NFL Combine: Positions to watch
Wednesday 2 March 2016 17:02, UK
As NFL franchises turn their attention away from Super Bowl 50 and onto next year's pursuit of the Vince Lombardi trophy, the NFL Combine provides an opportunity for teams to run the rule over some potential draft targets.
Coaches and general managers, scouts and analysts will gather in Indianapolis, hoping to catch a glimpse of something special that they believe can take their team from contender to champion.
The Combine should never be the sole basis for a team's draft choice, but it can be an important tool in gauging how a player performs under isolated stressors. As the physical tests begin at the Lucas Oil Stadium, we take a look at some of the key positions head coaches are looking to fill.
Wide Receiver
Teams in need: Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Seattle Seahawks
Explosive power, rapid acceleration, agility and good ball-handling skills are just a few of the physical traits needed to play WR.
The various drills at the Combine allow wide outs to showcase their ability, from the 40-yard dash to the various agility tests. Of course, nothing compares to the game tape, but coaches and GMs will have the chance to analyse how players handle themselves under the pressure of playing for their future.
Wide Receivers to watch: Connor Coleman (Baylor), Will Fuller (Notre Dame), Braxton Miller (Ohio State)
Cornerback
Teams in need: Dallas Cowboys, Jacksonville Jaguars, Pittsburgh Steelers
A disruptive corner can be a complete game changer; the ability to anticipate the quarterback's throwing route and the physical presence to challenge, intercept and tackle.
We've seen players like Richard Sherman and Josh Norman prove to be crucial in their respective team's recent success, and the Combine provides a plethora of physical examinations to improve - or damage - draft stock. Expect big performances in the 40-yard dash and vertical leap tests.
Cornerbacks to watch: Jalen Ramsey (Florida State), Vernon Hargreaves (Florida), Mackensie Alexander (Clemson)
Quarterback
Teams in need: Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers
With no clear frontrunner in this year's draft class, the honour of top QB is very much up for grabs. As the lynchpin of the offence, drafting a quarterback can be extremely difficult. A good comparison might be the former first round pick Johnny Manzeil, still struggling to adjust to life in Cleveland, compared with the sixth round pick of Tom Brady in 2000, now proud owner of four Super Bowl rings.
There are a few teams looking to invest in a quarterback of the future, and player interviews will be as crucial as any of the physical tests.
Quarterbacks to watch: Jared Goff (UC Berkeley), Connor Cook (Michigan State), Carson Wentz (North Dakota State)
Outside Linebacker
Teams in need: Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets, Chicago Bears
The physical requirements of OLB really depend on the defensive style of the team. Franchises that deploy a 4-3 system want outside linebackers that are slightly smaller but agile, with pace to cover the opposition's run game. A 3-4 system will require larger, more powerful athletes to rush the quarterback.
Head coaches will be looking for a dominant bench press performance, as well as speed and agility in the pass-drop and hip rotation workout.
Outside linebackers to watch: Myles Jack (UCLA), Jaylon Smith (Notre Dame), Kentrell Brothers (Missouri)
Offensive Tackle
Teams in need: Tennessee Titans, Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills
Priority No 1: protect your quarterback. Tackles have to be strong, aware of pressure from all angles, and have the balance and agility to fend off opposition. With the Tennessee Titans holding the top pick in the draft, a player at this position has a good chance of being the first player off the board.
Offensive tackles to watch: Laremy Tunsil (Mississippi), Ronnie Stanley (Notre Dame), Taylor Decker (Ohio State)
