NFL Scouting Combine 2016: 5 players to watch

3. Vernon Adams, QB, Oregon

Nobody has given Adams much of a chance to be a factor at the next level, but he keeps impressing every time he’s out on the field. After an excellent performance in the Shrine Bowl, Adams’ next chance to boost his draft stock will come in the Scouting Combine.

At 5-11, 205 pounds, many scouts and teams are going to feel that Adams just doesn’t have the size to be a quarterback in the NFL. That may prove to be true, but the Scouting Combine will give Adams a chance to show off some of his other skills.

Anyone who has watched Adams knows about his elusiveness, and he’s made countless improvisational plays that we’ve only seen from the likes of Russell Wilson and Johnny Manziel over the past few years. However, Adams is much more than just a running quarterback, as his arm talent may also be enough to play at the next level.

During the Shrine Game, Adams made a number of strong throws from the pocket and showed improved accuracy from earlier in the season. If that continues into the combine and he impresses scouts with his ability to make NFL-caliber throws, Adams’ draft stock is going to continue to trend upwards.

Perhaps no player has more to gain than Adams at the combine. Adams will probably get a camp invite from somewhere, but a good Scouting Combine performance would ensure that he gets drafted, perhaps even before the final round.

There have been plenty of comparisons to Wilson, who had similar knocks against him coming out of college. While Adams doesn’t have the strong frame or superior accuracy of Wilson, he can prove next month that he is at least worth taking a flier on.

Next: Josh Doctson