LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey knew a lot was riding on his performance during pro day Wednesday. Dorsey skipped the Senior Bowl and didn't participate in workouts at the combine last month.
It hasn't helped that his inactivity has fueled rumors about lingering injuries and a secret knee surgery. The injury questions won't go away, but Dorsey probably solidified his top-five status with a solid showing Wednesday.
The two scouts I talked to clocked Dorsey at 5.12 and 5.15 in the 40-yard dash. He probably wanted to go a bit lower than that, but those were good times. Dorsey had a vertical leap of 25 1/2 inches and did 27 reps of 225 on the bench press. In fact, here's some video of Dorsey's workout that I found on NFL.com.
Dorsey showed a lot of explosion during position-specific drills. Scouts enjoy watching how a player takes instruction from NFL assistants during the drills. Dorsey displayed some of the quickness and technique that shot him to the top of the draft board his senior year.
"I know people talk about the injuries, but we're not too worried," said an AFC scout. "He's the type of kid who won't come off the field unless you make him."
He looked a little too thin (297 pounds) to some scouts, but I still think he has the size and strengh to play in any scheme.
"He reminds you a little of Warren Sapp when he was younger," said an NFC scout. "I could see him turning into a pretty impressive pass-rusher from the tackle spot, but he could also slide down and play some defensive end in the 3-4."
Dorsey had dinner with Dolphins defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers on Tuesday, but I wouldn't read too much into that.
LSU receiver Early Doucet ran a disappointing 4.59 in the 40-yard dash. You can see him laboring a little bit in that video. He's no longer projected to go in the first round. In fact, he could still be on the board late in the second round. I'm starting to think that the first receiver won't be taken until about No. 20.
Outside linebacker Ali Highsmith probably helped himself the most following a nightmarish performance at the combine. Highsmith ran a 4.95 in Indianapolis, but he lowered that to a 4.7 in Baton Rouge. He also had 22 reps of 225 pounds and a vertical leap of 29 inches.
"I still think his size (6-0, 230) will hurt him, but he's no longer in a free fall," said one scout. "In fact, you might start see him gain some momentum. He's short, but he's tremendous on film. He just gets to the ball a lot, and that's pretty important."
