Combine Warmup: Who's primed to put on a show for NFL scouts?

The NFL Scouting Combine Warmup takes an in-depth look at all the major storylines heading into the most important week leading up to the 2017 NFL Draft.

The Rundown

• The premier event of the pre-draft process is already here. Any information must be put into context, as overreacting to a timed score or a measured jump won't get us, or NFL teams, anywhere. However, there's plenty to be learned from a busy week that's all too often overlooked because players aren't in pads. Not only can certain prospects separate themselves from the competition with a strong performance, but teams are also looking for baseline athletic profiles at certain positions. There's a reason players go through weeks of training beforehand.
• The combine has become a spectacle of sorts. Television coverage is as comprehensive as it gets, test results are available instantly, and the NFL has even begun selling tickets to fans. Shocking, right? But among the most important elements of this week is one that the general public won't receive much, if any, information about. For the prospects with off-field concerns, and even those without them, team officials value the opportunity to get them in a meeting room and see what they're all about. As we've seen in the past, that can make or break a player's draft stock.
• All eyes will be on the quarterbacks to start the week's festivities, and for good reason. The position will always carry far more value than any other on the field. For the second time in as many years, however, we appear to have ourselves a class of signal-callers that is only generating value based on the position alone. Is there anything these players can do to prove their worth in Indianapolis? Unfortunately, that's unlikely. There just isn't not much a player can do throwing the ball in shorts. Don't take too much from how they look throwing to receivers they've never worked with before.

Top Position Battles

Dalvin Cook vs. Leonard Fournette

Cook and Fournette are the consensus top two running backs in this year's draft. Both should come off the board at some point in the opening round, but the coveted top spot is still up for grabs. In terms of style, the pair probably couldn't be much more different.

Already thought to be one of the more explosive ball-carriers in recent memory, Cook can likely only confirm his athleticism to scouts at the combine. Fournette, the more powerful back of the two, could conceivably improve his stock by testing well in the 40 and during agility drills, as well as looking comfortable in pass-catching drills.

Malik Hooker vs. Jamal Adams

Like Cook and Fournette, Hooker and Adams are two entirely different safety prospects. Hooker is best suited for a single-high spot that best utilizes his sideline-to-sideline range in coverage, while Adams may be limited to an in-the-box role at the next level.

The deep-centerfield playmaker should have more value in the eyes of NFL teams, but what if Adams shows all the athleticism necessary to complement his undeniable physicality? It's certainly possible that he blows up combine tests across the board. Then again, perhaps a strong 40 time will be all teams need to be confident Hooker can translate his rare coverage ability to the NFL.

O.J. Howard vs. David Njoku

This is quite easily the most impressive crop of tight ends making the jump to the NFL in recent memory. Both Howard and Njoku are considered by many to be first-round locks, but the preference between the two seems to be fairly even.

Howard is far and away the more capable blocker, and that may end up being the difference on draft day. In a league that continues to favor the passing game, though, receiving ability is quite easily the more important and valuable element to a tight end's game. Can either Howard or Njoku separate himself in speed testing, agility drills, or on-field pass-catching work?

Record Watch

The combine's main on-field event always generates plenty of attention heading in. It's become a yearly question whether someone can break Chris Johnson's record of 4.24 seconds, and Adidas is offering up an island to anyone who can do it in their shoes this year. No, really.

It may be a long shot for anyone to best that incredible mark, but if someone gets close, don't be surprised if it's John Ross. The Washington wideout, projected by many to be among the top-three prospects at his position, is an absolute burner. Anything close to a 4.3 could lock him in as a first-round pick.

Biggest Riser

It happens every year. At least one player sees their draft stock go through the roof after a standout performance in Indianapolis. Don't be surprised if Taywan Taylor is among those to do it this year.

The Western Kentucky wide receiver may remain behind the presumed first-round trio of Corey Davis, Mike Williams, and Ross, but he could end up with some early Day 2 consideration if his incredible athleticism translates into a positive showing this week. According to Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports, Taylor posted a 4.33-second 40 time, a 11-foot-5 broad jump, and a 39.5-inch vertical during spring testing this past year.

(Photos Courtesy: Action Images)