Article:2009 NFL Combine Monday the Defensive Line and Linebackers

Welcome to day three of our coverage of the 2009 NFL combine. Today we are talking Wonderlic test, LB's and defensive linemen. This years linebackers class is stocked full of talent. It will be fun to take a look at this years talent coming out.

A big trend to watch in this years combine is the number of guys who are looking to become conversion players. These are the guys who will play DE and OLB. That means they will have their hand in the dirt and they will need to stand up, and be able to cover.

The D-Linemen have wrapped up for the day and now we are onto the linebackers. Brian Cushing just ran his 40-yard dash and looked impressive. As far as linebackers go there is no question that Aaron Curry from Wake Forest is the cream of the crop. It would not take a lot for him to jump into the number one pick for me. A solid showing today and I'd be willing to move him up the board, especially after watching the quarterbacks yesterday.

On a side note for all the UVA followers out there, Cedric Peerman ran a 4.45 second 40 yard dash time on Saturday. That was the fastest time of any back at the combine. This is good for Peerman who put in solid work all season for UVA, but due to the teams lack of success his ability was often overlooked. Currently the knock on Peerman is fumbling the ball, where he caughed up the rock on two key plays again Miami this past season. He also fumbled during the Senior Bowl. Posting a solid 40 time will help to elevate his stock.

On an interesting note from today's combine, two of the top defensive prospects have come up limping after running their 40-yard dash. Brian Orakpo and USC's Rey Melaluga both came up gimpy with injured hamstrings.

LB Aaron Curry from Wake Forest ran a 40 yard dash in the 4.5's very impressive. He is moving up the board. Curry will work out in all the field drills so we will get a chance to see his agility. The Detroit Lions have talked to Curry and took him to dinner on Friday. Drafting a Linebacker with the first pick would not be a sexy pick for if you're a team like the Lions picking a linebacker would be a safe pick and you can bet that Curry will be a long time Pro-Bowler in the NFL.

Watching Brian Cushing run some agility drills not happy with his hip flexibility. He seems a bit stiff, (he's not bending at the knees and opening his hips as he moves).

Taking a look at Clay Mathews and I like this kid a lot. Real big at 240 pounds, but extremely mobile. He likely won't be a first rounder but I think he will make someone very happy as a second or a third round NFL draft pick.

Another note on the weekend at the NFL Combine, Andre Smith chose not workout on the weekend. The reason he gave was he got a late start in getting ready. That's pretty impressive considering that Smith did not play in the Sugar Bowl because he was suspended, so Smith has had plenty of time to work out. This is yet another knock against this young man. Once again he is proving to be immature in his actions.