Huh? Yeah, it's certainly a unique event.

In truth, it's six days that can make or break an NFL player's career. Whether you're Mike Mamula or Vernon Davis, a good combine performance can catapult you to the top of the NFL Draft and earn you big bucks come April. With the six-day bonanza kicking off on Wednesday, here are 10 lingering questions we'll look to see answered.

1. What's up with Graham Harrell? Why isn't he getting any love?

Remember Graham Harrell? The Texas Tech gunslinger was the Heisman front-runner 10 weeks into the college season. Well, after putting up 5,111 yards and tossing 45 touchdown passes in 2008, the spread offense technician is listed below names like Chase Holbrook, Rhett Bomar and Brian Hoyer on quarterback ranking lists. What gives?

Harrell's got a lot to prove this week. If the Mitchell Report put some asterisks on baseball's home run hitters, Mike Leach's spread offense has done the same for Texas Tech quarterbacks over the years. From Kliff Kingsbury to B.J. Symons to Harrell — it seems as though Leach's signal callers have never gotten much respect from the NFL scouts. Harrell was supposed to be different — a star in high school that could have succeeded in any system — but skepticism still surrounds him. With a stellar performance this week, he can start silencing his critics and prove that in some cases — a quarterback can make a system work, not the other way around.

2. Who is this year's Chris Johnson?

Though he had a highly decorated career at East Carolina and a monster performance in the Hawaii Bowl, few NFL fans really got to know Chris Johnson before last year's NFL combine. Last February was Johnson's unofficial coming out party. The running back left jaws dragging on the RCA Dome carpet when he ripped off a 4.24 40-yard dash. Who can make a name with his speed at this year's event?

Look for Percy Harvin to make some serious noise. As a freshman in high school, Harvin was clocked with a 4.32 40. He went on to set five Virginia high school track records. At Florida, he was a multipurpose threat who was considered unstoppable in the open field. After six weeks of training, don't be shocked if the speedy Harvin breaks the 4.3 mark in his 40. Other speed burners? Darrius Heyward-Bey of Maryland and Jeremy Maclin of Missouri.

3. Will the Wonderlic test rear its ugly head?

It was in 2006 when Vince Young's Wonderlic test score became the biggest story in sports. Though never confirmed, it was rumored that Young scored a 6 out of 40 on the IQ exam. Young's draft stock wasn't affected — he was taken third overall — but critics of his potential as an NFL quarterback came out of the woodwork in droves. The Wonderlic, used by many companies to test mental capacity and decision making skills, can serve as a roadblock to some players — most notably quarterbacks.

4. Who is this year's Mike Mamula?

Boston College defensive end Mike Mamula's 1995 combine workout is the stuff NFL dreams are made of. A solid but not standout college player, Mamula took the combine by storm with a 4.6 40 time and a freak performance on the bench press. He went from a likely mid-second-round selection to a first-round pick. On draft day, the Eagles traded with the Buccaneers for the seventh overall pick and snagged Mamula. Though his NFL career wasn't a complete disaster (he had 31.5 career sacks), he never had a day as a player quite like the one he had in February '95. Some other notable "workout warriors" of combines past? Vernon Gholston (2008), Vernon Davis (2006) and Troy Williamson (2005).

5. Which of the stud left tackles will rise above the rest?

If 2004 and 1983 were memorable quarterback draft years, 1996 a great wide receiver one, and 2008 an especially notable one for running backs — 2009 will be a draft class best known for its left tackles. An estimated seven will be taken in the first 32 picks this April. It's anybody's guess who will be drafted first. The combine should help the sorting process.

Of Jason Smith (Baylor), Michael Oher (Ole Miss), Eugene Monroe (Virginia), Andre Smith (Alabama), Eben Britton (Arizona), William Beatty (UConn) and Troy Kropog (Tulane) — which future anchor of an offensive line will prove to be the most promising prospect?

6. Who will be this year's small school breakout star?

Last year, Leodis McKelvin (Troy) and Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie (Tennessee State) were small school stars who made names for themselves with standout combine performances. Names to watch at this year's combine? Cal-Poly wide receiver Ramses Barden, Liberty running back Rashad Jennings, Abilene Christian wide receiver Johnny Knox, Stillman defensive tackle Sammie Lee Hill, Jackson State cornerback Domonique Johnson and Hartwick quarterback Jason Boltus.

7. What will the Lions be looking for?

Not since the Houston Texans opted to take Mario Williams over Reggie Bush in 2005 has a first overall pick been so divisive among experts. When I had the Lions going with Matthew Stafford over an offensive lineman or Mark Sanchez in my first mock draft — I got over 100 emails from Lions fans telling me just how wrong I was. Martin Mayhew and Jim Schwartz have a tough task ahead. The Lions don't only need a quarterback, but they need an offensive line — yes, an entire offensive line — and 11 spots on defense. I still think they go with the golden-armed Stafford, who should have an incredible pro day if he opts not to work out at the combine. But guys like Jason Smith, Andre Smith and Eugene Monroe could be No. 1 if Mayhew and Co. decide to go the offensive line route.

8. There's always trades, rumors and gossip from the combine in Indy — what will be some of the moving and shaking going on this weekend?

Every year, great trade, free agent and draft rumors make Indianapolis seem like the NFL's version of TMZ. Keep your ears and eyes open for all things Drew Rosenhaus-related this week. That means Anquan Boldin, Plaxico Burress and Chad Johnson. Don't be shocked if there's some Terrell Owens news, too.

9. Is there a Vernon Davis-like tight end prospect out there this year?

Brandon Pettigrew's your guy. The Oklahoma State tight end was primarily used as a blocking tight end in his first few years in school, had a nice junior season, and then was sidelined with nagging injuries throughout his senior year. But Pettigrew — an explosive athlete with great hands — could make quite an impression at the combine. Tight ends are working out Saturday — keep an eye out for Pettigrew.

10. What to make of Pat White?

The West Virginia all-time great signal caller is one of the more curious characters in Indianapolis this week. Down in Mobile, Ala., during the Super Bowl bye week, White took home MVP honors of the Senior Bowl. But scouts and draft experts walked away from Alabama disappointed with the fact White didn't work out at any positions other than quarterback throughout the week. He wants to be a quarterback. He plans on being an NFL quarterback. No ifs, ands or buts. But what if he were to work out with the wideouts this week? Or burns a 4.4 40 time? Could he bend a little, open himself up to options other than QB and perhaps sneak into the first or second round? White's my real wild card of the week.