But when the NFL scouting combine begins workouts Saturday, scouts and executives will look at much more than just players’ times in the 40-yard dash. Even if those are the numbers everyone touts.

And it’s not always what players do in the drills that matters. Redskins director of player personnel Scott Campbell said it’s the little things they eye while players are in their respective position groups.

“It’s always interesting to see who becomes the leader,’’ he said. “Who is high-fiving the guys when they’re done. Who is shouting encouragement. You [look for] natural leaders.”

The Redskins likely will be drawn to certain positions, especially when looking at first-round talent. They need a defensive end or offensive tackle, with the former a more likely option if they keep the 13th pick. (They’ll also meet with the agent for potential free agent corner DeAngelo Hall about signing a new contract).

The combine also is good for conducting physicals on all the players and interviews.

“To this point, you’ve really just done game and tape evaluation,’’ Campbell said. “But one of the major parts is interaction with the players. This is a huge part for me. You’re drawn to guys because of their confidence and the way they conduct themselves. That’s the human nature part of scouting.

“Sometimes you meet players and you say that guy is not as confident as I thought he would be. You have an impression in mind from studying them.”

Then there’s the drills, which have remained consistent over the years. Teams like this because it provides easy comparisons with the past and can better help determine future success. So goes the theory.

The 40-yard dash is the most popular drill.

“Some guys play faster than the time,’’ Campbell said. “That’s where your experience as an evaluator comes into play. You can’t just go off the 40 time. Then why am I out there in the fall watching guys and studying guys for hours if you just go by what they run in the 40? But it helps solidify and verify. If a guy is highly rated, and you think he’s fast, you always like knowing it’s verified as opposed to he plays fast and times slow. That puts a little seed of doubt in your mind.

“But the main piece of it all is how they play with the pads on.”

Five to keep an eye on

Texas DE Brian Orakpo

There’s some dispute about what system would suit him best. But Mel Kiper insists he is a 4-3 end. Orakpo is a talented pass rusher who likely will test well at the combine given his athleticism. That could turn him into a top-10 pick.

Florida State DE Everette Brown

Once again there’s dispute over where he should play. Kiper says he’s strong enough to play end in a 4-3. The combine, to an extent, will help determine if that’s the case. But a good showing and Brown would be gone before Washington picks 13th.

LSU DE Tyson Jackson

He’s not a pass-rusher, but he would provide an anchor at left end, something defensive coordinator Greg Blache likes. Think Phillip Daniels. Jackson is a natural athlete who should test well in Indianapolis. But he is not considered an elite pass-rusher by any means, which could keep him in the middle of the first round.

Northern Illinois OLB/DE Larry English

His stock rose after a strong Senior Bowl. Entering the combine, most project him as a late first-round pick. However, the two-time MAC MVP could move higher once executives check him out up close. He played outside linebacker in college but projects to end in the NFL.

Ole Miss OT Michael Oher

Scouts and analysts are mixed on the talented, but inconsistent, Oher. He’ll need to interview well, show intensity during the workouts and test well on the Wonderlic. He’s the fourth-rated tackle and, as of now, does not deserve to go above 20th. Considering his talent, that’s not good.

Combine tales

» When corner Fred Smoot attended the combine in 2001 he didn’t exactly impress anyone with his strength. Every player must lift 225 pounds as many times as they can. Smoot did just that. And stopped at one.

» It’s possible to find talent that does not attend the combine. Current Redskin safety Kareem Moore and defensive end Rob Jackson were not at the combine last year. But both were still drafted, and Moore ended the season as the No. 3 safety.

» In 2002, then-Tulane quarterback Patrick Ramsey wowed executives at the combine with his preparedness, diagramming plays on the chalkboard and conducting impressive interviews. That, plus his big arm, masked his inconsistency. Anyone heard from him lately?

» Perhaps no player sums up the negatives of the combine better than former Philadelphia LB/DE Mike Mamula. Entering the combine he likely was a late first-round pick — at best. But after his impressive workouts the Eagles traded up five spots to the seventh pick to draft him. He played in the NFL for five years and recorded 31 1/2 sacks.