By John Sarianides
The 2017 NFL Combine is underway in Indianapolis. All 330 players that have been invited will go through physicals and evaluations before the testing component of the combine begins this weekend.
Here are ten players with something to prove at this weekend’s combine.
1. Mitch Trubisky, QB, North Carolina: Trubisky only has one year of starting experience under his belt so he is going to have to show scouts and executives that he has what it takes to start as a rookie in the NFL. Trubisky will have to put on a show both in the class room and on the field throwing the ball. He is kind of an unknown at this point in the process.
3. Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee: Barnett was highly productive at Tennessee but there are concerns about his athleticism and size (6-3 265). He projects as a top 20 pick but he is going to need to prove that he has the explosiveness and the speed to play the five technique defensive end in the 4-3.
3. DeShone Kizer, QB, Notre Dame: Kizer is the most physically gifted quarterback in this class but scouts and executives question whether or not he is ready to play in the NFL. Kizer is going to need to prove he can play in a pro-style offense both in the class room and on the field.
4. Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State: Cook is the best running back in a very good class but he will have to answer durability questions. He has had three shoulder surgeries in his career. The comparisons to Jamaal Charles are accurate but scouts and executives are hoping Cook doesn’t have the same injury issues that Charles had had in his career.
5. David Njoku, TE, Miami (Fla): Njoku is a terrific receiving tight end but he is undersized and an average blocker. There is no question he will run well and excel in receiving drills. Scouts, executives and coaches want to see if he is physically strong enough to play the position.
6. Malik McDowell, DE, Michigan State: McDowell is one of the most talented players in this draft but he is also very inconsistent. He was better in 2015 than he was in 2016. He needs to show coaches and scouts alike that he can put it all together and be consistent. McDowell has first round talent but he is going to need to impress this weekend and at his pro day to go in the top 32.
7. Adoree Jackson, CB, USC: Jackson is the forgotten corner in this draft. Everyone is talking about Marshon Lattimore, Teez Tabor and Tre’Davious White but no one is talking about Jackson. Well, they should be! Jackson was one of the most productive players in all of college football the past three seasons. If he has a strong combine and follows that up with a solid pro day, there is no reason why Jackson shouldn’t go in the first round.
8. Kermit Whitfield, WR, Florida State: Whitfield could be this draft’s Tyreek Hill. He is built the same and is just as explosive as Hill. There is a good chance Whitfield runs the fastest 40 at the combine. Whitfield can impact a game in a myriad of ways. Whether it is as a receiver, runner or returner, he is explosive play maker who could climb up team’s draft boards with a strong showing in Indy.
9. Jonathan Allen, DT, Alabama: Allen is one of the most talented players in this draft but scouts and coaches alike have concerns about his athleticism and explosiveness. Allen will need to test well this weekend because if he doesn’t, he could end up sliding on some teams draft boards despite his production at Alabama.
10. Michael Roberts, TE, Toledo and Adam Shaheen, TE, Ashland: I couldn’t help myself. I have to talk about both of these young men. Why? Because both are big and athletic and they could shine this weekend. The 2017 tight end class is the best tight end class we have seen in years. Roberts and Shaheen could really climb up teams draft boards with a good showing in Indy.