NFL draft combine: Five players to watch

Free Press sports writer Dave Birkett breaks down five players to watch at this week's NFL combine:

CB Marcus Peters, Washington: Peters is considered one of the most talented cornerbacks in a class that is thin up top, and he could challenge Michigan State's Trae Waynes to be the first corner off the board. But he got kicked off the Washington team last year after multiple bouts of immature behavior, including one time when he reportedly choked an assistant coach at practice. Interviews in Indy will be key.

RB Todd Gurley, Georgia: No running back has gone in the first round of the draft since 2012, when Trent Richardson went third overall (how'd that work out?), but this could be the year that streak ends. It is a deep class of talented runners, led by Gurley and Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon. Gurley was the best running back in college football until he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament, and all eyes will be on his medical reports this week.

WR DeVante Parker, Louisville: This should be another good year for receivers, though without an elite talent up top. Parker is one of a handful of pass catchers who could be first off the board at his position. He's big at 6-feet-3 and 209 pounds, but there are questions about his speed. If he turns heads in the 40 this week, watch him climb into top-10 consideration.

WR Dorial Green-Beckham, Oklahoma: Green-Beckham hasn't played football in a year, since he was kicked off the Missouri team after a series of arrests. If talent was the only factor, Green-Beckham would be a top-10 pick. He is 6-feet-4, well built and oozing with tools. Like Peters, though, he has a lot of explaining to do to smooth over character concerns.

QB Jameis Winston, Florida State: Maybe the top prospect in the entire draft, Winston will be grilled about his host of off-field issues at Florida State, including an alleged sexual assault that he was never charged with. His must-see combine news conference should be Thursday, but the real questions will happen behind closed doors with NFL executives this week, especially those with the first two picks.

Contact Dave Birkett: dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.