2011 NFL Combine Results: Virgil Green and the Top Performers From Day 3

Wow.

That’s the one word I could think of when watching Virgil Green today.

The Nevada tight end exploded during workouts this afternoon, impressing onlookers with his size, speed and overall athleticism. He looked like the total package physically.

Green wasn’t the only prospect to garner attention on day three of the NFL combine out in Indianapolis. The tight end and offensive linemen groups both took the field today, and there were some real noticeable performances from some big-name players.

Here’s a look at the five prospects who really caught the eyes of scouts today.


TE Virgil Green, Nevada

Height: 6’3’’

Weight: 249

40 yard dash: 4.64

Broad Jump: 10-10

Vertical Jump: 42.5

Bench: 23

We all thought it was going to be DE/OLB tweener Dontay Moch who would end up being the Nevada player who wowed us the most at the combine. However, after the performance of former Wolf Pack teammate Virgil Green today, Moch is now going to have his work cut out for him.

Green looked like a physical marvel during the workout and drills portion of the combine this afternoon.

The athletic tight end is a well-built, physically imposing presence who just seemed a little bigger and a little stronger than his peers in the tight end group.

Green, who caught 35 passes for over 500 yards as a senior, will not challenge top tight end Kyle Rudolph, who couldn’t participate today due to injury, for the No. 1 spot, but he has gotten himself into the conversation to come off the board somewhere in the second to third round range.


OT Nate Solder, Colorado

Height: 6’8’’

Weight: 319

40 yard dash: 5.05

Broad Jump: 9-10

Vertical Jump: 32

Bench: 21

USC OT Tyron Smith, a potential top-10 pick, may regret the decision to not go through the workouts with the rest of the offensive linemen. Smith’s absence allowed Colorado’s Nate Solder to soak in the spotlight.

Solder, who looks like a tall tight end more than a traditional tackle, has remarkable athleticism for his imposing size.

Like every other tackle in this year’s class, Solder is a work in progress, but he has franchise left tackle potential if he’s developed properly.


OC Rodney Hudson, Florida State

Height: 6’2’’

Weight: 299

40 yard dash: 5.31

Broad Jump: 7-11

Vertical Jump: 25.5

Bench: 27

If I’m the New York Giants, I just found my replacement for Shaun O’Hara.

Rodney Hudson is this year’s quintessential center prospect.

His workout numbers certainly didn’t melt the page, but Hudson looked like a true technician in the drills portion. He was fluid and technique savvy and looked comfortable moving laterally in the pull block drills.

He reeks of the type of prospect who ends up playing in the league for 10 years. Hudson is so fundamentally sound it’s almost obnoxious.


TE D.J. Williams, Arkansas

Height: 6’2’’

Weight: 245

40 yard dash: 4.67

Broad Jump: 9-3

Vertical Jump: 33.5

Bench: 20

I’ve heard that some scouts live by a mantra,“If the player proved it in college, chances are he can prove it in the pros.” Translation: If a guy produces in college, it’s a good indication that he’s going to produce in the NFL.

Well, if you’re looking for production from the tight end position, D.J. Williams from Arkansas is your guy. Williams has hauled in 144 passes over the last three years.

He’s a bit undersized and will probably have to be used in a hybrid H-Back type role, but judging from the way Williams ran his routes today, he knows exactly what he’s doing and should be able to come in and contribute as a rookie.


OT Anthony Castonzo, Boston College

Height: 6’7’’

Weight: 311

40 yard dash: 5.23

Broad Jump: 8-9

Vertical Jump: 29.5

Bench: 28

Anthony Castonzo had about as solid of a collegiate career as you can have if you’re an offensive linemen. Castonzo started every game since his freshman year and earned numerous awards and accolades for his play on the field.

He also earned the attention of NFL scouts.

Castonzo has the makings of a first-round tackle, and his stock should only be helped by the fact that there’s no proven elite tackle in this bunch.

Castonzo could play either right or left tackle in the NFL, and he should be a starter as a rookie.