2017 NFL Combine: 10 Players to watch from Big Ten
By Ryan McNeill
According to The Sporting News, there are 15 quarterbacks, more than 30 running backs, 50 plus receivers, at least 20 tight ends and over 100 linemen participating in the 2017 NFL Draft Combine.
That’s not even taking into consideration the more than 200 players on the defensive side of the ball and the “specialists” attending the combine.
Trying to wrap your head around that many football players is enough to make the brain spin of any football fan.
What’s the best way to know which players to track? Here’s a list of 10 players from the Big Ten you should keep an eye on and track at the 2017 NFL Draft Combine.
It’s a collection of players who could be drafted in the first round, players coming off of injuries and freak athletes who could see their draft stock soar after a strong showing at the combine.
10. Dawuane Smoot, DE, Illinois
There’s a bunch of great information on Dawuane Smoot in his NFL.com Draft Combine Profile.
Besides learning that he participated in the USA Track and Field Junior Olympics – a great example of his freak athleticism – there’s also this great quote from an NFC regional scout.
"“He had a better year (in 2015). I think you have to take last year’s tape into account when you study him. He was lighter this year, which took some of his power away, I thought. He was coached by Lovie (Smith) and that will give him a head-start.”"
So, to summarize, Smoot is a freak athlete who has been coached by former NFL coach and defensive guru Lovie Smith? Those are two things that will make scouts drool over Smoot.
Even though Smith isn’t loved as a college coach, he has a wealth of experience after playing in the NFL and coaching in the league for nearly two decades. You can be assured that Smith has prepped Smoot over the past season on how to be a great pro in the NFL.
There’s a whole lot to like about Smooth, but it’s up to him to prove he can be a standout NFL player as he didn’t always do that in college. Standing out at the NFL Combine is the first step for Smoot to start showing he’s worthy of being a high draft pick.