Bulldogs at the Combine

The NFL's version of American Idol is about to begin. The NFL Combine starts on Wednesday in Indianapolis, as most of college football's best players will have their first off-field auditions for pro scouts. They'll lift, run, measure up and interview, and for some reason, it'll be televised on the NFL Network (for those lucky few who have the time).

For the top players, the combine is a place to show up and be seen. Most quarterbacks don't even throw until pro day. For the rest, the combine is an opportunity to stand out among the best at your position in a neutral setting and possibly raise your draft status.

Eight Georgia players were invited to the combine. Here are their biggest issues going into Indianapolis:

(in alphabetical order)

Justin Anderson, OL- Athleticism- Anderson played both guard and tackle solidly, but not spectacularly. Anderson was the most-penalized member of the offensive line the last couple of seasons. He can improve his draft stock with good tangible numbers (40 time, bench press, shuttle run, etc).

Brandon Boykin, CB- Speed- Boykin was one of the team's most reliable performers throughout his Bulldog career, both in coverage and the return game. He projects as a second- or third-round pick now, but fast numbers in the 40-yard dash combined with his game tape could get him taken higher.

Drew Butler, P- Not much- The 2009 Ray Guy Award winner is the top-ranked punter in the class, which means he's probably a late-round pick. He'll go through lifting and drills, but kickers' main auditions are usually during pro days. Butler could wow some scouts with his interview, though. He graduated cum laude with a telecommunications degree from UGA.

Orson Charles, TE- Strength/size - Charles is the most athletic tight end in the draft, but that's not the only thing that matters in the NFL. Tight ends have to hold up their blocks. If Charles can put together some strong bench press numbers and show he's put on some weight to combine with his speed, he may put himself into the first round.

Cordy Glenn, OL- Athleticism/weight- Glenn is roundly viewed as a first-round pick. He's the second-ranked guard in the draft class according to ESPN, and he showed versatility by playing left tackle at UGA as well. At the combine, Glenn has to show in drills that he can move fluidly at 345 pounds. He also can't show up overweight and out of shape. Hard to imagine an athlete doing that, but it happens every year.

Ben Jones, OL- Tangibles- Jones was one of the emotional leaders of the team and gave the O-line consistent play from the center position. If he can separate himself from the other centers in his group, he could raise his stock to perhaps the third round.

DeAngelo Tyson, DL- Durability/athleticism- Tyson has to show he's recovered from the ankle injury that ended his season. He came to Athens as a defensive tackle and left as a 3-4 defensive end. He should signify through his drill performance that he can play both on the next level.

Blair Walsh, PK- Intangibles- Same as Butler, except Walsh had a miserable season by his own standards. He has to be able to look scouts in the eye and say what happened during the season is behind him. Kickers have a good time getting drafted as-is, especially those who miss double-digit field goals in their senior season.

Luckily, these players won't have Randy Jackson or Steven Tyler to deal with. Unfortunately, Bill Belichick will be there.