NFL Draft: Ten prospects that need a big combine performance
The NFL Combine begins this week and there are a few players who need a strong showing to overcome concerns. Here are the 10 prospects under the most pressure to perform.
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1. CB Derek Stingley Jr., LSU
Stingley Jr. was easily the consensus No. 1 cornerback in this draft back in 2019 but now Cincinnati's Sauce Gardner is atop some boards. Stingley Jr. has missed a lot of the last two years due to injury. He has a lot of questions to answer.
2. DT Jordan Davis, Georgia
Davis is a monster at 360 pounds but there are some questions about his conditioning and how many snaps per game he can play.
3. DE Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon
The interviews will be key for Thibodeaux because there is a real concern among scouts and general managers about his love of football.
4. QB Malik Willis, Liberty
We know he has the physical skills but his athleticism is really going to determine if he goes QB1.
5. LB Nakobe Dean, Georgia
His measurables will be key as he jumps off the film, but is he big and strong enough?
6. DT DeMarvin Leal, Texas A&M
A former top-10 pick candidate, many have Leal falling out of the first round. He needs a big performance.
7. S Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame
Hamilton is a potential top-five pick and high character person, but he will have to run well to land that high.
8. WR Drake London, USC
London is coming off injury that ended his season but before that he was on his way to numerous awards. He has a chance to be WR1.
9. TE Isaiah Likely, Coastal Carolina
Is there a first-round tight end in this year's draft class? There might not be, and Likely will need to dominate to make his case.
10. DE Boye Mafe, Minnesota
Mafe is a big name among scouts as a first-round sleeper based on film and raw ability, so the combine will be key.