Scouting Combine, Day One (OL and TE's)

Today is a day that Dustin Keller rose to the top of the fine TE class. He showed elite speed and explosion, running a 4.53 forty, jumped a 38 inch vertical, and showed off his fine hands. He's not an inline blocker at all, but he's in the conversation with the elite class of athletic pass catching TE's in the league, such as Kellen Winslow. Other TE's I really liked today included Kellen Davis of MSU, Brad Cottam of Tennessee, and Jacob Tamme of Kentucky. As much as Keller impressed, others such as John Carlson of Notre Dame did not. Carlson ran in the 4.9 range, and doesn't look physically gifted as the others. Fred Davis did not run, and looked to impress catching, which he did not do. Jeremichal Finley was impressive, and others did well. Overall, this is an outstanding Tight End class, with solid starters available after day one.

I was also pretty impressed with the overall athleticism of the offensive line group. Jake Long was by far the best OL prospect, and to me, he's a Pro Bowl Right Tackle who can play Left, but I'd play him at Right Tackle. Others that have caught my eye include Chris Williams of Vandy, who's a finesse Left Tackle type. Jeff Otah of Pitt sets up too high for my liking, but he's a brawler who must play the right side only. Other top tackles did not run or participate in drills due to injury including Ryan Clady and Sam Baker. Other tackles that caught my eyes included Gosder Cherilus of BC, Carl Nicks of Nebraska, and Kirk Barton of OSU. All three profile at Right Tackle, and are good prospects to start early at the next level. The guard/center class is a little down this year, but sprinkled with good players including Branden Albert of Virginia, and John Sullivan of Notre Dame.