2011 NFL Combine workout warriors

A look at some of the top prospects who could potentially really “wow” at next week’s NFL Combine.

SmithICONSmith might be the fastest guy at the Combine

WR Torrey Smith: Maryland
From everything I’m hearing, Smith has a legit chance to run in the high 4.2 range at this year’s Combine. He’s an explosive vertical threat with great straight-line speed and is definitely in contention to be the fastest guy at this year’s Combine.

LB Dontay Moch: Nevada
Just how fast is this guy? The Internet ran rampant this summer of reports of Moch, a linebacker, running in the 4.2-4.3 range with even one source saying he hit the 4.19 mark. Now, in no way am I expecting anything near that time from him at the Combine. However, if he runs in the 4.4’s at 227 pounds, you can’t help but think it could help his draft stock to some degree.

OT Nate Solder: Colorado
For years we have been hearing that Solder, the 6-8, 315-pound physical specimen, has the ability to run in the 4.8 range. He’s a former tight end who looks like a power forward and could end up being one of the real winners in shorts and a T-shirt next week.

CB Patrick Peterson: LSU
At 6-1, 220 pounds, the talk about Peterson potentially having to make the move to safety in the NFL is in my view going to quickly die down after his Combine workout. Peterson was timed in the 4.2 range (hand-held time) this spring and was second on the LSU squad on the squat rack at 535 pounds, tying Tigers DT Drake Nevis. He also hit 39-inches on his vertical and overall it’s looking like a potentially very promising Combine for the big corner.

DL Allen Bailey: Miami
It’s well documented that the big man from Miami has the ability to really stand out in this kind of environment. At 6-4 and about 280 pounds, Bailey is said to be able to run in the 4.6 range. Add that to the fact that he’s also said to hit over 38-inches on the vertical and bench press 415 pounds.

WR Jon Baldwin: Pittsburgh
At 6-5, 230 pounds, Baldwin has been rumored to be capable of running in the high 4.3/low 4.4 range, and any way you look at that, it’s an impressive time for a guy of his dimensions. Now, on tape he doesn’t play anywhere near that fast, but if he runs close to that designated range, I’m going to have a tough time believing he would fall out of the first round.

LB Martez Wilson: Illinois
For a linebacker of his size, forget the straight-line speed — which he has plenty of. The one aspect of his game I think he’s really going to impress scouts in is the overall fluidity he possesses. Wilson is going to run fast and jump high. But it’s rare to find a tall, high-cut guy like him change directions as cleanly/fluidly as he does.

OL Marcus Cannon: TCU
At 6-6, 350 pounds, he’s not going to run the same type of time as a guy like Solder. However, I have heard he could potentially run in the 5.2 range (which is as impressive as it gets for a guy his size) and is really an explosive leaper for a guy his size. I was told months ago to prepare to be “wowed” by the 350 pounder.

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