Plenty need impressive workouts

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By Mel Kiper Jr.
ESPN Insider

The NFL combine workout is approaching fast, but there is not yet a buzz surrounding any particular player. The combine and individual workouts are going to be tremendously important for players hoping to improve their stock and create that buzz before draft day, especially at positions where key players are fighting for the No. 1 spot.
There is a lot of talk about the teams picking at Nos. 1-4 (San Francisco, Miami, Cleveland, Chicago) trading down to get more picks, but the problem right now is that no single player has distinguished himself enough to make teams seriously consider trading up to get him.

The marquee battle is between Utah's Alex Smith and California's Aaron Rodgers, who are fighting for the top spot among quarterbacks and perhaps the No. 1 position on the draft board. You're splitting hairs when you talk about the differences between Smith and Rodgers but arm strength could play a part in separating the two.

Smith played in an offense in college that utilized a lot of finesse throws, so he will have to prove to scouts that he can muscle balls into tight spots and throw it down the field. He has shown tremendous athleticism and intelligence, and if Smith shows he can snap the ball off with adequate velocity the one question about his skills will be answered.

Rodgers, on the other hand, will have to correct whispers about his height. That is the only area where the 6-foot-3 Smith has a real advantage over Rodgers and teams want to know whether Rodgers is really 6-1½, or closer to 6-0.

Small questions notwithstanding, this looks like Affirmed and Alydar coming down to the wire. This is Peyton Manning-Ryan Leaf and Drew Bledsoe-Rick Mirer all over again.

Now a look at other positions where players are fighting to climb up the draft board:



Running back
Cedric Benson of Texas and Ronnie Brown of Auburn have distanced themselves from Brown's teammate Carnell Williams, and which one ultimately ends up on top of the running back list will depend on which shows more speed. Both Brown and Benson have an advantage over Williams in size, and both are more complete when it comes to catching the ball out of the backfield and blocking, but Benson gets the nod when it comes to pure running ability and Brown has the edge in receiving.
Williams does not have ideal size but is very tough and a deceptive runner who can still find cracks and make tough yards inside, landing him firmly at No. 3 ahead of a group staging a spirited competition for the No. 4 spot among RBs. Vernand Morency of Oklahoma State, Eric Shelton of Louisville, Ciatrick Fason of Florida, Marion Barber III of Minnesota and Frank Gore of Miami are all vying to become the fourth-rated running back and make it into the second round. The overall athleticism and demeanor they show will make the biggest impressions as they try to move up.



Wide receiver
Michigan's Braylon Edwards had an outstanding 2004 season and shot up the draft board thanks to ideal athletic ability and clutch performances, but don't forget about former USC wideout Mike Williams. He is not ready to concede the top WR spot to Edwards, and impressive workouts coupled with Williams' 6-5, 230-pound frame could have him right in the mix to be a top 5-10 selection. A year out of football is a lot to overcome, but Williams put up huge numbers in two years with the Trojans and has all the necessary skills.
Oklahoma's Mark Clayton is not going to steal the No. 1 slot from either Edwards or Williams but his workout will be equally important. Clayton had a big week at the Senior Bowl but lacks ideal size and must show the necessary speed. His toughness and running ability after the catch are huge pluses, though, and a good 40 time could land Clayton in the middle of the first round.



Tight end
Another position where speed will be a huge factor. Heath Miller of Virginia has left no doubt about his ability to catch the ball and his willingness to use his size as a blocker, but it remains to be seen whether he has the wheels to stretch the deep middle at the NFL level. His showing in the 40 will determine whether he is off the board in the top 15 or he slides to the latter portion of the first round.

Defensive end
This would not be a race at all if Wisconsin's Erasmus James hadn't missed time last season with an ankle injury. James was unblockable when the season began and only got better until a chop block in the Purdue game landed him on the sideline, and without that injury he was looking at becoming a top-five pick thanks to his size, quickness and ability to both rush the passer and stop the run. As it stands now, Oklahoma's Dan Cody is challenging on the strength of a very consistent career while LSU's Marcus Spears has jumped back into the mix with a tremendous performance during Senior Bowl week.


Cornerback
West Virginia's Adam Jones has said he will run the 40 in the 4.2-4.25 range, and if he does that he would move into my top three or four overall players. He is aggressive in both coverage and run support and is also a terrific return man who would give a team lots of help. Miami's Antrel Rolle has the size and toughness teams look for but will have to answer questions about his recovery speed and could get into the top 15 with an impressive time.