The 2010 NFL Scouting Combine has concluded, and scouts are closely grading the performances of more than 300 draft hopefuls that participated in the event.
Although scouts readily acknowledge that the premier event of the scouting season is only a small part of the evaluation process, the spectacular performances of a handful of athletes will undoubtedly raise their profiles on various draft boards across the league.
Conversely, the poor athletic displays of a few players will send their stock plummeting on those same boards.
While those players will have an opportunity to salvage their early round positions with stellar performances at their pro days, the disappointing displays at the combine have undoubtedly sent up red flags in the minds of many scouts.
Let's take a look at some prospects who are on the move after their performances in Indianapolis:
Risers
Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland: The freakish athlete dazzled scouts with his spectacular performance in drills. At 6-foot-6, 314 pounds, Campbell clocked an astonishing 4.78 40-yard dash time and recorded eye-popping numbers in the rest of the agility drills. Although scouts have routinely come away disappointed after grading his film, Campbell's stunning performance will entice an evaluator to gamble on his immense athletic potential.
Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma: The versatile Oklahoma standout has long been regarded as a first-round pick, but his outstanding showing at the combine solidified his status as a top-10 selection. Williams displayed outstanding athleticism while officially clocking a 4.88 40-yard dash time, and his nimble footwork in positional drills has some convinced that he could develop into an all-star caliber offensive tackle as a pro.
Dorin Dickerson, TE, Pittsburgh: The pass-catching phenom blew up his workout by recording the best 40-yard dash time (4.40), vertical leap (43 ½) and broad jump (10'5") of all tight ends. Dickerson's superior athleticism was also apparent in drills, as he effortlessly moved in and out of his cuts and caught the ball exceptionally well. With more teams searching for matchup headaches, his stock is sure to soar after his exceptional workout in Indy.
Kirwan: Mock draft 1.0
With the NFL Scouting Combine complete, NFL.com's Pat Kirwan has busted out his first mock draft of 2010. Find out how he thinks the first round could play out. **More ...**
Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame: The Biletnikoff Award winner surprised scouts with his outstanding display of speed and quickness. Tate clocked an impressive 4.42 time in the 40-yard dash, and looked surprisingly polished running routes. Additionally, he caught the ball well and showed the competitive spirit that coaches look for in top talents.
LaMarr Houston, DT, Texas: Houston continued to build on the momentum generated from his solid showing at the Senior Bowl. The mammoth defender impressed scouts with his exceptional display of speed, power and athleticism while going through drills. Although Houston's performance may not be enough to catapult him into the first round, it has made the former Longhorn one of the coveted sleepers in this draft.
Taylor Mays, S, USC: The former Trojan created quite a buzz with his impressive performance in drills. Mays posted the best 40-yard dash time of all defensive backs (4.43) despite measuring in with linebacker-like dimensions (6-3, 230 pounds). Additionally, Mays was surprisingly fluid in his movements during positional drills. Although Mays' disappointing play during his senior season will stick out in the minds of many scouts, his sensational athletic display at the combine will undoubtedly lead many to re-evaluate their grades on the mercurial talent.
Fallers
Dan LeFevour, QB, Central Michigan: The MAC sensation inexplicably decided to bypass on throwing at the combine after creating a buzz with his performance at the Senior Bowl. Given the absence of several notables at the position, LeFevour could have used a strong showing to bolster his position as an early round selection. However, his reluctance to perform in Indy has led to questions about his competitiveness.
Brandon Spikes, LB, Florida: The Gators' defensive captain did little to boost his draft status with his performance at the combine. Spikes opted out of most of the timed drills and failed to display outstanding speed or quickness in the positional workout. While he has been lauded for his stellar skills as an inside linebacker, his questionable athleticism will drop him down several draft boards.
Vladimir Ducasse, OT, Massachusetts: Ducasse will certainly drop down draft boards after his dismal showing in Indy. The small school standout posted disappointing numbers in most of the speed and agility tests. Additionally, he looked heavy-legged and awkward during his positional work. Ducasse is still viewed as a potential early-round prospect, but his spotty performance at the combine will assuredly keep him out of the first round.
Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech: The Yellow Jackets' workhorse was expected to make a push for first-round consideration with a strong performance over the weekend, but Dwyer's slow 40-yard dash time and soft body build has undoubtedly hindered his chances. Additionally, Dwyer repeatedly dropped passes throughout the workout.
