2017 NFL Combine: 10 Players to watch from Big Ten

9. Jake Butt, TE, Michigan

Jake Butt is a player who saw his stock soar under Jim Harbaugh, only to see that stock take a bit of a hit when he injured his ACL during the Orange Bowl. The injury might have cost him the chance to be a high draft pick and the combine won’t be the first chance for scouts to see how Butt has recovered. It will give scouts a glimpse into how Butt’s recovery is coming along, but it’s questionable if Butt will be healthy by the time training camps get rolling.

It has to be put into consideration that Butt injured his ACL less than three months ago, so even though Butt is listed as a participant, he won’t be going through many – if any – of drills at the combine. I’m assuming he’ll just be at the combine to interview with NFL teams and possibly meet with team doctors for NFL teams to see how his knee has progressed after surgery.

His resume speaks for itself, though. Butt is coming off back-to-back second-team Associated Press All-American seasons.

According to the AFC’s director of scouting, despite the injury, Butt is poised to have a long and solid NFL career.

"“He’s going to be a good pro. Everyone wants Kelce, Olsen or Gronk but those are elite players. Butt is dependable and will make first downs. They all get better as blockers once they get up here.” As things stand now, Butt looks to be a late round draft choice. However, if meeting with team doctors go well he could see his stock bounce back up."

Keep an eye on reports coming out of the combine as to how Butt does while meeting with medical teams and during interviews with NFL teams. I know this isn’t nearly as interesting as watching players work out and do drills, but it’s important to where how Butt will be drafted as he’s poised to be a steal for any NFL team that gets him late in the draft.