words // Brandon Richard

For hundreds of college standouts, the last week has marked the start of a journey to the NFL. Held at Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium, the 2013 NFL Combine put hopefuls through a series of drills, tests and interviews to gauge their value for April’s draft.

Another intriguing angle to the Combine — it’s probably the last time you’ll see any of these kids without some sort of brand affiliation. Under Armour was the event’s official outfitter, but participants were permitted to wear any footwear brand of their choosing. As a result, we saw several aspiring pros switching between Under Armour, Nike and adidas cleats throughout various events. However, the first brand ‘domino’ may have fallen when Texas wide receiver Marquise Goodwin clocked a 4.27 40-yard dash. If you recall, adidas promised to deliver a contract offer to the athlete who recorded the fastest 40. Nothing officially signed at the moment, but we can assume the offer will be made soon.

With that said, it’s time to check out the footwear from this year’s Combine. What makes this NFL Watch particularly exciting is that you’re getting an early look at next season’s footwear from each brand.

Under Armour issued a new lineup of cleats that includes the Renegade, a new colorway of the Highlight, Nitro Icon Mid, Cam Highlight Low and colorful versions of the Blur CBN40. From adidas, we caught a glimpse of the Crazy Quick and adizero 5-Star Prime. Lastly, Nike debuted the new Vapor Laser Talon, which incorporates a 3D printed plate into its design.

What football cleats did the big names and top performers wear at the 2013 NFL Combine? Find out in this special edition of NFL Watch.

images courtesy of Yahoo

Marquise Goodwin – Nike Vapor Laser Talon

Tyrann Mathieu – Under Armour Blur CBN40

Cordarrelle Patterson – adidas adizero 5-Star Mid

DC Jefferson – Under Armour Blur CBN40

Tayvon Austin – Nike Vapor Laser Talon

Manti Te’o – Under Armour Highlight

Denard Robinson – adidas Crazy Quick

Geno Smith – Nike Revis Trainer

Jay Jay Johnson – Under Armour Cam Highlight Low

Dee Milliner – Nike Alpha Pro

Chance Warmack – Under Armour Renegade

Datone Jones – adidas Crazy Quick

Landry Jones – Under Armour Nitro Icon Mid

Alec Ogletree – adidas adizero 5-Star Prime

Ezekiel Ansah – Nike Alpha Pro

A closer look at the new Nike Vapor Laser Talon.