2007 NFL Combine: Biggest Winners

The NFL Combine has become the unofficial opening day for the NFL draft. Here is a quick rundown of the winners -- guys who improved their draft stock with a solid Combine performance -- and the losers -- players who will need a great Pro-Day workout to get back in the good graces of NFL general managers, coaches and scouts after a lackluster showing in Indianapolis.

Joe Thomas, LT. Wisconsin's Joe Thomas was considered the best offensive linemen heading into the Combine and he only reinforced as much after a great showing. I know linemen never have the occasion to run 40 yards in a game, but Thomas' sub-5 forty time is pretty impressive.

Greg Olsen, TE. The tight end class isn't a deep one this year, but the University of Miami's Greg Olsen removed all doubt about who will be the first tight end taken in April. He ran a 4.47-forty, and aced the gauntlet drill.

Yamon Figurs, WR. I admit to not watching a lot of Kansas State football ... okay, I didn't watch a single play, but Yamon Figurs went from a marginal wide receiver prospect to a potential first-day pick after a 4.30-forty.

Michael Allan, TE. Nobody outside of the Whitworth College football team knew who Michael Allan was heading into the Combine, but after a solid performance, the Division III standout now has a great shot at getting drafted. Allan, all 6'6", 255 pounds of him, busted out a 4.71-forty and a 36-inch vertical leap -- both second best in his group.

Calvin Johnson, WR. It's hard to imagine Johnson's draft stock could have improved, but after running a 4.35-forty at the Combine that is exactly what happened. The Georgia Tech wide receiver is 6'5", 235 pounds, possesses great hands, and is a solid individual. With the Lions holding the No. 2 overall pick, I have to imagine GM Matt Millen will give serious consideration to taking Johnson ... even if he says otherwise.

Also on the FanHouse: NFL Combine losers