2014 NFL Combine Preview

Feb 25, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Manti Te

The 2014 NFL Combine is upon us! The combine is one of my favorite NFL events of the year. There is just something about it that fascinates me. I’m aware that most people don’t care about it and I understand you may not share my excitement, but allow me to try and explain why I enjoy it so much. I’ll give you the schedule for the position groups and choose one player from each day that you should keep your eye on.

Combine workout schedule:

» Saturday, Feb. 22: Tight ends, offensive linemen, special teams

» Sunday, Feb. 23: Quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers

» Monday, Feb. 24: Defensive linemen, linebackers

» Tuesday, Feb. 25: Defensive backs

September 22, 2012; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks tight end Colt Lyerla (15) runs the ball against the Arizona Wildcats at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

Colt Lyerla left his starting tight end position at Oregon on Oct. 6th, 2013. He was first suspended in the game against Colorado for missing the game against Tennessee. There is a lot of speculation about why and now we have our first chance to hear what his story is going to be.

Colt was also arrested on Oct. 23rd for snorting cocaine in his car in front of some undercover cops. He plead guilty and has been given the chance to pursue his NFL dream.

I’m not trying to say that I think Lyerla is going to do well, but if he does, it makes for an interesting story. Which general managers think that they can fix him? Would the Patriots do it?!

Sep 14, 2013; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats running back KaDeem Carey (25) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

KaDeem Carey led the FBS in rushing yards per game in 2012 with 148.38. Most thought Carey would have a good 2013 season, but no one thought he could improve that stat.

He did.

In 2013, he ran for 157.08 yards per game. Carey is considered to be the top running back prospect in the draft this year but his straight line speed is in question. There will be many eyes on him during the forty-yard dash. Including mine.

Dec 26, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers defensive lineman Aaron Donald (97) during the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl against the Bowling Green Falcons at Ford Field. Pittsburgh Panthers defeated Bowling Green Falcons 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Aaron Donald is a player whose accomplishments have been slightly overshadowed because he plays in the ACC, but he got a chance to show the world what he could do at the Senior Bowl.

Donald arrived to the Senior Bowl as an unknown defensive tackle for the University of Pittsburgh and he left the second highest rated defensive tackle in the draft. A rise similar to what Eric Fisher did last year.

Despite his small size for a defensive tackle (6’1″, 288 pounds), Donald uses his size to his advantage allowing him to get good leverage under an opposing lineman’s pads. He is also known to have a lightning quick first step.

Dec 27, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal safety

at press conference for the 2013 Rose Bowl at the L.A. Hotel Downtown. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

Ed Reynolds has spent four years at Stanford and played a pivotal role in Stanford’s 16th ranked defense last year.

Even though it’s a cliche adjective for a player from Stanford, I’m going to say it anyway: Reynolds is a hard hitter. He’s a smart player who knows that he is the last line of defense between opposing ball carriers and the end zone, and takes good angles on open field tackles.

In 2012, Reynolds had six interceptions and returned three of them for touchdowns.