The NFL Scouting Combine is over in Indianapolis and now that the Kansas City Chiefs have traded for quarterback Alex Smith, the top part of the draft is starting to shake into place, with the number one pick likely to be offensive lineman Luke Joeckel from Texas A&M.
The main thing that was done at the combine was that players were able to be examined by medical staffs and measured with their speed and other physical attributes. Some players were able to improve their draft stock, while others fell down further, including Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o, who ran a 4.8 40-yard dash that disappointed some scouts.
The number one pick likely will be an offensive lineman after the Chiefs made a trade for Alex Smith and it could be Joeckel or offensive tackle Eric Fisher. Guard Chance Warmack and defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd could also move into the top five, as will cornerback Dee Milliner, who flashed some great speed at cornerback.
The combine can also hurt some players and the medical exams did just that for Utah defensive tackle Star Lotulelei, who was sent home after doctors found he had a heart condition. He will likely be off teams draft boards until he is medically cleared to play.
The quarterback position is not as great at the top as it was last season with Robert Griffin and Andrew Luck, but it is very deep, as Geno Smith, Mike Glennon, EJ Manuel and Matt Scott all looked solid in Indianapolis. Smith will likely not be the top pick in the draft after the Chiefs took Alex Smith, but he still could go in the top 10 depending on how teams view him.
Matt Barkley did not throw at the combine, but he will still likely be a top draft pick come April. Running back Montee Ball from Wisconsin could be a surprise pick after performing well in his workouts, showing off skills at making cuts and catching the ball as a receiver, something he also did well in college.
Tyler Bray helped his stock with his workouts, while Ryan Nassib of Syracuse could also be a surprise high pick after he looked good throwing the ball at the combine. Landry Jones of Okalahoma and Manuel from Florida State makes the position very deep and teams could find a steal at quarterback in the later rounds.
The running backs position is top heavy with Eddie Lacy, but teams could find some value with Jonathan Franklin from UCLA and Stepfan Taylor from Stanford.
