NFL Combine preview

The annual NFL Scouting Combine, held at Lucas Oil Stadium, coverage starts on Saturday, February 23 and lasts until Tuesday February 26 and is aired on the NFL Network. For me the off season is better than the regular season and no, I'm not crazy. Free agency and the draft process are very exciting and enjoyable. Researching players, seeing their strengths and weaknesses, what team may select which player, reading the draft "experts" analysis, and the list goes on. The combine tests the players' physical and mental attributes. Every year there are players to watch for who have been doubted and criticized, told they can't make it in the pros. Or players who had issues off the field that have hurt their draft status. And 2013 is no different.

Here are my Top 5 players to watch for:
Manti Te'o- linebacker, Notre Dame- After all the buzz and criticism surrounding Te'o and the "catfish" hoax, people are quick to say he isn't a first round talent. I strongly disagree but, still, Te'o will need a strong all around combine performance to persuade scouts.
Tyrann Mathieu- cornerback, LSU- The man nicknamed the "Honey Badger," for his ferocious and fearless play, had issues with drugs that got him kicked off the Tigers football team and checked into rehabilitation. His character along with his small frame (5'9" 178lbs) has scouts doubting his abilities. I believe he's a third or fourth round talent but he needs to prove that to the scouts and GMs in Indy.
Denard Robinson- wide receiver, Michigan- Robinson was a record setting quarterback for the Wolverines until last season when he was converted to runningback and wide receiver. He's got the speed to be a receiver, that's for sure. But it's about more than speed. Scouts question his hands and ability to play the position. I think he's a sixth or seventh round pick. He can't afford to drop many balls at the combine.
Marcus Lattimore- runningback, South Carolina- Lattimore is a force at running back when healthy. After suffering a gruesome knee injury last season Lattimore recently said that NFL team doctors will be "shocked" by his progress, so obviously team personnel are going to have their eyes on that knee during drills. And with Eddie Lacy out, a strong showing at the combine would do wonders for Lattimore's draft stock.
Ezekiel Ansah- defensive end, BYU- While Ansah hasn't been criticized or had any troubles, he's a freakish athlete who's going to be drafted in the first round despite having so little football experience. He's very raw and when the scouts see how fast he runs and how high he jumps, plus the game tape, he's a sure-fire first rounder. I can't wait to see this guy's workouts.