Early News From The NFL Combine

Now that we're a few hours into the workouts of this year's NFL combine, there are already a few clear cut winners, and here they are:

Terrence Cody, DT, Alabama

Cody was a winner just by showing up and stepping on the scales.  There have been concerns about his weight leading up to the combine, and many scouts and analysts were expecting him to show up in the 370 lb. range.  When he showed up, he reportedly weighed in at 354, a weight Alabama coach Nick Saban said was the lowest they could get him.  

Weight concerns aside, Cody is considered one of the best talents in this draft, and perhaps the best pure Nose Tackle prospect there is.  If he maintains the shape he's in right now, I wouldn't be surprised to see him go in the first round.

Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland

No player thus far has helped themselves more than Bruce Campbell, who has physically dominated the NFL combine through the first portion of workouts.  He was part of the early morning group, and ran the fastest 40 yard dash of any O-lineman at any NFL combine in history with an unofficial time of 4.78.  (Following that run Campbell was quoted as saying that he didn't run the time he wanted to, and that he expected to run in the low 4.7's.  This may be just posturing for a higher position in the draft, but either way-DAMN!)

Add to that 34 reps on the bench, an eight foot+ broad jump, and a 32" vertical and you're looking at an amazing physical specimen.  He has certainly worked himself into the discussion as one of the top five offensive linemen available, and may have worked himself into the top half of the first round.  Many have been making jokes about him going to Oakland eighth overall given his speed (and owner Al Davis's odd obsession with fast athletes), and by the time the day is done that may be a realistic draft position for him.  More on this as the combine continues, but watch for Campbell to force many an expert to reconsider their mock drafts.

Dexter McCluster, WR/RB, Ole Miss

McCluster hasn't yet gotten on the field for any drills, and won't until tomorrow. However, he's already helped himself in front of coaches and in interchanges with scouts, coaches, and media people at the combine.  He's very personable and engaging, and says he's spoken with coaches about the possibility of playing both a running back and a slot receiver in the NFL.

Trindon Holliday, KR/PR, LSU

This little guy (5'5" 160lbs) ran one of the fastest (and maybe the fastest once official times are recorded) 40 yard dashes ever seen at the combine with an unofficial 4.22 time.  He also posted an unofficial 11.25 in the 60 yard shuttle, showing great explosiveness and top end speed.  He may be looked at as a mid to late round pickup for a team looking to add to their special teams.