Combine wrap: McFadden regaining elite status -- real fast

"It would be an opportunity to play in the NFL," said Long. "Obviously, there's so much more to it there. I'm not afraid of any situation or any burden with a name.

"I've been dealing with this stuff my whole life. Obviously, it would be taken to a new level in a place like that. It's pressure, but I tend to welcome any pressure with open arms."

Long had a superb workout Monday, reinforcing his position at a top five choice.

Primetime hit

Kansas' Aqib Talib, one of the top cornerbacks in the draft, said he modeled himself after former defensive back Deion Sanders. Like Sanders, Talib played on both sides of the ball; like Sanders, he returned kicks; and, like Sanders, had a knack for making interceptions.

One difference: "I like to tackle," said Talib.

Things looking good

Central Florida running back Kevin Smith helped himself with a standout performance over the weekend, including a 40 that one scout said was in the 4.5s. Smith had promised "to shock the world" with his workout, and while he didn't accomplish that he did impress onlookers.

"He did everything well," said the scout. "I can see him getting picked in the second or third round."

One guy who didn't help himself was University of Miami defensive end Calais Campbell, who ran a disappointing 5.15 on Monday. At 6-feet-8, 280 pounds, Campbell was supposed to be one of the better pass-rushing prospects. That may have to change.

"You may have to move him inside," said an NFC personnel director.

Beat goes on

The University of Michigan's Jake Long is the best offensive tackle in this year's draft, and he reinforced his top-five standing by benching 225 pounds 37 times -- the best at his position. Long was beaten for one sack this season by Ohio State's Vernon Gholston, which Long said he took "personally" because "I wanted to make sure I was perfect and not let up a sack."

So what happened?

"That was a big battle for me," said Gholston, who led all defensive linemen with 37 reps in the bench press. "I know, going back to the previous year, he was tough competition. He kicked back in pass protection, and it was tough for me to get around him.

"So, coming into the game, I really focused on that and learned some new techniques to get better hands on him. And it worked."

Asked to be more specific, Gholston said, "I just waited for the right moment. But the biggest thing was speed."

Incidentally, Long only had one penalty this season, too -- a false start against Northwestern. Not bad.

Now that's a star!

After listening to wide receiver Lavelle Hawkins, I want to see where he goes in this year's draft because I want to see who buys what Hawkins is selling -- which is, basically, the most complete wide receiver out there. Honest. I know because I listened to him when he was asked to evaluate himself.

"I pretty much can do it all," he said. "I would say I'm a combination of Terrell Owens, slash Anquan Boldin, slash Chad Johnson, slash Steve Smith."

Now this I've got to see.