INDIANAPOLIS – Here's a look at 10 players that I'll be intrigued to watch this week at the scouting combine.
Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
Gurley is a special talent and should snap the two-year drought of first round running backs, but his draft projection is up in the air after tearing his ACL last November. Although he won't participate in any drills in Indianapolis, the Combine will be crucial for his draft grade because teams will receive an update on his surgically repaired knee.
David Cobb, RB, Minnesota
Although he doesn't have the top-end speed that will separate him in Indianapolis, Cobb shifts his weight extremely well in his cuts and should test well during the short-area agility drills at the NFL Combine. If the Cowboys don't draft a running back in the first two rounds, Cobb's well-rounded power skill-set would make sense in the third frame.
Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M
After a senior season where it appeared he was playing not to get hurt, Ogbuehi unfortunately suffered a torn ACL in Texas A&M's bowl game. His lower body movement skills are first round worthy, but now his draft projection is a question mark. If Ogbuehi is still on the board in the late second round, he might be worth the gamble for Dallas.
Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE, UCLA
A possible first round prospect, Odighizuwa should test off the charts in Indianapolis with impressive athleticism and power for his size. But his medical reports will be even more imperative for his future after a pair of hip surgeries in 2013, one on the left side and one to his right hip. "Diggy" missed all of the 2013 season, but didn't miss a game in 2014.
Preston Smith, DE, Mississippi State
With Demarcus Lawrence penciled in as starting right defensed end, the Cowboys are in the market for help on the left side, which fits what Smith does best. Although he probably won't test off-the-charts, the Mississippi State edge rusher should do well with his 10-yard split numbers, showing his initial quickness off the ball.
Michael Bennett, DT, Ohio State
One of the unsung heroes of the Buckeyes National Title run, Bennett was a consistent inside penetrator down the stretch for Ohio State in 2014 with 11 tackles for loss in the final seven games. He doesn't have ideal size and strength numbers, but his quickness should make him a natural fit in a three technique role for Dallas.
Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
The interview process is crucial for Peters, who was dismissed from the Washington program in early November for multiple verbal and physical run-ins with the coaching staff. He has high first round talent, but hasn't received high marks from the current Huskies coaches or the former staff, bringing up strong concerns regarding his attitude and maturity.
Ronald Darby, CB, Florida State
Simply put, this kid can fly. Darby led his high school to the Maryland 3A state championship in track, winning the 100- and 200-meter dashes, also earning a gold medal in the relay at the 2011 World Youth Championships in France. He has a lot of wrinkles to iron out, but the body fluidity and speed will shine at the NFL Combine.
Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Oregon
Durability was never an issue for Ekpre-Olomu after starting 40-straight games for the Ducks, but he suffered a serious knee injury during practice a week prior to the Rose Bowl. He isn't considered an elite athlete at the position so his knee rehab will be closely inspected in Indianapolis, which could mean the difference between the second and fourth rounds.
Damarious Randall, FS, Arizona State
A player with cornerback size, but a free safety skill-set, Randall needs technique and discipline work, but he always plays full speed to stick his nose in the fire. He should test as one of the fastest safeties in Indianapolis and is third day target who can make an immediate impact on special teams while also helping in nickel situations.
Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) is the Senior Analyst for NFLDraftScout.com, a property of The Sports Xchange distributed in partnership with CBSSports.com.
