BearTalk

Just a reminder that the NFL scouting combine begins next Wednesday in Indianapolis. Center Alex Mack, linebackers Zack Follett, Worrell Williams and Anthony Felder, defensive end Rulon Davis and tight end Cameron Morrah will all be on hand.

Almost everyone but Mack has a chance to make an impact, in either direction. Mack apparently was so impressive at the Senior Bowl that he has a real legitimate chance to go late in the first round. It’s hard to imagine him being able to improve his stock that much more. He just has to make sure he doesn’t stumble.

Most projections have Follett going in the third or fourth round, but there seem to be a couple other analysts that believe he will go later. This is Follett’s chance to erase whatever deficiencies his detractors see while solidifying, and perhaps improving, his stock with those who are higher on him.

But the combine will be most important for Williams, Felder, Davis and Morrah, all considered on the borderline of being drafted at all.

There are over 300 players participating, and they are broken into groups based on position. Groups 1-3 are special teams, offensive linemen and tight ends, and they begin on Wednesday. That means Mack and Morrah get the Cal contingent started.

The remaining four players are in groups 7-9 (defensive linemen and linebackers). They start on Friday.

Each player has four days of activity:

Day 1: Travel, Registration, Pre-exam & X-ray, Orientation, Interviews

Day 2: Measurements, Exams, Media, Psych Tests, Interviews

Day 3: NFLPA Meeting, Psych Tests, *PK/ST Workout*, Interviews

Day 4: Workout (timing, stations, skill drills), Departure

After the combine, the next big step for the potential draftees — other than individual workouts — is Cal’s pro day, which will take place around the middle of March.