Players with most to gain, lose at scouting combine

	Rutgers fullback Brian Leonard could move into the first round if he runs well at the combine. Damian Strohmeyer/SI
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By Tony Pauline, Special to SI.com

The NFL descends upon Indianapolis this week for the annual Scouting Combine. More than 325 top prospects in April's draft will be poked, X-rayed and mentally tested in front of the league's decision-makers. As is the case every February, the events this week in the RCA Dome are a make-or-break event for many. Here are the players whose fortunes are hanging in the balance starting Thursday.

Players with most to gain

1) Brian Leonard/FB/Rutgers: A multi-dimensional lead blocker, Leonard has already solidified himself as a top-60 choice. There is a belief in the scouting community that Leonard could slide into Round One if he runs faster than 4.5 seconds in the 40.

2) Anthony Spencer/DE-OLB/Purdue: Spencer is a player fighting preconceived notions. A little small for the defensive end position he played in college, he can ease the minds of those who question his ability to play linebacker at the next level if he has a terrific combine workout and fast times in the 40.

3) Paul Posluszny/LB/Penn State: Posluszny has been on a tear since the end of the season and his draft grade is rising. Forty times in the 4.6-second range, coupled with good interviews, could push him into the middle of the first round.

4) Adam Carriker/DL/Nebraska: Carriker has turned in some terrific performances in training recently. If he runs faster than 4.9 seconds and performs well on the bench press, he will move into the first dozen choices.

5) Trent Edwards/QB/Stanford: The oft-injured passer is almost back to full health. He's worked with former NFL coordinator Ted Tollner the past month and has thrown the ball exceedingly well. He will need to do so at the combine to salvage his draft stock.