For NFL fans, this is like Christmas. The chance to fill that glaring hole on your favourite football team.
Fans can now begin to officially prepare themselves for April’s NFL Draft with the workout portion of the NFL Combine kicking off in Indianpolis on Saturday.
With over 300 players taking the field in Indianapolis, sportsnet.ca gives you a primer of who to watch for before going through all those mock drafts and expert rankings.
Here is a position-by-position breakdown of players to watch throughout the weekend.
Quarterback
If you are looking for the next Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III, you’re looking in the wrong place. This year’s quarterback class is the weakest group we’ve seen since 2007 where only JaMarcus Russell and Brady Quinn went in the first round. There are still several intriguing prospects but don’t expect any rookies in the Pro Bowl in 2013.
Note: USC’s Matt Barkley will not throw in Indianapolis
Top 3 to watch:
1) Geno Smith, West Virginia – At one point, Smith looked the sure-fire option for the top pick but struggled with consistency in the second half of the season. Smith has the athleticism and arm strength needed to succeed at the pro level but struggled with his accuracy. He took most of his snaps out of the Shotgun and will need to show he can adjust to a pro-style offence.
2) Mike Glennon, North Carolina State – Glennon, who took over from Russell Wilson, has the big arm and downfield accuracy that has caught the attention of the scouts but struggles with mechanics and footwork. With a strong weekend, he could jump into the first round.
3) Ryan Nassib, Syracuse – Nassib has been compared to Andy Dalton, as he does not possess the ideal arm strength but has shown great leadership capabilities and is a very accurate passer. Nassib won’t light up the Combine but could find himself as an option late in the first or early in the second.
Workout warrior
E.J. Manuel, Florida State – Manuel is one of the biggest boom or bust prospects at the position. Manuel has the speed, size, arm to be a top prospect but his issues are related to his decision-making. He should light up the event in Indianapolis with his impressive athletic ability, which should be on display in the 40-yard dash.
Running Back
Just like quarterback, this draft is extremely thin at the running back position. This could be the first time in 50 years to not see a running back drafted in the first round. Teams have been historically been able to find effective runners later in the draft, making the Combine ever so critical for this group.
Note: The top-rated runner, Alabama’s Eddie Lacy, will not work out this weekend.
Top 3 to watch:
1) Montee Ball, Wisconsin – Ball was a Heisman candidate the last two seasons but does not have the game-breaking speed or power that comes with a first-round running back. He may need to land in a zone scheme to best show his talents at the next level.
2) Andre Ellington, Clemson – Keep your eye on Ellington this weekend as the shifty runner should be at his best in shorts. He doesn’t have the size or physicality needed to be a workhorse and his 40-yard dash time will be something to monitor for this group.
3) Giovani Bernard, North Carolina – Bernard is a power runner that has outstanding vision. He runs hard and effective but does not have the elite speed and explosion. With a good weekend in Indianapolis, he could just get into the end of the first round.
Workout warrior
Kenjon Barner, Oregon – Barner was one of the most dynamic playmakers last season in the dangerous Oregon offence and would be a great change of pace runner at the next level. The dangerous runner is explosive and will light up the field in shorts, sort of like Darren Sproles coming out of Kansas State.
Wide Receiver
There isn’t a top-five prospect like Julio Jones or A.J. Green but this group is loaded with depth and could produce a number of productive players at the next level. There a number of intriguing talents, whether you are looking for options on the outside or in the slot and it may not cost a first-rounder to get them.
Top 3 to watch:
1) Cordarrelle Patterson, Tennessee – Patterson is still raw as a pure receiver but has all the tools to be the top player drafted at the position. He has great speed, strength, and athleticism and could jump as high as the top 10 with a strong showing.
2) Tavon Austin, West Virginia – If you like to watch Percy Harvin, keep your eye on Austin. He has the incredible change of direction and explosion to make an immediate impact in the NFL. The lightning rod would be an outstanding fit on a team that can get him in the ball in a number of ways.
3) DeAndre Hopkins, Clemson – He does not have the prototypical frame or speed but Hopkins has everything else you look for in a receiver, including great route-running ability and strong hands. His 40-yard dash time may be crucial for Hopkins to secure a spot in the first round.
Workout warrior
Marcus Goodman, Texas – Goodman is a freak athlete that has arguably the best speed in the entire draft. He participated in the Olympics for the U.S. last year in long jump and should be in his element at the Combine, where there are no pads and one can show off their pure athleticism.
Tight End
Just like wide receiver, the tight end position is another major strength of this draft class. It is one of the deepest groups and there could be as many as 10 tight ends that go in the first two days of this year’s Draft. Tight ends continue to be a prominent part of NFL offences and as New England has proven, you can never have enough of them.
Top 3 to watch:
1) Zac Ertz, Stanford – Ertz was the top weapon in Stanford’s passing game last season and looks ready to step in right away in the NFL. Scouts will be eyeing his 40-yard dash time and it could be the one thing that keeps him out of the top round.
2) Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame – Eifert does not have ideal straight-line speed but is one of the better route runners and tougher plays in this group. Sort of like Jason Witten or Heath Miller, Eifert is not only a strong receiver but plays on the line and can hold his own as a blocker.
3) Gavin Escobar, San Diego State – Any team looking for a new-age tight end (Jimmy Graham) may look towards the San Diego State product. Escobar doesn’t have the thick frame to manhandle defensive lineman but is one of the more athletic players in the group.
Workout warrior
Vance McDonald, Rice – McDonald has been moving up the boards since a strong showing at the Senior Bowl in January. The athletic tight end is a bit raw but has the measurables that teams may fall in love with. With his athletic ability, he is the exact kind of player that will shine while playing in shorts.
Offensive Line
The strength of this draft class comes on the offensive line where there could be four tackles drafted in the top 15 picks in April. The draft is loaded with capable offensive lineman, either at tackle or at guard. With the passing game being as important as ever, teams can never have enough talent on the line and they should be just in luck with this impressive group.
Top 3 to watch:
1) Luke Joeckel, Texas A&M – Joeckel right now looks like the top candidate for the No. 1 overall pick. He is the most complete player in this draft class, although offensive tackles may not be the sexiest position.
2) Chance Warmack, Alabama – Warmack is an absolute beast that was the heart and soul of the National Champion Alabama team. Some consider Warmack the top prospect in the draft class but some teams may been hesistant to go with a guard in the top five.
3) Eric Fisher, Central Michigan – Fisher is considered a similar prospect to Joeckel and he was the most impressive offensive lineman to watch at the Senior Bowl. Just like a former Central Michigan grad, Fisher’s game resembles Joe Staley who has been an elite tackle in San Francisco for the past three s easons.
Workout warrior
Jonathan Cooper, North Carolina
Scouts are oozing over the potential Cooper displayed last season. For a big man, Cooper has shown off great movement skills during his college career and you will quickly notice how athletic Cooper is for his size at the Combine.