Florida Pro Day: Quick Thoughts on Tim Tebow, Joe Haden, Carlos Dunlap, and Others

Florida's pro day workouts were probably one of the biggest and most covered college workouts in the history of the NCAA, with representatives from every NFL team, ESPN setting up shop with a full broadcast stage, and many other media outlets attending, changing the simple workouts into what seems like the Super Bowl of workouts.

Even though there were many talented Florida athletes participating in drills, only one was the reason that the crowds and media had gathered, and his name is Tim Tebow.

Tebow was displaying his new throwing mechanics, which is what everyone wanted to see, because there is no other player in recent memory that is as decorated as Tebow is coming out of college but has as much potential as he does either.

The following are some quick thoughts and observations on some of the players who worked out for the media circus in Florida.

Tim Tebow, Quarterback

Everyone was in Florida to see Tebow, and even though he may have not drastically increased his draft stock, he did show all in attendance that he is committed to succeeding at the NFL level no matter the cost.

His new throwing mechanics looked very good with a quicker release that made his throws more accurate, but several times he did revert back to his old throwing style.

Honestly, that is to be expected since this new motion is new to him.

There have been other quarterbacks who have had to change their throwing style coming into the NFL, and they have accomplished that goal and been very successful too. Just ask Peyton Manning.

Tebow's footwork looked improved while he was taking snaps from under center.

Whether Tebow gets picked in the first, second, or third round in April's draft, one lucky team will get a player who has a high ceiling and is unmatched when it comes to passion and drive to excel in the NFL.

Tebow also is scheduled for a private workout for five NFL teams, including the Cleveland Browns, Washington Redskins, Seattle Seahawks, Buffalo Bills, and New England Patriots.

Joe Haden, Cornerback

Haden disappointed at the NFL Combine, running a slow 40-yard dash time, and if there is one position that relies on and needs speed, it is at cornerback.

Fortunately, Haden improved his 40-yard dash time at the pro day, running in the 4.4s, and teams have more confidence in his skills once again.

Haden is projected to be as high as a top 10 pick, but he has also into the teens of several other mock drafts.

Haden's abilities are solid, but with two other cornerbacks, Rutgers' Devin McCourty and Boise State's Kyle Wilson, slowly making their way higher in the first round, there may be a chance Haden drops.

Carlos Dunlap, Defensive End/Linebacker

Dunlap is a physical specimen (6'6", 277 pounds, and 4.6 40) and has all the tools to succeed in the NFL, but his maturity and focus has been in question lately.

His performance not only at the Combine, but also at the pro day proves Dunlap can play at the NFL level, and he also was able to increase confidence in teams' views of him by conducting himself well during interviews.

Dunlap is a hybrid player who could either play in a 4-3 defense as a defensive end or in a 3-4 scheme as an outside linebacker.

He may not have increased his stock much at the pro day, so look for him to fall somewhere in the late first or early second rounds still.

Brandon Spikes, Inside Linebacker

Spikes has fallen and fallen hard.

With an unimpressive showing at the Combine and now at his pro day, Spikes, who was already projected as a second round pick, may fall even farther.

There just seems to be no fire in Spikes to strive harder and become a better player going into the NFL.

Don't be surprised if Spikes moves closer to the late second or early third round on draft day.

Aaron Hernandez, Tight End

Hernandez impressed with his strength, speed, and soft hands, and he will indeed move up in the draft now unless teams still think he has the character issues that have plagued him in the past.

Originally projected as a second round pick, Hernandez may have moved himself into the bottom of the first round, but the fact that he is technically an undersized tight end compared to NFL standards may still keep him out of the first round entirely.

Major Wright, Safety

Wright had a terrific showing at the Combine, running the 40 in the 4.4s, but his ability to shift his hips is still in question, and that is very important for any defensive back who is back in coverage.

He still showed some signs of that same stiffness in his hips, but you could also tell he had been working to improve that at the pro day.

Still slated as a third or fourth round pick, Wright's speed and toughness will make him a great value pick for any team in either round.