The 40-yard dash times and the height and weight measurements are an important part of next week's NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, but just as important are the 15-minute interview sessions teams get with the players.Believe it or not, a player can take himself out of the mix with a team in just 15 minutes. That same player can also put a team at ease about his character in that same timeframe.
There are two players in particular those interviews could loom important for next week. Cornerbacks Janoris Jenkins (North Alabama) and Dre Kirkpatrick (Alabama) have to clear up some character concerns that will no doubt follow them to Indianapolis.
Both players could be available when the Lions pick 23rd in the first round and cornerback is a position the Lions could use a talent boost.
Jenkins was kicked out of the University Florida after multiple arrests and violations of team rules. He played at Division II North Alabama last season.
Kirkpatrick was arrested for possession of marijuana last month, though the charges have been dismissed.
On a national teleconference Thursday, ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay said both Jenkins and Kirkpatrick have a lot to prove in the interview room.
"He's got to interview well and explain himself and show teams that some of these problems are behind him and that he's genuinely trying to mature and do the right things and focus on football," McShay said of Jenkins.
Jenkins and Kirkpatrick are jostling for position as the draft's second-best cornerback prospect behind LSU's Morris Claiborne, who is widely considered the best cornerback available and a top 10 pick by most analysts.
"Whatever happened, the bottom line is, teams have concerns now," McShay said of Kirkpatrick. "There was already some worry about his consistency, so the interview process will be important for him."
The Lions will certainly pay attention to the measurables and the drills, but the interview process might be more important when it comes to a couple prospects they'll be evaluating.
