Combine Risers and Sliders: DBs

The tempo of the combine picked up on the final day as the defensive backs took to the RCA Dome turf. The last two sessions were highlighted by some terrific 40 times turned in by the cornerbacks while the top safeties disappointed scouts for the most part.

Mike Jenkins, South Florida: Jenkins was clearly the class of the cornerback position Tuesday. He started swiftly, clocking in the mid 4.3s in the 40. Jenkins continued to impress with a great practice session, showing some of the finest footwork, hip movement and hands of the day. He also completed 18 reps on the bench, one of the better marks for his position. Scouts came away thinking Jenkins had solidified himself as the top corner in the draft.

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Tennessee State: Scouts expected Rodgers-Cromartie to deliver a fine performance, and he did not disappoint. He unofficially timed as the fastest defensive back at the combine, as both his 40s hovered around the 4.3-second mark, with some scouts clocking him as low as 4.28 seconds. Rodgers-Cromartie may push himself into the first round after his Senior Bowl and combine performances, which would make him the first Tennessee State player to do so since Ed "Too Tall" Jones.

Leodis McKelvin, Troy State: McKelvin measured in at just over 5-foot-10 and weighed 190 pounds. He completed 17 reps on the bench before running his 40s in the low 4.4-second range. McKelvin had a solid practice session and likely guaranteed himself a spot in Round 1.

Justin King, Penn State: King had a lot on the line and was trying to rebound from a poor junior campaign. He responded with 40 times in the low 4.3 second area.

Antwaun Molden, Eastern Kentucky: Molden made the most of his combine opportunity. He measured 6-foot-1 and 198 pounds before completing an impressive 23 reps on the bench. Molden was one of the fastest cornerbacks in the afternoon as he clocked 4.43 and 4.39 in the 40.

Tyvon Branch, Connecticut: Branch has been moving up boards since September and took another jump today. He timed his 40s in the low 4.3 area with a number of watches reading as fast as 4.28 seconds.

Joshua Barrett, Arizona State: Barrett was one of the more physically imposing defensive backs at the combine. He measured 6-foot-1.5 and then ran his 40s in the low 4.4 area. Barrett also impressed during the workout session, displaying quick feet and solid defensive back techniques.

Zach Bowman, Nebraska: Bowman measured 6-feet, 197 pounds and clocked his 40s in the mid 4.5-second area. He later showed that speed in the practice session while displaying terrific cornerback fundamentals. Bowman played sparingly at Nebraska last season after having his injured knee surgically repaired and results from the MRIs performed on the joint will ultimately decide where he ends up in the draft.

Antoine Cason, Arizona: Cason pleasantly surprised scouts, running his 40s in the high 4.4-second range. He performed well during the practice session, displaying polished footwork and cornerback mechanics.

Orlando Scandrick, Boise State: Scandrick clocked in the mid 4.3-second area, much faster than scouts had anticipated.

Brandon Flowers, Virginia Tech: Scouts and general managers from a number of teams ranked Flowers as their top cornerback in the draft, but that is likely to change. Flowers was unable to break the 4.5-second mark Tuesday and looked ordinary during the practice session.

Kenny Philips, Miami-Fla.: Philips had been anointed as a top 10 pick prior to declaring for the draft, but that thought process has changed. The safety barely broke 4.6 seconds in the 40, which will knock him into the middle of Round 1.

DaJuan Morgan, N.C. State: Morgan, ranked behind Philips on the safety chart, also failed to live up to expectations. His 40 times were disappointing, clocking in the mid 4.5-second range.

Simeon Castille, Alabama: Castille has fallen on hard times after being a highly considered prospect early in his college career. He was slow Tuesday, tuning in times near 4.7 seconds, which will depress his draft stock further.

Marcus Griffin, Texas: The Longhorns safety was unable to get below 4.7 seconds in the forty, timing as slow as 4.81 on his first attempt.

Former Wisconsin cornerback Jack Ikegwuono updated the media on his injury status. Ikegwuono hyper-extended his right leg in January while training for the combine. The injury resulted in a dislocated knee cap and torn ACL. Ikegwuono is to have surgery performed this Friday, Feb. 28 and is targeting early October for his return.