The never ceases to amaze me. It gets bigger each time around. We get more players to participate every year. It's such an impressive, well-run event.
Being in Indianapolis allowed me to revisit my "Hot 100" prospects, and you'll notice some significant changes: Players who helped their stock, guys who hurt themselves, and those who fell off the list altogether.
You'll notice that Julio Jones elevated himself to Tier 1, despite his foot injury (remember, this isn't taking medical conditions into account). Colin Kaepernick, the quarterback from Nevada, wasn't on the list initially, but he was impressive at the combine. As was Fort Valley State receiver Ricardo Lockette, who is making his debut because he had such great speed and burst.
For those players no longer on the list, they'll get a chance to make it again during pro days. This is a continuation of the evaluation all the way up until the draft at the end of April.
Note: Tiers are listed alphabetically; * denotes early entrant.
Tier 1
Da'Quan Bowers*, DE, Clemson, 6-4, 276
Can get after the quarterback. Had 15.5 sacks for the Tigers in 2010. Has very good speed for position. Did not work out at the combine due to right knee surgery, and questions still exist about the health of that knee.
Marcell Dareus*, DT, Alabama
Can play in both 3-4 and 4-3 defensive schemes. Had 4.5 sacks for Crimson Tide in 2010. Plays hard every play. Ran a faster first 10 yards of the 40-yard dash than Fairley.
Nick Fairley*, DT, Auburn, 6-5, 300
Only played two years at Auburn after spending first two years at junior college. Had 11.5 sacks for Tigers in 2010.
Blaine Gabbert*, QB, Missouri, 6-4, 235
Two-year starter. Mobility a strength. Completed 63.4 percent of his passes in 2010. Works best out of the shotgun.
A.J. Green*, WR, Georgia, 6-3, 212
Was suspended four games in 2010 by NCAA for sale of a bowl jersey. Still finished with 57 catches and nine TDs.
, WR, Alabama, 6-4, 211
Able to return kicks. Had 78 catches for 1,133 yards and seven touchdowns last season. Had same injury as Michael Crabtree two years ago, but still went through the combine workouts.
, OLB, Texas A&M, 6-2, 240
Led the nation in sacks as a junior and even had 10.5 last year despite an early-season injury. Had a good workout at the combine.
, QB, Auburn, 6-5, 245
Only a one-year college player, but he passed for 30 TDs and ran for 20, with a 66.1 completion percentage. At combine completed 11 of 21 passes in drills. Threw the ball at 56 miles per hour, good for third-best among QBs.
, DB, LSU, 6-0, 215
Very good return man. Able to cover the pass and play strong against the run. Player with least risk in first round.
, DE, North Carolina, 6-5, 254
Missed the entire 2010 season after violating NCAA rules. In 2009, he had 11 sacks.
Tier 2
, CB, Nebraska, 6-1, 205
Four-year college player, two-year starter. Had five INTs in 2009, but none in 2010.
, OL, Boston College, 6-7, 308
He started all four years for the Eagles. Played left guard at the Senior Bowl.
, DE, Iowa, 6-4, 285
Only had 3.5 sacks last year, down from the year before. Watch the Penn State film to see him at his best. Plays only on the right side.
, RB, Alabama, 5-10, 215
Injured and shared time in 2010. A good inside runner, who rushed for 13 touchdowns last season. Is an look-a-like.
, DE, California, 6-4, 283
Father, Steve, played tight end for the Vikings for 13 years. Cameron had 5.5 sacks in 2010.
, DE, Missouri, 6-5, 260
Missed some games with injuries last season. In 2009, he had 11.5 sacks.
, DB, Colorado, 6-2, 205
Tall and has long arms. Has good speed. Why no interceptions in 2010?
, OT, USC
He's a natural fit at right tackle. Has long arms, big hands and is very athletic for his size.
, OL, Colorado, 6-9, 315
High school tight end, who moved to OT after his freshman year at Colorado. Has great feet and long arms.
, DE, Wisconsin, 6-6, 279
Transferred from Central Michigan, where he played TE. Seven sacks in 2010. Shined against Ohio State.
Tier 3
, OLB, UCLA, 6-4, 249
Had four sacks and two INTs in 2010. Has speed and can blitz or play in space.
, OL, Wisconsin, 6-7, 327
Four-year starter. Can he play left tackle in the NFL? Or is he only a right tackle?
, DB, Miami, 5-9, 191
He's good in man coverage. Smart player who is tough against the run.
, DE, Purdue, 6-4, 263
Lacks the size (weight) as a defensive end, but he has quickness. Had 12.5 sacks in 2010.
, DT, Illinois, 6-3, 300
Had 63 tackles and 4.5 sacks in 2010. Was named All-Big Ten Second Team.
, QB, Washington, 6-3, 230
Very athletic with good speed. Needs to improve his accuracy.
, QB, Arkansas, 6-7, 238
Threw 32 TD passes in 2010, completing 64.7 percent of his passes. We'll know more after his March 8 pro day.
, TE, Notre Dame, 6-5, 253
Only played six games last year. Had 28 catches and three touchdowns. Lots of upside.
, DL, Baylor, 6-4, 337
Transferred from Penn State. Needs to improve stamina. Was named All-Big 12 Second Team.
, DT, Temple, 6-5, 295
Very good production. 70 tackles and 9.5 sacks. Lots of upside.
Tier 4
, DB, Virginia, 6-2, 200
Limited by injuries in 2010. Grading him as a safety, rather than cornerback.
, DT, Ohio State, 6-5, 288
Played well in the Sugar Bowl. Made move inside to tackle. His father, "Ironhead" Heyward, played in the NFL.
, LB, Georgia, 6-3, 254
All-SEC First Team selection. Had 10 sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss. Can he play in space?
, RB, Illinois, 6-0, 227
Had a fantastic season in 2010, with 1,697 rushing yards and 20 total TDs (17 rushing, three receiving).
, DT, Oregon State, 6-1, 311
Good inside pass rusher. Had six sacks in 2010. All-Pac 10 First Team selection.
, OL, Florida, 6-5, 315
Brother, Maurkice, made as rookie with Steelers. Mike stayed a fourth year with Gators.
, OL, Mississippi State, 6-5, 321
Has good length and good feet. Great instincts as a run blocker.
, WR, Maryland, 6-0, 202
Has outstanding speed. Named All-ACC First Team. Had 67 catches and 12 touchdowns in 2010.
, DB, Texas, 6-1, 192
Has the height every scout looks for. No INTs last season. All-Big 12 Second Team selection.
, OLB, Illinois, 6-4, 240
Had 112 tackles in 2010. He's an athletic player. All-Big Ten Second Team selection.
Tier 5
, DL, Miami, 6-4, 285
Has speed for his position. Seven sacks and 11 tackles for loss in 2010. All-ACC Second Team.
, WR, Pittsburgh,6-5, 224
Had 53 catches and five touchdowns in 2010. Was named All-Big East First Team.
, LB, North Carolina, 6-3, 235
Can play the run or play in space. Good special teams player, too.
, WR, Kentucky, 5-10, 191
Catches the ball well. Returns kicks and is very athletic. He was a high school QB.
, OL, Villanova, 6-4, 317
Did not run or lift at combine. Very long arms. Blue-collar player who should play for a long time.
, QB, Nevada, 6-5, 233
Very strong arm. Needs work, because he has not been under center. Very good runner. Lots of upside.
, DB, UCLA, 6-1, 196
All-Pac 10 First Team selection. Has good range and good ball skills.
, QB, Florida State, 6-2, 229
Smart and very athletic. Threw 20 TDs and 8 ints in 2010. He is ready for the NFL.
, SS, Iowa, 6-1, 210
Two-time All-Big Ten First Team selection. Had 13 INTs the past two years. Fine athlete.
, OL, Baylor, 6-3, 310
Older player. Works as fireman in Waco, Texas. Tough player. Should be a good guard.
Tier 6
(DL, North Carolina), (OL, TCU), (OL, Alabama), (DL, USC), (DB, Ohio State), (OL, Miami), (WR, North Carolina), (RB, Oklahoma), (DL, Pittsburgh), (RB, Virginia Tech).
Tier 7
Sam Acho (DL, Texas), (OL, Georgia), (OL, Indiana), (OL, Florida State), (RB, Oklahoma State), (LB, Michigan State), (WR, Fort Valley State), (DL, LSU), (OL, Lehigh), (LB, Mississippi State).
Tier 8
(DB, Utah), (DL, Fresno State), (DB, Oklahoma), (QB, TCU), (OL, Florida), (DT, Arizona State), (WR, Miami), (DL, Clemson), (RB, California), (TE, Arkansas).
Tier 9
(DL, Iowa), (TE, USC), (DL, Hampton), (WR, Troy), (LB, Miami), (LB, Nevada), (RB, Oregon State), (DB, West Virginia), (LB, LSU).
Tier 10
(DB, Texas), (DB, Colorado), (DB, South Carolina), (DB, New Mexico State), (WR, Nebraska), (DB, North Carolina), (DL, Arizona), (OL, Penn State), (WR, Boise State), (OL, Auburn).
