10 players to watch at the NFL combine

The NFL Scouting Combine begins Tuesday and on-field drills start March 1. It's arguably the most important week leading up to the draft, as a number of prospects can see their stock rise or plummet in an instant.

With that in mind, here are 10 players to watch in Indianapolis as they attempt to wow NFL decision-makers.

Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma

All eyes will be on the Sooners quarterback at Lucas Oil Stadium as the most interesting prospect in this year's class. Murray has yet to disclose whether or not he'll throw at the combine, but perhaps no player is relying more on a successful weigh-in.

Murray was listed at 5-foot-10, 195 lbs at Oklahoma. Already guaranteed to be the smallest NFL passer upon his arrival, an official measurement under this could potentially hurt his draft stock. Football is a game of inches, after all.

Rashan Gary, Edge, MichiganIcon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty

If you're looking for this year's freak athlete, then Gary is your man. At 6-foot-5, 280 lbs, the defensive lineman is expected to run with linebacker or tight end speed during the 40-yard dash. Look for him to shine in position drills as well.

Gary's 2018 game tape leaves something to be desired - though he was double-teamed often - so an explosive combine could cement his top-10 status.

Mecole Hardman, WR, Georgia

Hardman is a late-round prospect worth keeping an eye on this week. The Georgia product has blazing speed, and is expected to be one of the fastest runners at Lucas Oil Stadium. If Hardman can run a sub-4.3 second 40-yard dash, his draft stock could skyrocket.

Jonah Williams, OT, AlabamaFrederick Breedon / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Williams is competing with Florida's Jawaan Taylor and Oklahoma's Cody Ford to be the first offensive tackle chosen in 2019. However, there's widespread debate about whether the former Crimson Tide standout should play tackle or guard. If his measurements, particularly his arm length, are significantly worse than teams expect, his chances of beating out Taylor and Ford will drop dramatically.

Ed Oliver, DT, Houston

Oliver is a player to watch in Indianapolis for a number of reasons. Seen as a top-20 player in this year's draft, the defensive lineman plays like an elite athlete, but some scouts believe he's significantly lighter than his listed weight of 292 lbs. Oliver will need to pass the measurable test on day one.

The three-time All American will also be under the microscope during team interviews after a late-season dispute with former Houston head coach Major Applewhite. On the field, Oliver will be a ton of fun to watch, as he possesses incredible movement skills for a defensive tackle.

Clelin Ferrell, Edge, ClemsonGrant Halverson / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Ferrell enjoyed a productive career at Clemson, and is as polished of a pass-rusher as you'll find in a prospect, but there's one thing holding him back from securing a top-10 selection: a successful combine.

The edge defender has excellent size, length, and power, but there are questions regarding his speed, bend, and overall athleticism. A number of teams will be watching Ferrell closely in position drills and athletic testing. He has a lot to prove.

Jachai Polite, Edge, Florida

Polite dominated opposing offensive tackles during his final season at Florida, and he'll look to continue his momentum in Indianapolis. He'll first hope to measure on the right side of 6-foot-2 to not raise concerns regarding his fit in certain schemes.

The pass-rusher showed incredible get-off and bend with the Gators, so he'll be tons of fun to watch during the three-cone and position drills. Acing the combine could lead to Polite being selected in the top 15.

Devin Singletary, RB, Florida Atlantic Joel Auerbach / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The 2019 draft lacks a truly elite running back, but is loaded with potential second-day targets. Singletary will attempt to separate himself from his peers with a strong week. While incredibly elusive at Florida Atlantic, the star rusher appears to lack breakaway speed. A fast 40 time and strong reps catching the football will result in Singletary's stock rising.

D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss

By now, you've probably seen his viral gym photo, but it's just one of the many reasons to watch Metcalf at the combine. At 6-foot-4, 237 lbs, the athletic freak is expect to blaze the 40-yard dash in under 4.5 seconds, which would be quite a feat. You won't want to leave your seat when the former Ole Miss wideout is testing.

Metcalf will also hope to ace his medical evaluations and shine in position drills in order to show teams he's fully recovered, after his 2018 season was cut short due to a neck injury.

Deandre Baker, CB, GeorgiaIcon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty

Baker's tape is simply outstanding, as he consistently flashes the ability to develop into a lock-down defender in the NFL. Despite the 2018 Jim Thorpe Award winner's sticky coverage skills, some scouts question his speed and athleticism. If he can silence his critics this week, Baker will be in contention to be the first cornerback off the board in April's draft.

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