Marc Tyler, RB

03/08/2012 - Tailback Marc Tyler, who experienced a disappointing combine, redeemed himself with a time of 4.64 in the 40. He said he pulled a hamstring in Indianapolis and was nervous throughout his workouts. "It was way better (Wednesday)," Tyler said. Tyler said NFL teams asked him about a possible drinking problem after his famous video on TMZ.com last summer that resulted in a one-game suspension. "I've gotten a lot of questions," he said. "I just told the truth. I made mistakes and drank too much." - NFLDraftScout.com

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Tyler was considered one of the top running back recruits out of Oaks Christian High School, where he played in the same backfield with Panthers QB Jimmy Clausen. He chose USC over Notre Dame, Oregon and UCLA (where his father played football). Tyler broke his leg in his senior season of high school and ended up redshirting in 2007. He saw limited action in 2008 as a redshirt freshman, recording 36 carries for 198 yards (5.5) and one touchdown as a reserve. He was expected to be a key part of the running back rotation in 2009 as a sophomore, but suffered a toe injury and played in only one game. Tyler returned in 2010 and had his best season as a junior, starting eight games and recording a team-high 913 yards on 171 rushes (5.3) and nine touchdowns, adding 17 catches for 127 yards (7.5) and one touchdown. He battled a shoulder injury as a senior (seven starts in 10 games), finishing second on the team with 568 yards on 122 rushes (4.7) and four touchdowns, adding 11 catches for 108 yards (9.8). Tyler is a downhill athlete who runs behind his pads with balance and fluidity, but lacks the explosiveness and big-play ability needed for the next level. He entered a crowded backfield at USC and almost transitioned to linebacker, which is a credit to his natural size and body strength as he fights for as many yards as he can get. Tyler is a solid athlete with the frame, vision, toughness and determination to play in the NFL, but his durability concerns and inconsistent ability to give his team steady production will knock him down draft boards. Tyler looks like a late-round/free agent running back who will need to stay healthy if he has any hopes of playing professionally.

Strengths: Balanced runner with low pad level and tough to bring down. He has the power to pick up positive yardage after initial contact. Tyler has better feet than expected to keep defenders off balance in the open field. He is a decisive, north/south runner with good leg drive and physicality, never quitting on plays. Tyler runs with determination, lowering his shoulder and finishing plays. He has good vision and does a nice job seeing the holes and running to daylight. Tyler showed an improved feel for the position over his career. He is a hardnosed, downhill runner with very good toughness and often playing through injuries. He is a solid pass catcher out of the backfield and gives good effort in pass protection - has good bloodlines as the son of a former NFL running back (Wendell Tyler). Weaknesses: Average speed and acceleration, needing a few steps to get going. He shows too much body stiffness in his movements and lacks great change of direction ability. Doesn't break as many tackles as his size would indicate and he won't make many guys miss in tight areas. He makes too many mental mistakes and needs to improve his ball security and awareness in pass protection. Struggled to live up to the hype out of high school with inconsistent production over his career. Significant durability concerns with several minor and major injuries over his career, including a separated left shoulder as a senior. Tyler has some minor character issues after he was suspended for the season opener in 2011 for inappropriate comments, something not expected from a senior. NFL Comparison: Anthony Allen, Baltimore Ravens -- Dane Brugler