2018 NFL Draft: Prospects who should rise after Scouting Combine

TEMPE, AZ - OCTOBER 14: Running back Kalen Ballage #7 of the Arizona State Sun Devils celebrates on the field after defeating the Washington Huskies in the college football game at Sun Devil Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Tempe, Arizona. The Sun Devils defeated the Huskies 13-7. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
TEMPE, AZ - OCTOBER 14: Running back Kalen Ballage #7 of the Arizona State Sun Devils celebrates on the field after defeating the Washington Huskies in the college football game at Sun Devil Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Tempe, Arizona. The Sun Devils defeated the Huskies 13-7. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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TEMPE, AZ – AUGUST 31: Running back Kalen Ballage #7 of the Arizona State Sun Devils warms up before the college football game against the New Mexico State Aggies at Sun Devil Stadium on August 31, 2017 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
TEMPE, AZ – AUGUST 31: Running back Kalen Ballage #7 of the Arizona State Sun Devils warms up before the college football game against the New Mexico State Aggies at Sun Devil Stadium on August 31, 2017 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

The 2018 NFL Draft Scouting Combine will begin on Tuesday, Feb. 27. Which prospects should rise up draft boards after the event?


The 2018 NFL Draft will be greatly influenced by what transpires at the Scouting Combine. That doesn’t exactly make it an exception to past events, but it’s a critical truth to remember as we enter the week of measurements and madness.

Whether or not you’re a fan of what transpires at the Scouting Combine, it’s undeniable that certain prospects could benefit from the event.

While some drills and activities at the Scouting Combine are generally inconsequential, others justify the importance we bestow upon them. In addition to measuring athletic ability, said activities determine if a player meets what are determined to be unwritten standards.

Thankfully for a certain group of prospects entering the 2018 NFL Draft, this event will provide them with a platform to send a message to their skeptics.

Say what you will about the value of the Combine, but it’s hard to watch a player excel and not at least be intrigued. Even if the Combine doesn’t directly prove a player’s long-term potential, it opens a door and creates a platform for improved exposure.

The question is: Which prospects should we be keeping an eye on at the Scouting Combine? More importantly: Who’s going to rise up 2018 NFL Draft boards?