Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

- Written by James Ronstadt
- Edited by Allie Fontana

Monday provided NFL Draft junkies with a first look at the defensive linemen and linebackers–clearly the cream of the crop of the 2011 NFL Draft. Interestingly enough, a handful of linemen, some of whom weigh320 pounds or more, ran the 40-yard dash in times that were superior to those of many running backs and wide receivers who ran on Sunday. The number of premier pass rushers available in this year’s class is mind-boggling. Here are some additional highlights from Day 6 at the NFL Combine:

Among the elite defensive line prospects who put on a show Monday was former Crimson Tide star Marcel Dareus, a 6’3 1/2” and 319-pound tackle-machine. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.92 seconds and the 10-yard split in 1.66 seconds. Dareus is likely to be No. 1 on the boards of many teams that use the 3-4and are in need of help up front.

Former Missouri defensive end Aldon Smithran a somewhat disappointing (for his size) 40-yard dash result of 4.78 seconds. 

Auburn defensive tackle prospect Nick Fairley was clocked at 4.82 seconds during the 40-yard dash, reinforcing the widespread belief that he’ll be one of the first two or three players off the board in April.

Wisconsin defensive end J.J. Watt ran a 4.84 second 40-yard dash and was a top-five finisher in five-of-six drills, including both the vertical and broad jumps. Watt’s stock was rumored to be in free fall in the days leading up to the Combine, however after his workout on Monday, it’s hard to imagine that he’ll go outside the top-10 overall.  “I have a relentless motor, and so I like to compare myself to Jared Allen,” said Watt.

Robert Quinn a defensive end prospect out of North Carolina who is considered one of the most versatile defenders in the upcoming draft, ran the 40-yard dash in an awesome 4.73 seconds. Although he sat out the entire 2010 season after being found guilty by the NCAA of inappropriately accepting more than $5,600 in benefits from his agent, Quinn is a surefire top-10 pick.

California defensive end prospect Jordan Cameron recorded a 40-time of 4.78 seconds, cementing his status as middle to late first-round pick.

Sam Ocho, a defensive end out of Texas, wowed Combine observers with a 40-yard dash time of 4.66 seconds. He also looked explosive during cone drills.

Purdue defensive end prospect Ryan Kerrigan ran the 40-yard dash in 4.77 seconds and the 40-yard split in 1.65 seconds. Kerrigan is likely to be middle to late first rounder.

Texas A&M linebacker prospect Von Miller posted a solid time of 4.53 seconds in the 40-yard dash. He also registered an impressive 10 feet, six inches on the broad jump, the best showing among linebackers. Miller is almost certain to be among the top-eight picks in April.

Boston College linebacker Mark Herzlich was unimpressive in the 40-yard dash. He put up a time of 4.85 seconds.

Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones’ stellar performance on Sunday is all the more remarkable after it was revealed that he participated in the Combine workout with a fractured foot. He led all wide receivers in the broad jump (11 feet, 3 inches) and had the seventh-based time overall (4.39) in the 40-yard dash. Jones needs surgery to insert a screw in the foot, followed by an eight-week rehab.

Combine Coverage:  Preview  |  Day 1  |  Day 2  |  Day 3  |  Day 4  |  Day 5  |  Day 6  |  Day 7  (click to view)