Quarterbacks, Receivers and Running backs Combine Preview:

Quarterbacks:

–Geno Smith is working out and should impress scouts with his speed, accuracy, and arm strength. With Matt Barkley having to sit out he should lock up the top quarterback spot.

–E.J. Manuel needs to have a big day, and not just athletically but throwing the football as well. If he can show some balance of skills he should help ensure he’s a top 75 pick.

-I expect Tyler Wilson and MIke Glennon to show well in the throwing drills as well.

-Two later round quarterbacks to watch are Colby Cameron and Matt Scott.

Wide Receivers:

–DeAndre Hopkins could have a big day and really raise his draft stock. I expect him to be one of the best catching the football, and to do well in the workout drills.

–Marquise Goodwin is expected to be the fastest at the 40 in this year’s class (not just WR’s but everyone). In addition his quickness should be pretty high and he should be okay catching the football as well. One thing to watch is whether or not he unnecessarily jumps to catch the ball, it was something he did some at the Senior Bowl and can drive coaches crazy.

–Tavon Austin should also blow up the combine with his quickness and speed. Expect him to be a leader in the 3 cone and shuttle drills.

–Robert Woods might not run as well as some other receivers, but expect him to be one of the best route runners and ball catchers of the day.

–Da’Rick Rogers and Cordarrelle Patterson are two guys who should have just fantastic Combine numbers across the board.

-Aaron Mellette is a guy who I think will have a better combine than people expect. I think he’ll catch the ball really well, and run routes really nicely. Also, I think he’ll run and jump better than people think.

–Denard Robinson needs to have a huge Combine. With essentially zero receiver tape and a poor performance at the Senior Bowl he looks to be a major project. While it will be nice if he runs well and shows quickness, the key with be in the receiving drills, both from a route running and ball catching standpoint. He needs to show progress in both of these areas, and it needs to be fairly dramatic.

-Corey Fuller, Brandon Kauffman and Tavarres King are three later round guys I expect to have pretty big Combines.

Running back:

-Kenjon Barner should be a combine star from a speed, quickness perspective.

-Ray Graham might not run extremely well, but he should be one of the best at changing directions in the RB drills.

-Zach Line who many consider a fullback should show better in the RB drills than most are giving him credit for.

–Montee Ball seems to be forgotten in some draft circles, but I’d expect him to have a really nice all-around day.

-Stepfan Taylor I expect to blow up the RB specific drills, he might not have the best timed speed, but he should be very fluid and showcase good vision and hands.

-Stefphon Jefferson and Kerwynn Williams are two later round running backs I’d expect to have pretty good days and who you should keep an eye on.