox brings the size, length and sudden athleticism that the Patriots desperately need. He can play the 4-3 DT position while also stepping outside as a prototypical 3-4 five technique defensive end.

If Michael Brockers (DL, LSU) falls to within range of the Patriots he might also get a look here. He doesn’t have the pass-rush skills that Cox does at this point of his career, but his potential is off the charts.

Even though the free agent market is loaded with talent at receiver (Stevie Johnson, Vincent Jackson, Dwayne Bowe, Reggie Wayne, Brandon Lloyd…), if one of the top four draft prospects at receiver fall, the Patriots could pull the trigger here. Justin Blackmon, Kendall Wright, Alshon Jeffery and Michael Floyd all have the ability to be special.

Prospects with premium edge-rushing potential like Nick Perry (DE, USC), Courtney Upshaw (OLB, Alabama) and Dont’a Hightower (LB, Alabama) may all be off the board here. They would certainly all get a long look if they fall to #27 on draft day.

1st Round (31)

It has been New England’s modus operandi the last few years to trade down near the end of the first round for a future first round selection and a second round pick in the current draft.

If the rest of the NFL finally starts wising up, the Patriot might have a harder time finding a good value from a team looking to trade up. I’m projecting the Chicago Bears, who could really use both a top-notch OL and WR, to trade their second round selections in 2012 (50) and 2013, plus a fifth round pick in 2013 for the Patriots 31st pick.

Dropping 19 selections in order to add an additional selection in 2013, a draft where they are very light on picks due to Chad Ochocinco and Albert Haynesworth, as well as a late round pick in 2012 sounds like a Patriots type of move.

If trading down doesn’t work out, expect the Patriots to take the best player available – regardless of position. Vinny Curry (DE, Marshall), Stephon Gilmore (CB, South Carolina) and Jared Crick (DL, Nebraska) are all possibilities.

Click on page 2 for the second round and beyond.

Bruce Irvin could the fastest defensive lineman in Indianapolis this week. But how will he stack up during official measurements? (Photo: ICON SMI)

NEPD Editor: Doug Kyed

The combine is great for many things, but one of those is just the chance to see every player in one setting, doing the same drills right next to one another. There are so many variables during the season, it’s nice to see one controlled environment even if they aren’t in pads.

Each of these positions has something different to showcase at the combine, for DBs, it’s all about speed at footwork. For the defensive line, it’s more about flexibility and strength. For linebackers, teams will be looking at technique, burst and overall athleticism.

It’s a fun time of year, so when you’re watching the NFL Network, make sure to watch some of these guys.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Chas Alecxih, PITTSBURGH, DL01, DT
Frank Alexander, OKLAHOMA, DL02, DE
Jake Bequette, ARKANSAS, DL03, DE
Jamie Blatnick, OKLAHOMA ST, DL04, DE
Andre Branch, CLEMSON, DL05, DE
*Michael Brockers, LOUISIANA ST, DL06, DT
Josh Chapman, ALABAMA, DL07, NT
Quinton Coples, NORTH CAROLINA, DL08, DE
*Fletcher Cox, MISSISSIPPI ST, DL09, DT
Jack Crawford, PENN ST, DL10, DE
Tyrone Crawford, BOISE ST, DL11, DE
Jared Crick, NEBRASKA, DL12, DT
Vinny Curry, MARSHALL, DL13, DE
Mike Daniels, IOWA, DL14, DT
Loni Fangupo, BRIGHAM YOUNG, DL15, DT
*Marcus Forston, MIAMI-FL, DL16, DT
Justin Francis, RUTGERS, DL17, DE
Trevor Guyton, CALIFORNIA, DL18, DE
Dom Hamilton, MISSOURI, DL19, DT
DaJohn Harris, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, DL20, DT
Akiem Harris, REGINA, DL21, DE
Jaye Howard, FLORIDA, DL22, DT
John Hughes, CINCINNATI, DL23, DT
Melvin Ingram, SOUTH CAROLINA, DL24, DE
Bruce Irvin, WEST VIRGINIA, DL25, DE
Malik Jackson, TENNESSEE, DL26, DT
Jamaar Jarrett, ARIZONA ST, DL27, DE
Cam Johnson, VIRGINIA, DL28, DE
*Chandler Jones, SYRACUSE, DL29, DE
Markus Kuhn, NORTH CAROLINA ST, DL30, DT
*Ronnell Lewis, OKLAHOMA, DL31, DE
Brandon Lindsey, PITTSBURGH, DL32, DE
Mike Martin, MICHIGAN, DL33, NT
Jonathan Massaquoi, TROY, DL34, DE
Shea McClellin, BOISE ST, DL35, DE
Vaugh Meatoga, HAWAII, DL36, DT
*Whitney Mercilus, ILLINOIS, DL37, DE
Rennie Moore, CLEMSON, DL38, DT
*Donte Paige-Moss, NORTH CAROLINA, DL39, DE
*Nick Perry, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, DL40, DE
*Dontari Poe, MEMPHIS, DL41, DT
Tydreke Powell, NORTH CAROLINA, DL42, DT
Kheeston Randall, TEXAS, DL43, NT
Kendall Reyes, CONNECTICUT, DL44, DT
Travian Robertson, SOUTH CAROLINA, DL45, DT
Brett Roy, NEVADA, DL46, DT
Derrick Shelby, UTAH, DL47, DE
Jacquies Smith, MISSOURI, DL48, DE
Scott Solomon, RICE, DL49, DE
Devon Still, PENN ST, DL50, DT
JR Sweezy, NORTH CAROLINA ST, DL51, DT
Alameda Ta’amu, WASHINGTON, DL52, DT
Brandon Thompson, CLEMSON, DL53, DT
Christian Tupou, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, DL54, NT
DeAngelo Tyson, GEORGIA, DL55, DE
*Olivier Vernon, MIAMI-FL, DL56, DE
Billy Winn, BOISE ST, DL57, DT
Derek Wolfe, CINCINNATI, DL58, DT
*Jerel Worthy, MICHIGAN ST, DL59, DT

The Patriots have needs all along their defensive line, so New England fans need to pay close attention to this group, whether it’s a three or five technique, or even an edge rusher.

Quinton Coples is one player that I expect to have a massive combine. Athleticism has never been his problem, so I’d expect him to excel at all of the workouts.

Jared Crick should be healthy at this point from his torn pectoral, but I’m sure a lot of teams will be looking at his medical tests taken at the combine. Since teams didn’t get to see him most of the year, it would also be nice to see him do well in the defensive line drills.

I have a feeling Melvin Ingram will have a nice combine week too. He’s more flexible than a lot of the other defensive line prospects, so he should look good in drills. He’s more athletic than other players his size, so he should fare well in workouts too.

Bruce Irvin is a guy that I’m interested in for a number of reasons. First, he’s a converted WR who’s listed at 6-3 245, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he was as small as 6-0 220. He’ll need to tear up the 40 time while also having a strong weigh in. Irvin wasted at West Virginia as a 5-tech in a 3-3-5, but I expect him to be a solid situational pass rusher at hte next level.

My money’s on Mike Martin to not only bench press 225 the most this year, but I think he’ll break the record of 51.

Donte Paige-Moss will need to have a strong week, not only physically, but mentally if he hopes to even get drafted. He’s the biggest head case of the draft, so he’ll hve to interview very well.

I’d like to see how Shea McClellin moves as a linebacker. He’s somewhat undersized at only 244, so he’ll have to move run well if he hopes to make that transition.

Some slightly lesser known guys that should impress are Malik Jackson, Jaye Howard and Derek Wolfe. All three of those players could fit the Patriots system pretty well, and could have a strong week showing off some nice athleticism and technique.

Other than those guys, I’m excited to watch some of the bigger DTs like Ta’amu and Poie and how well they carry their weight, how well they run and how they look in drills.

Click on page 2 for the linebackers.

We will be doing podcasts all throughout the week and will have the most in depth coverage anywhere on the internet. If someone breaks the 40 time record we will be there to talk about it.

You can call in ask a question or make a comment at (914) 338-1530 or just tune in Wednesday night at 9PM eastern. You can also download all of the NEPD Radio podcasts on iTunes.

You can listen to last week’s episode after the jump.

How will Griffin's world class hurdling translate to the 40 time? We'll find out in Indianapolis. (Photo: ICON SMI)

NEPD Editor: Doug Kyed

It feels like it’s getting closer, right? With the NFL Combine upon us, the 2012 NFL Draft is a mere 66 days away.

Okay, so it’s not that close, but at least we have the Combine to keep us busy for the next week or so.

I know every year there’s word about how over-hyped the Combine is, but I love it. If anything it gives you a different look at all of the players we’ve been studying all year and more. If nothing else, it’s just fun to see how fast everyone is, how high they can jump and how many times they can rep 225 pounds.

There’s certain players at every position I’ll be keeping an eye out for, and we’ve got all the numbers the players will be wearing so you know who to watch.

QUARTERBACK

BJ Coleman, TENNESSEE-CHATT, QB01
Aaron Corp, RICHMOND, QB02
Kirk Cousins, MICHIGAN ST, QB03
Austin Davis, SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI, QB04
Nick Foles, ARIZONA, QB05 (Scouting Report)
*Robert Griffin III, BAYLOR, QB06 (Scouting Report)
Chandler Harnish, NORTHERN ILLINOIS, QB07
Jacory Harris, MIAMI-FL, QB08
Jordan Jefferson, LOUISIANA ST, QB09
Case Keenum, HOUSTON, QB10
Ryan Lindley, SAN DIEGO ST, QB11
*Andrew Luck, STANFORD, QB12 (Scouting Report)
Kellen Moore, BOISE ST, QB13
*Brock Osweiler, ARIZONA ST, QB14
Ryan Tannehill, TEXAS A&M, QB15 (Scouting Report)
*Darron Thomas, OREGON, QB16
Brandon Weeden, OKLAHOMA ST, QB17 (Scouting Report)
Russell Wilson, WISCONSIN, QB18
Patrick Witt, YALE, QB19

It will be interesting to see who decides to throw in Indianapolis. It’s already been reported that the Colts want Andrew Luck to wait for his pro day to and that Ryan Tannehill will sit out QB drills and workouts due to a foot injury.

If Griffin and Weeden throw as expected, they could each potentially increase their stock. I’m not saying that Griffin will ever vault over Luck, but it could encourage a team, or more teams to trade up for Griffin.

Griffin was a world class hurdler in high school, so I’m excited to see how he fares in the 40 time. I’ve seen projections in the 4.5 range, but I think he could surprise some people with a time in the 4.3s or 4.4s.

A couple guys with a  lower profile could certainly help themselves as well, BJ Coleman impressed at the Shrine Game and it will be interesting to see him right next to some of the higher profile QB prospects during QB drills.

Chandler Harnish and Darron Thomas both might have to impress with their speed if they want to be taken higher than expected. I’d like to see Thomas show improved mechanics as well. It was a shock to see him enter the draft early, and he’s definitely going to need to prove himself.

Brock Osweiler is another player I’m interested in seeing after working at a training facility. He had almost a ¾ release at Arizona State that I’d like to see him get rid of. He’ll need to flash some improved accuracy as well. Osweiler is one guy I wouldn’t be surprised to see elect not to throw.

A player like Kellen Moore might actually impress at the combine. He had a terrible showing at the Senior Bowl, but without pads, he could churn out a decent 40 time, and I would expect his arm to look accurate, but not powerful.

RUNNING BACK

*Edwin Bake, MICHIGAN ST, RB01
*Mike Ball, NEVADA, RB02
Vick Ballard, MISSISSIPPI ST, RB03
Brandon Bolden, MISSISSIPPI, RB04
Lennon Creer, LOUISIANA TECH, RB05
Jeff Demps, JEFF, FLORIDA, RB06
Rhett Ellison, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, RB07
Bradie Ewing, WISCONSIN, RB08
Terrance Ganaway, BAYLOR, RB09
Cyrus Gray, TEXAS A&M, RB10
Jonas Gray, NOTRE DAME, RB11
Jewel Hampton, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS, RB12
Dan Herron, OHIO ST, RB13
Ronnie Hillman, SAN DIEGO ST, RB14
LaMichael James, OREGON, RB15 (Scouting Report)
Doug Martin, BOISE ST, RB16 (Scouting Report)
Davin Meggett, MARYLAND, RB17
*Lamar Miller, MIAMI-FL, RB18 (Scouting Report)
Alfred Morris, FLORIDA ATLANTIC,RB19
Isaiah Pead, CINCINNATI,RB20
*Bernard Pierce, TEMPLE,RB21 (Scouting Report)
Chris Polk, WASHINGTON, RB22 (Scouting Report)
Tauren Poole, TENNESSEE, RB23
Chris Rainey, FLORIDA, RB24
*Trent Richardson, ALABAMA, RB25 (Scouting Report)
*Darrell Scott, SOUTH FLORIDA, RB26
Robert Turbin, UTAH ST, RB27
Marc Tyler, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, RB28
Fozzy Whitaker, TEXAS, RB29
*David Wilson, VIRGINIA TECH, RB30

2012 has a pretty deep running back class with a lot of 2nd round talent bunched together. Straight line speed isn’t the most important thing for running backs, but I’m excited to see some of these guys’ 10 yard splits. At running back, it’s all about initial burst getting through holes.

I’ve seen guys like Lamar Miller, Chris Polk, Doug Martin, David Wilson and Bernard Pierce all grouped in that 2nd round area, and I’m not sure how many teams will be willing to take a running back in the first or second round. Those players will have to show burst, speed, quick steps and agility to continue to move up draft boards.

Players like LaMichael James, Chris Rainey, Fozzy Whitaker and Isaiah Pead will really be looked at with a microscope at the combine as they’re all smaller, speedier backs. Their speed could make or break them this week.

The combine is never great for bigger backs like Lennon Creer and Terrance Ganway. I doubt either will impress in the 40, but they’ll need to show a good burst and nice agility to move up draft boards.

Click on page 2 for the wide receivers and tight ends.

Will Alshon Jeffery impress or disappoint at the 2012 NFL Combine?

NEPD Editor: Mike Loyko

With the 2012 NFL Combine slated to start this Wednesday I take a look at prospects who are likely to create a buzz in Indianapolis and those who are likely to disappoint for one reason or another.

Each year at the combine we see certain prospects put on a show in the 40 yard dash, the bench press or in positional drills. With the combine so publicized now this can create a lot of buzz for a prospect.

Sometimes this can really affect a prospects draft stock (none more so than BC DE Mike Mamula 1995) and sometimes putting on a show at Indy doesn’t help or hurt their stock because their game film speaks for itself (Maryland OT Bruce Campbell 2010). Conversely, having a bad week at Indianapolis can expose some flaws they have been able to cover up at the college level. Players who come in with first round buzz can fall right out of the first round mix with a poor showing.

Ultimately, the combine is just one step in the vetting process of potential NFL players and where a player will be picked is how they have performed on the field. However, it is fun to see how fast or slow some of these guys truly are.

This list is just my opinion based on what I may have seen on the field or what I have heard and nothing more than that. I also am not going to include some of the obvious names. Obviously if Trent Richardson decides to do all the drills and run I think he is going to tear it up.

Here is my list of players who I think will either tear it up or disappoint this week.

Players who will Impress:

Joe Adams, WR, Arkansas
It’s been confirmed to me that Adams will run at the combine and will run fast. I expect him to be one of if not the fastest WR to run in Indianapolis. Adams looked like the best WR all week at the Senior Bowl and he looks to build on that with a sub 4.4 forty. Adams also should excel in the 3-cone drill and vertical jump. He is an electric player with the ball in his hands and with so many WR bunched into that 2nd round mix, Adams’ combine performance will likely separate him from the pack and generate some first round buzz.

Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina
Brown is one of the most athletic linebackers in the draft. Can he get under 4.4? I would be surprised, but he should be somewhere in the 4.4s and jump like a WR. He will look fluid in positional drills and should create a lot of buzz in Indianapolis.

Orson Charles, TE, Georgia
Charles is a new school TE who plays off the line of scrimmage. He will run very well and his agility that he shows on the field should shine through in testing. By the end of the combine I think Charles will be the consensus top ranked TE in the draft.

Demario Davis, LB, Arkansas State
Davis is a LB who doesn’t get talked about as much as others, however by the end of the combine he will. He is one of the most athletic and agile LBs in the draft class. He proved in Mobile he can play with the best, he should put up some impressive numbers this week.

Cliff Harris, CB, Oregon
Harris was kicked off the Oregon football team mid-year. He’s been out of the spotlight and therefore doesn’t have much buzz. When he is playing Harris might be the most dynamic athlete and kick returner in the country. I have a feeling he is going to put on a show this week.

Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech
While I don’t expect Hosley to be the fastest CB in Indy, his quickness, change of direction and ability to stop and go should suit him very well in most of the agility drills. I’d keep a close eye on Hosley in the 3 Cone and short shuttle drills particularly.

George Iloka, S, Boise State
Iloka is the tallest DB in the draft class, but one of the most athletic. He told me he expects to run in the 4.4s however, I think that may be a little out of reach. Anything in the 4.5s will be a terrific time for a DB his size.

Bruce Irvin, DE/OLB, West Virginia
Irvin is a lean DE/OLB prospect. He is built to be a speed rusher, but did little of that at West Virginia. If I had to guess I would say Irvin will be the fastest DE with a time in the low 4.5s and that always turns some heads.

Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina
I’m going to include Jeffery on this list simply because so many people expect him to bomb out. I actually think he will test better than expected and show up in really good shape.

Mike Martin, DT, Michigan
Mike Martin has the physique of a gladiator. He told me personally he is going to attempt to break the bench press record at the combine. If he will do it is another thing, but he will give it a run for his money.

Lamar Miller, RB, Miami(FL)
If Miller doesn’t run the fastest 40 time at the combine it will definitely be in the top five. He is an explosive RB and a home run threat. If he doesn’t tear up the 40 he has no shot at going in round 1.

Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis
Poe is one of the strongest human beings on the planet. Combine that with his massive frame and his athleticism and he should shine this week. Poe hasn’t been seen by the mainstream due to playing at Memphis, so this will be the first time the common fan will have seen him. Poe should also put up a big number on the bench press.

Rueben Randle, WR, LSU
Randle wasn’t always able to show his stuff due to the quarterback situation at LSU. With all the lights shining on the big stage this is Randle’s time to show what he really is and I think he shows very well.

Darron Thomas, QB, Oregon
Thomas will obviously be one of the fastest QBs at he combine, but I think he will show off his arm and his ability to make NFL quality throws. Thomas was a questionable entry into the draft, but I think after the combine all that discussion will be put to bed.

David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech
If Miami RB Lamar Miller isn’t the fastest RB this week it will be Wilson. I think Wilson will actually test better overall that Miller as I see a little bit more change of direction and short area quickness from Wilson and that suits him well for hit environment.

Devon Wylie, WR, Fresno State
Wylie is someone that gets very little publicity, but he could end up being the most impressive athlete among the WRs this week. He is rumored to be running in the low 4.3s and that is after a couple major leg injuries.

Click on page 2 for the players that will disappoint.

A high 40 time could hurt Justin Blackmon's draft stock, but could it lower him to the Patriots? (Photo: ICON SMI)

NEPD Editor: Doug Kyed

Players are set to arrive in Indianapolis in a week for one of my favorite events of the year, the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine.

The combine is great to establish what you may or may not already know. The 40 time is the most well known portion of the combine and I do see value in it. Granted, players aren’t running in pads and likely won’t have to run 40 yards in a straight line, but it does help to gauge comparisons between players.

Every year there is one workout warrior who wows scouts and usually winds up getting drafted way too high by the Oakland Raiders. There’s also usually a couple players who show up in less than stellar shape or aren’t as fast as teams and analysts had them pegged who can fall.

Today I’m looking at some of the players participating in the 2012 NFL Combine to see who has the most to gain/lose.

OFFENSE

Darron Thomas, QB, Oregon
Thomas has a lot to prove just to get drafted. There’s a relatively short period of time between the season ending and the combine to get comfortable under center and show that you can survive in a pro-style offense. Thomas was also such a surprise addition to the Draft that many teams likely weren’t looking at him as hard as many other QBs during the college season.

Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M
I already think that Tannehill will be drafted in the first round, but if he can work out well, it could inspire a team to trade up for him, potentially into the top five. The former WR won’t have many chances to impress as he won’t be throwing, but he will be participating in interviews.

Chris Polk, RB, Washington
Some scouts, like my colleague Mike Loyko, weren’t overly impressed with Polk at the Senior Bowl. I wasn’t at the weigh in, but apparently his body looked soft. Straight line speed isn’t the most important aspect of a running back’s game, but a 40 time in the low 4.5/high 4.4 range could certainly boost his stock back into the first round.

Chris Rainey, RB/WR, Florida
Speed, speed, speed, that seems like it’s about half of what the combine is all about. Chris Rainey told us at the Senior Bowl that he wanted to run a 4.1 40. That’s not going to happen, but if he comes even close to Chris Johnson’s record, he’ll rise on draft boards, if he runs in the 4.4s, he won’t offer as much to teams and he’ll likely merely be a project slot receiver.

Marvin Jones, WR, Cal
My favorite prospect in this draft told me he ran a 4.44 electric timed 40 this weekend “with a bad start” in preparation for the combine. If that number holds true, he could vault himself even higher, potentially into the middle of the second round. If that speed isn’t there, teams might lose a bit of interest, but I’m sure they’ll still be impressed with his hands during WR drills.

Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
Blackmon is already a player some sites seem to be souring on and there have been some questions about his speed. I’ve seen the name “Anquan Boldin” thrown around in comparison with Blackmon, and if his 40 time is similar to Boldin’s 4.72, I find it highly doubtful Blackmon still goes top 5.

Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina
One of Jeffery’s biggest issues is his conditioning questions. He’s a big presence, but teams will have to be careful not to let him get too big. If Jeffery comes to the combine is anything less than stellar shape, teams will take notice.

Brian Quick, WR, Appalachian State
Quick showed some nice improvement at the Senior Bowl, but he’ll have to continue that progress to show that he belongs with this talented class during the combine drills. I have questions about Quick’s speed, so I’ll definitely be watching his 40 time carefully.

LaDarius Green, TE, Louisiana-Lafayette
Green’s game is based off of his receiving ability, and being slightly undersized at 230 lbs, he’ll need to show off some impressive speed. I’ll also be looking carefully at him during the receiving portion of the TE drills. Green  could fit the bill of the WR/TE hybrid in the mold of Aaron Hernandez or Jermichael Finley if he can prove he has the skills.

Andrew Datko, OT, Florida State
I’ll be paying special attention to Datko at the combine in the OL drills. My biggest complaint about Datko is his technique. He’s a “waist bender” and can lose balance and lose his defender because of that. If he can prove that he’s training to show off better technique, he could rise in a weak tackle class.

Click on page 2 for the defenders with the most to gain or lose.

These two are going to have a busy off-season.

NEPD Editor: Mike Loyko

With the offseaon slated to get into full swing this week with the NFL combine, I take a position by position look at where the Patriots roster stands. What are the biggest needs, where are they set and what will they likely target.

In Decemeber I did I similar article breaking down the Patriots roster and where it stood. Now that the Patriots came within two minutes of winning another Super Bowl, I take a look where does their roster stand now.

With the combine coming up this week, it will give fans a perspective of exactly what the Patriots will be looking for on March 13th when unrestricted free agency opens and when the draft comes in late April. It can also be a guide for fans who are looking to do mock drafts for the Patriots.

Quarterback
Returning Players: Tom Brady, Ryan Mallett
Free Agents: Brian Hoyer (RFA)

The Patriots QB position is in solid shape for the foreseeable future. Tom Brady has shown no signs of slowing down and is producing at MVP caliber levels most of the time. The team spent a 3rd round pick on highly regarded and rocket armed Ryan Mallett, who slid to them in the 3rd round due to character concerns.

All the feedback I have heard on Mallett is very positive. He has lost weight, gained muscle and spent a year under the tutelage of the best QB on the planet. It would appear that Mallett is the future of the franchise when Tom Brady finally hangs them up. The big question will be what happens with Brian Hoyer. I expect the Patriots to tender him at the 2nd round level, meaning they would receive a 2nd round pick if signed by another team. Hoyer will undoubtedly receive interest from other teams around the league. The Patriots could choose to bring him back or work out a trade with another team.

Priority (on a scale of 1-5): 1

Running Back
Returning Players: Stevan Ridley, Shane Vereen, Danny Woodhead
Free Agents: BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Kevin Faulk

Running back is a position I see undergoing a changing of the guard this off-season. BJGE is a free agent and while there have been discussions about contract offers being made, I see his role being diminished even if he does return to the Patriots. The team spent a 2nd round and a 3rd round pick on running backs in last year’s draft and that doesn’t happen if the long term starter is already on the roster.

This is a position that has a lot of youth and potential, I see the Patriots starting to utilize that potential next year. Both Ridley and Vereen would offer a more dynamic and explosive option compared to BJGE. While Green-Ellis is a viable back and reliable, his lack of explosiveness really hampered this offense down the stretch. Ridley and Vereen should be given every opportunity to compete for the starting RB spot heading into next season. Danny Woodhead also will return. Woodhead provides a solid 3rd down option and excels in no huddle situations. He is by no means and everydown back but, in the right situations he is another weapon for Tom Brady.

I don’t expect the Patriots to use many resources on the position this offseason. Maybe they bring back BJGE or bring in another veteran RB to push the kids, but that would be the extent of it.

Priority level: 1

Wide Receiver
Returning Players: Chad Ochocinco, Julian Edelman
Free Agents: Wes Welker (TAG), Deion Branch, Matthew Slater

No position, at least on the offensive side of the ball, is going to go through a more dramatic transformation than the WR position this off-season.

Let me start by saying I fully expect Wes Welker to be back. He will be franchised with the goal of working out a long term deal. I would also expect Deion Branch to take a pay cut and a diminished role to return to the Patriots. Branch has great chemistry with Brady and knows the offense inside and out. However, he really struggles to create seperation and can only run a few routes that can get him open.

That really leaves three spots to fill and improve from last year as Ochocinco, Julian Edelman and Matthew Slater/Tiquan Underwood really provided close to nothing in terms of production. This position will be a focus not only in free agency, but also early on in the draft.

We have already heard the Brandon Lloyd talk and now the Mike Wallace rumors, both would be perfect. It’s vital that the Patriots find not only a WR who can stretch the field, but also a couple of WR who can create separation and get open underneath and in the intermediate. Taking the pressure off Wes Welker and not relying on him so much will make the offense very tough to stop especially with the young tight ends.

Josh McDaniels is taking over the offense and he prefers to utilized various WR formations moreso than Bill O’Brien. When training camp opens in late July I expect this position to look much different.

Priority Level: 4