Washington cornerback Marcus Peters will have plenty to answer for at the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine after the junior, who has announced his intention to enter the 2015 draft, was kicked off the Huskies team for allegedly choking a coach during an argument at practice. But might he also have to answer for the company he keeps?
Perhaps so.
Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch is among Peters' mentors. Both are from the Oakland area. Below is video of Lynch going up against Peters while he was still in high school.
According to an NFL scout who spoke to the Seattle Times, that relationship could do Peters' reputation more harm than good.
"A huge red flag. He's a talented kid, no doubt. And it only takes one team (to fall in love with a player). From all the stuff that he's been involved in and the chances he's gotten and the immaturity he's shown, it's going to be tough for him," the scout said. " ... They're all professionals up here and they won't put up with that (expletive). Hanging out with Marshawn (Lynch), that was probably the worst thing for him."
NFL Media analyst Bucky Brooks addressed Peters' relationship with Lynch in a different way in November, drawing scouting opinions that Lynch's involvement with Peters has been positive. A former NFL scout indicated that three NFL clubs had already removed Peters from draft consideration in the wake of his dismissal by UW coach Chris Petersen.
Yet, there is no denying Peters' talent.
"Best cover corner prospect I've seen in the last 14 years," an NFC East scout told College Football 24/7 last month.
Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter *@ChaseGoodbread*.