Some fans might have been surprised to see the Carolina Panthers select Fresno State cornerback Richard Marshall in the second round last year. Fresno State, after all, is far from a football factor. An even greater surprise to fans, however, might be that Marshall wasn't even the best cornerback on Fresno's roster. That distinction lies with McCauley, quite possibly the most talented "big" cornerback from the west since Chris McAlister roamed the field for the Arizona Wildcats.

McCauley burst onto the scene in 2004 when he worked his way from a reserve position to starting the final 10 games of his sophomore season. In 2005, opposing offenses had little choice in picking on the Bulldogs' cornerbacks with Marshall and McCauley dividing the field. Teams found it even more difficult to target McCauley as the season went on. In his first year as a full-time starter, McCauley earned Second Team WAC honors, posting 45 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 7 passes broken up and an interception. While his numbers are impressive on their own, it is McCauley's upside that has scouts so intrigued. At 6-foot-1, 198 pounds and running in the high 4.3s, McCauley has uncoachable tools. Makes it look easy at times.

Positives: Tall, athletic body. Long arms and big hands … Durable … Hasn't missed a collegiate game due to injury … Athleticism and size pop off the film … Can run stride for stride with any receiver in the country and has rare agility -- especially for a player of his height … Long arms and knows how to use them to disrupt the receiver at the line of scrimmage and when the ball is in the air … Good leaping ability … Good awareness in zone coverage … Strength might be his man coverage … Smooth hip turn, has an extra gear when the ball is in flight and breaks on the ball well … Catches the ball cleanly and experience as running back and returner in high school is clear with his comfort with the ball in his hands … Alert run defender … Not afraid to get dirty and tumble with the big boys and is a reliable open-field tackler … No senior cornerback in the country, including Michigan's Leon Hall, can match McCauley's raw tools.

Negatives: Inconsistent … Was a dominant player as a junior and has played at this level for much of his senior season, but has given up some big plays this year … Appears to be playing conservatively so as to not give up the big play and hurt his draft stock … Has fallen into a poor habit of not turning his head when the ball is in the air and instead just playing the man … Had zero interceptions through the first eight games of the 2006 season despite opportunities.

Played running back, safety, wide receiver, cornerback and kick returner for his high school team, which advanced to the Division II semifinals … An all-city selection … Considered one of the Sacramento area's best all-around talents by the Sacramento Bee … Also excels as a basketball player … From the same area as Vincent Mays, also a Bulldog recruit.

Born Sept. 3, 1983 … Parents' names are Karla Graham and Marcus McCauley, Sr. … Has two brothers, Jordan and Michael, and a sister, Cambria … Favorite athlete is Charles Woodson of the Oakland Raiders … Selected Fresno State over Oregon, Washington and California.