With the National Football League Scouting Combine in Indianapolis under way, all eyes remain fixated on Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel, South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney and Missouri defensive end Michael Sam.

The three prospects are the center of attention for completely different reasons, with Manziel’s height, Clowney’s work ethic and Sam’s sexual orientation posing concerns for NFL teams. Their projected draft positions are also contrasting, as Manziel and Clowney are expected to be top 10 picks and Sam a third-day selection in the later rounds.

For Sam, it has been a steady decline in draft stock since his announcement earlier this month that he is gay. Despite being an All-American and co-SEC Defensive Player of the Year last season, the harsh reality for Sam is that he is undersized for his position (6’ 2”), and  boasts average athleticism.

Another highly decorated prospect dealing with the shortcomings of his body is former Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel. “Johnny Football” officially measured in at 5’ 11 ¾” on Friday, narrowly missing the 6’ 0” mark he previously guaranteed. While Manziel may have a smaller frame than the typical NFL quarterback, the success in recent years of smaller quarterbacks such as Russell Wilson and Drew Brees has gone to show that size does not tell the whole story.

Manziel also ran an impressive 40-yard dash and boasted larger hand measurements than the other top quarterback prospects, Central Florida’s Blake Bortles and Louisville’s Teddy Bridgewater. While his size and off-the-field maturity will pose red flags, Manziel’s creative playmaking ability will keep him at the top of many teams’ draft boards.

Perhaps the most impressive combine performance, though, belonged to Jadeveon Clowney. After a stellar sophomore campaign in 2012, Clowney underperformed in 2013, after being projected as the unanimous No. 1 overall pick. Despite facing relentless media pressure all season, Clowney was criticized for taking plays off and not always utilizing his freakish athletic ability.

It is this athleticism, however, that is keeping him at the top of the draft boards. At 6’ 5” and 266 pounds, Clowney ran a 40-yard dash faster than most wide receivers at the combine. Additionally, Clowney recorded a 10’4” broad jump and 37.5 inch vertical leap.

The 2014 NFL draft will be held at Radio City Music Hall in New York City from May 8-10. 256 players will be selected to join the NFL.