Over the next week, 300-plus of college football’s elite will be poked, prodded, timed, tested, measured and run ragged. Welcome to the NFL…well, almost. Four Huskers will be visiting Indianapolis for the annual event, each with their own individual storylines as they go their separate ways for now.
(Listed in order of appearance)
Marcel Jones, Offensive Tackle
NFL.com Height/Weight: 6’6” 327 pounds
Schedule: Arrives February 22, Departs February 25
Summary: Jones has battled pain throughout his collegiate career and has continued to rebound. Despite his injury-littered past, Jones is looked upon highly by front offices as a guy who could lock down a right tackle spot. He’ll need a year or two of polish, but he may go higher than many Husker fans expect and surprise once he gets to the League.
Projected Round: 3-5
Jared Crick, Defensive Tackle
NFL.com Height/Weight: 6’4” 286 pounds
Schedule: Arrives February 24, Departs February 27
Summary: Crick returned for his senior year hoping to raise his draft stock and cement the Husker defensive line. Unfortunately, a pectoral muscle injury cut his season short.
There’s also some concern about the knee injury he recovered from last spring and his ability to shed double teams without the help of Ndamukong Suh following his departure in 2009. Regardless, he’s looked at as a versatile lineman and teams with a 3-4 scheme appear to be very interested.
Projected Round: 1-2
Lavonte David, Linebacker
NFL.com Height/Weight: 6’1” 225 pounds
Schedule: Arrives February 24, Departs February 27
Summary: No one questions David’s work ethic, but many question his size and ability to compete at the NFL level with larger athletes. His zone coverage ability was on display in the Senior Bowl, and he did rather well for a guy who was let off the leash repeatedly in Bo Pelini’s scheme.
There’s been some speculation about moving him to safety. He’ll be a special teams warrior out of the gate and will be a value pick.
Projected Round: 3-5
Alfonzo Dennard, Cornerback
NFL.com Height/Weight: 5’9” 209 pounds
Schedule: Arrives February 27, Departs February 28
Summary: Dennard brings a number of questions with him to Indianapolis following a subpar showing during Senior Bowl week and the Alshon Jeffrey altercation is still fresh in people’s minds.
Regardless, he’s still a higher-end prospect and could very well end up back in the first round with a solid effort. If he can display his athleticism and football IQ, he’ll likely be right back in the first 32 taken. Dallas, Detroit and Cincinnati sound like the most likely destinations.
Projected Round: 1-2
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