Stick to your evaluations.
That's the mantra of general manager, coaches, and scouts around the league prior to the scouting combine. But it's easier said than done - when a player blows away away their tests and interviews at the event, it can send their draft stock into orbit.
With that in mind, here are five of the players who could benefit most from wowing NFL decision-makers in Indianapolis:
Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
Mayfield may have some on-field questions to answer at the combine, but the cocksure former Oklahoma quarterback can lift his stock the most by easing concerns about his character - especially after unflattering comparisons have made the rounds.
While he isn't Johnny Manziel, the 2017 Heisman Trophy winner consistently acted in ways that were unbecoming to a franchise quarterback this past season, including planting an OU flag at midfield after a win at Ohio State and making a lewd gesture toward the Kansas sideline after opposing players refused to shake his hand. And that followed an offseason arrest for public intoxication and disorderly conduct.
If teams are going to pick Mayfield high in the first round, they need to believe they can trust him - and that starts with the all-important combine interviews.
Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State
Maybe the best-named player in this year's draft, Vander Esch is a lock to be one of the athletic freaks who always steals the show at the combine.
The former Boise State standout is generally viewed as one of the best second-tier linebackers in the class - behind blue-chip prospects Roquan Smith and Tremaine Edmunds - and should comfortably expect his name to be called before the end of the second round.
However, the 6-foot-4 tackling machine has the potential to blow away the combine tests and turn enough heads to push his name into the first-round conversation.
Donte Jackson, CB, LSU
In terms of dominating the 40-yard dash, LSU's Jackson is the man to watch this year.
The former track star has more than enough in the tank to challenge Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver John Ross' combine record of 4.22 seconds, set last year. And, as we all know, speed is usually impossible for NFL teams to ignore.
Ross' combine resulted in him flying up the draft board and being taken eighth overall. The wideout disappointed with an anonymous rookie season, but his issues won't stop the undersized Jackson from potentially cracking the top 32 picks if he becomes the new king of the 40.
Shaquem Griffin, CB, UCF
UCF standout Shaquem Griffin was born with a condition that required his left hand to be amputated at just 4 years old, but he overcame that to be named a second-team All-American linebacker in 2017.
For unclear reasons, Griffin wasn't initially invited to the combine, but the NFL came to its senses in early February.
Shaquem, whose brother Shaquill was drafted in the third round last year (90th overall) and plays for the Seattle Seahawks, will be looking to highlight his outstanding athleticism and prove that his physical disadvantage is no disadvantage at all. A dominant performance in front of scouts could boost his stock from a mid-rounder to earlier than his brother's slot.
Arden Key, DE, LSU
One of the more polarizing prospects on and off the field, Key can use the combine to at least somewhat answer the questions surrounding him.
The LSU pass-rusher had a great 2016 season and entered 2017 with a ton of hype. Unfortunately, injuries plagued him and he recorded just four sacks. Additionally, Key ballooned from 238 pounds to 270 while sidelined and had to take a leave of absence for "personal reasons" last February.
All of that has created a lot of uncertainty around Key heading into the draft. But, the combine will give the defensive end a chance to alleviate fears about his health and work ethic, while also reinforcing his athleticism in what's a weak pass-rusher class.
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)
