5 prospects whose combine numbers you don't need to worry about

For most of the prospects hoping to hear their name called at the 2017 NFL Draft, the combine is a place to prove their worth through a series of tests that hold varying levels of importance in ranking potentially professional football players.

However, there are a few prospects who don't really have much to gain from the combine, as their skills have already been proven at a high enough level. These players can sometimes lose stock and credibility by not dominating every drill at the combine, regardless of how much they can produce when the pads come on.

For a recent reminder, Joey Bosa was underwhelming at the 2016 combine, failing to crack the top 10 in the 40-yard dash, bench press, and vertical jump, then went on to win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in a landslide.

Here are five players whose draft value shouldn't be dependent on how they perform in Indianapolis.

Myles Garrett, EDGE, Texas A&M

Garrett has been the consensus No. 1 overall pick since sometime last fall, and maybe even before that. The Texas A&M product has shown a rare combination of speed and power that has had him compared to future Hall of Famer and former No. 1 pick Julius Peppers. It wouldn't be a surprise to see him finish atop several combine categories, but he doesn't need to prove anything, and if he happens to not look so good without pads on, have faith that he looks great while wearing them.

Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU

If Fournette showed up at the combine and outran fellow elite running back prospect Dalvin Cook, that would be great. It really would. But that shouldn't be the bar for the LSU power back. Fournette is as physical a runner as anyone, and his true value can't be measured unless he has a defender in front of him to destroy. You can watch any of the dozens of highlight reels made in his honor on YouTube to verify Fournette is an athletic freak, so if his numbers don't add up in Indy, just turn on this clip of him defining the term "truck stick."

Jonathan Allen, DL, Alabama

Another clear-cut standout at the top of his position's rankings, Allen doesn't provide the flashy edge-rushing moves that Garrett has, but he's easily the best interior defensive lineman coming out. The Alabama product's picture-perfect technique, high football IQ, and athleticism can clearly be seen in his game footage. His combination of speed and power while weighing just under 300 pounds likely won't translate to him leading any combine categories, as he does a little bit of everything. Allen likely won't last past the fifth pick of the draft, regardless of what happens to him at the combine.

Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State

Hooker won't actually be competing in the combine as he recovers from hernia and labrum surgery after apparently playing through both injuries during the end of Ohio State's season. That being said, Hooker's value comes from his instinctive play and impressive game speed. All you need to do is watch his tape to see his range is at an elite level. His 40-yard dash time doesn't matter, his bench press doesn't matter, and his jump distances don't matter. He can play football - that's all that matters.

O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama

Howard was held back as a receiver in college because he was such a good blocker that he was regularly used to bide more time for inexperienced Alabama quarterbacks, but his pass-catching skills are outstanding. Howard could very well be the most impressive tight end at the combine, but there are sure to be some hybrid, big-bodied receivers who will post gaudy numbers and steal some of his spotlight. But with so few tight ends able to contribute as much as blockers as they do in the receiving game, the total package that Howard has displayed as a three-time SEC champion has already proven to be worth a first-round grade regardless of his combine number.