2010 NFL Combine Gets Underway; Tebow Ready, McCoy Absent

NFL News - February 25th, 2010 - Written by Bryan Cross

Since 1982, the top NFL draft prospects have gathered to showcase their skill set in front of team scouts in hopes of being a top selection. This year, the 2010 NFL scouting combine will again feature many of college football's top players in Indianapolis.

The combine runs from February 24th through March 2nd. Several stories are at the forefront in this year's edition, including the quarterback draft class. Former Florida Gator quarterback Tim Tebow has been the most criticized quarterback enter the 2010 draft, and has made an asserted effort to alter his throwing delivery.

Tebow has been known for his long wind-up and slow delivery. His change in fundamentals will be put on display throughout the combine, and teams will be sure to pay close attention.

"I'm not changing who I am or how I approach football," Tebow said in an interview.

"But there are things that I can get a lot better at my fundamentals. I've never been asked to shorten or quicken my release and not have a loop in it. The changes I'm making have gone very well and it's becoming more and more natural to me."

Tebow's performance in the Senior Bowl last month sparked debate of his potential in the NFL. He played poorly and critics jumped on him. He was asked if his performance had been more productive, would he still make these delivery changes.

"Probably, just because of the quarterback coaches I've been working with," he said. "I want to get better. I want to be around people who will push me. I will do anything to get better. Without hearing the criticism, I would have done it."

"It's made me more confident, more accurate. And that's not to say I haven't had this type of coaching in the past. I just have had different coaching than this NFL style."

What no one can question is the quarterback's work ethic and leadership skills. Despite that, he will have to put on impressive performances for NFL scouts.

Also making story lines at the quarterback position is the absence of former Texas QB Colt McCoy. McCoy has decided not to throw for scouts at the combine due to his rehabbing from injury. He suffered a pinched nerve in his throwing shoulder in the first quarter of the BCS National Championship game against Alabama back on January 7th.

Since then, McCoy has been working hard to get the strength back in his throwing shoulder. Rather than force a comeback too soon, the quarterback has decided to wait until Texas' pro day a few weeks from now.

Quarterbacks will be made available to the media on Friday, along with wide receivers. Saturday and Sunday will mark the beginning of workouts, when Defensive backs, offensive lineman, tight ends, quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs, will demonstrate their abilities.

The St. Louis Rams will get the first pick in the April's draft, by virtue of their 1-15 record in the 2009 NFL Season. Following the Rams will be Detroit, Tampa Bay, Washington, and Kansas City rounding out the top-five in order.

Despite the early pick of the top players, oddsmakers are not favoring theses teams to compete for the upcoming Super Bowl.

Bodog sportsbook has installed St. Louis, Detroit, Tampa Bay and Kansas City with 100/1 odds. Washington headlines this group with odds established at 55/1, according to NFL Betting Lines.