The NFL Combine starts tomorrow and there are the names you know like Stanford Quarterback Andrew Luck, Alabama Running Back Trent Richardson, and Baylor Quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III. Those are the the first round guys that you know, and then there are the guys who will be in the first round that when their name is called you won't know as much, but they can have the same impact as those names you do know; those are the players to watch. Here are 5 players to keep an eye one during this weeks combine, April's NFL Draft, and the upcoming season:
-Miami Running Back, Lamar Miller: 5'11" 212lbs. Miller had 227 carries for 1,272 yards and 9 touchdowns. He is downhill runner who is patient and waits for the hole to open and then explodes to the next level. He has good vision and will be good back in the NFL. Miller's name could be called mid to late first round somewhere between 18-26.
-Mississippi State Defensive Tackle/Defensive End, Fletcher Cox: 6'4" 300lbs. Cox had a very productive season having 56 total tackles and 14.5 tackles for loss. He can play both the 3 technique and 5 technique, he has the speed to come off the edge but also has the upper body strength to create the push right up the middle. Look for his name to be called in the middle of the first round.
-Clemson Defensive End, Andre Branch: 6'5" 260lbs. Branch had 77 total tackles, including 10.5 sacks for the Tigers. He has natural speed coming off the edge and has great closing speed for someone of his size. He hasn't shown the consistency that you'd like to see from someone with ability. He can break down in space and can stop a smaller, quicker back. He is going to have to put on 10-15 pounds to be an effective NFL pass rusher, if he can do so, you'll be hearing his name a lot on Sunday's.
-Arizona State Linebacker, Vontaze Burfict: 6'3" 252lbs. Burfict is a big kid who has a lot of natural ability. He can stop the run and loves sticking his nose right in the middle of the play. He is also a strong kid who can shed a blocker and get downhill, for someone of his size he has great speed. People know who he is, but people shy away from him because he sometimes takes plays off in a row, doesn't give 100%, and who might have a lot of "baggage" but is a first round talent who has the potential to dominate anyone who he is put up against.
-Nebraska Cornerback, Alfonzo Dennard: 5'10" 203lbs. Dennard is the type of corner that once the wide receiver gets off line he will stick with him. He is very physical and is tough to get off the line against. He has great speed for deep routs and has the ability to come up and stop the run but doesn't always show that ability. He can turn his hips and run with anyone. Often overshadowed by former Nebraska CB Prince Amukamara, he had his chance to shine during the 2011 season. Dennard was First Team All Big Ten having 31 total tackle and 6 pass breakups on the year. If he has a strong combine he could end up going late first round.
Be sure to check out 2012 NFL Combine, February 22-28. Get updates on all players and all drills right here at NFL.com.
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