Players to Watch

Everyone loves to talk about the NFL Combine whether it's good or bad. Most of the time when people talk about it they're saying they want to get rid of it; a bunch of guys running around in spandex for a couple hours getting numbers which really don't mean anything when you think about it. Why does it matter what an offensive line runs in the 40-yard dash? Or is it that impressive when a quarterback throws an absolute dime to a receiver when there is no pressure and no coverage? Not really, but it looks good. On the other hand, when Jadeveon Clowney ran an unofficial 4.47, that was pretty cool.

Every year there are players everyone likes to keep an eye. Sometimes it's the big names trying to solidify their spot at the top. Sometimes it's those Division 2 or Division 3 guys trying to make a name for themselves. Here are some players who people know but have questions surrounding them. 

Scooby Wright III, Linebacker, Arizona: Put on the tape of this kid from 2014 and just watch. His numbers are eye-popping; 163 tackles, 29 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, and 6 forced fumbles. His instincts are second to none. He's sometimes quicker to the hole than the running back which is proven by his tackles for loss number. Wright sometimes plays with too much emotion and will overplay a lot. He won't be the most athletic guy at the combine and with him coming off an injury in 2015 it'll be interesting to see how he moves around the field.

Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss: Nkemdiche came to Ole Miss as the number one high school player in the country and looks to be taken with that number one overall pick. He's not the biggest defensive tackle weighing south of 300-pounds, but he's strong in the lower half. Has the ability but plenty of questions circle around his off the field issues and his drive. Will teams take the risk on him? Is the risk worth the reward? 

Braxton Miller, WR, Ohio State: Perhaps the most intriguing prospect heading to Indy. Miller began his career at Ohio State as a quarterback but ended as a running back/wide receiver. A shoulder injury derailed what could have been a Heisman Trophy season but Miller turned heads with his unique skill set and sometimes surreal playmaking ability. He's quick in and out of cuts, has above average hands for someone who spent his career throwing the ball. The only question is where will he play? Is he reliable enough to play receiver? Is he big enough to be a running back and take some hits? 

Christian Hackenberg, QB, Penn State: The Penn State quarterback is also an interesting prospect but for different reasons than Miller. In his freshman season under then head coach Bill O'Brien he became a name that scouts thought would be at the top of the draft when he came out. A coaching change and two abysmal seasons later, scouts are just wondering who is going to take a chance on Hack. Here's a likely answer: Bill O'Brien will.

Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State: Who? That's a common response to hearing the name Carson Wentz. A FCS quarterback from powerhouse North Dakota State. Again, who? Wentz is a big kid with a strong arm. Played in a pro-style offense and can stand all in the pocket and deliver a good ball. Playing the competition that the Bison played could have an impact on him adapting to NFL speed. Wentz could be the first quarterback chosen in April.