Top 10 Players Whose NFL Combine Means Absolutely Nothing

Nov 16, 2013; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs linebacker Benardrick McKinney (50) tries to pump up the crowd noise against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first quarter at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

5. Benardrick McKinney, Inside Linebacker, Ole Miss Rebels

Here is a guy who lines up inside at linebacker and can line up on the end, but Benardrick McKinney’s true greatness is not measured by sacks, which he had 3 of last year, tackles, which he had 66 of last year, or any other stat. McKinney’s talent is measured by always winning the one-on-one match-ups in front of him, whether it is against an offensive lineman or a wide receiver.

You can’t measure that in a combine no matter how hard you try. This guy’s combine actually, though, is going to overhype him.

McKinney is still very clumsy and not able to always be in on every play, and he is not great at recovering. As a result his awareness on the field is a big question, and that is not something a combine is going to answer. A combine is going to give him high marks for straight-line speed and strength. Last time I checked, playing linebacker has so much more to it.

And McKinney does not pass the other tests.

As a result, the NFL Combine will do enough for McKinney to improve his draft stock far above what it should be. And it will be enough to make him a slight disappointment when he reaches the league. But it will not determine his success at the next level.

Next: No. 4 Ranked Player Who Does Not Need the NFL Combine