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As promised, here is a list of guys I'll be watching out for at the NFL Scouting Combine, which officially gets underway today in Indianapolis.
The on-field action begins on Saturday when offensive linemen, specialists and tight ends will kick things off.
I'll admit, I haven't had a chance to delve too deep into the Draft pool thus far, but the players below are a few of the ones who I'm excited to check out over the next week.
They are:
C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
No, the Ravens don't have a need for a running back. Yes, the chances of Spiller even being around when the Ravens are on the clock with the 25th pick are slim to none. But I absolutely loved watching this guy run in college, and I look forward to seeing what types of numbers he can put up in Indy.
Myron Rolle, S, Florida State
The Rhodes Scholar took a year off from football in 2009 to study at Oxford University, and it will be interesting to see where he ends up in the Draft. He's obviously incredibly bright and is considered a mid-round pick going into the Combine, but if he can show that his absence from the game hasn't caused him to lose a step or some strength, he could be an intriguing option for a bunch of teams. With Ed Reed's future uncertain, the Ravens could be on that list.
Terrence Cody, DT, Alabama
I'm interested in Cody for one reason: to see how obscenely high a number the scale will read at his weigh-in. Cody checked in at 370 pounds at the Senior Bowl and looked to be in terrible shape. Here's proof, if you're interested in checking it out for yourself. Can he reach four bills at the Combine?
Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida
For Dunlap, the on-field portion of the Combine won't be nearly as important as the face-to-face time that he'll have with various team executives. Dunlap was arrested for DUI back in December, a mistake that probably bumped him down to a mid to late-first round pick. He's still a very talented pass-rusher, and since the Ravens have proven they're willing to give second chances, Dunlap could be in play.
Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois
I haven't seen much of Benn up to this point (I mean, he played at Illinois), so I'm excited to watch what the 6-foot-1, 220 pound wideout can do. He didn't put up huge numbers in college, but is apparently a physical presence who can stretch the field.
Mike Williams, WR, Syracuse & Eric Decker, WR, Minnesota
With two big-bodied wideouts in Georgia Tech's Demaryius Thomas and Missouri's Danario Alexander both out of the Combine with injuries, Williams (6-foot-2, 206) and Decker (6-foot-3, 207) will have an extra chance to impress scouts. Both guys have the size that the Ravens are looking for, and both are second-tier receivers that could be available in the second or third rounds. Comparing the two, Williams has better speed, but Decker might be a more polished route-runner.
Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State
Wilson is quickly rising up Draft boards after his strong performance at the Senior Bowl, and could be a first-round option for the Ravens if he is still available at 25. Wilson doesn't have great size (5-foot-10, 190), but has good speed and is considered strong in coverage.
Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
Gresham has the potential to be an absolute stud tight end at the pro level. He's 6-foot-6, 257 pounds, is expected to run a 4.7 40-yard dash, and is a beast in the red zone. But his injury history has left the Oklahoma Sooner as a question mark in the mind of many scouts. Gresham tore the ACL in his left knee in high school, and after he opted to return for his senior season this year, he suffered cartilage damage to his right knee in summer camps. If healthy, the Ravens would love to have Gresham on board, but ironically, he might only be available at 25 if he doesn't show well at the Combine and his pro day.
