Sept 22, 2012; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack cornerback David Amerson (1) during the game against the Citadel Bulldogs at Carter Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

The defensive backs took to the field on the final day of workouts and, as expected, they flashed.  Whether it was getting close to Chris Johnson’s 4.24 40 yard dash time or straight up stumbling whilst running, there were some moments of concern and some moments of triumph.  Let’s focus on the latter.  Here are the guys who improved their draft stock on Tuesday:

David Amerson, CB, North Carolina State

• One of the top rated corners entering the college football season, Amerson is showing why at the combine.  Amerson didn’t blow anybody away with his 4.44 40, his 15 reps on the bench press, or his vertical and broad jump, but he looked great in drills.  This guy will be mocked anywhere from the late first round to the third because of his tape and combine.  I see him as an early second rounder, but if he slips into the first round due to his combine work, don’t be shocked.

Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama

• Milliner will likely be the top corner in the 2013 NFL Draft, and he deserves it.  Sure, he dropped a ball during drills, but the game tape speaks for itself.  Milliner did just enough by showing he has elite speed with a 4.37 40 time.  Teams won’t have anything to worry about knowing he’s the second fastest guy in the draft and that he can play ball.

Robert Alford, CB, Southeastern Louisiana

• I’ve been high on Alford for a while, so don’t be shocked he’s on this list.  I was really pleased watching his workouts though.  Alford was a top performer in the 40 (4.39), the bench press (17 reps), vertical (40 inches), and broad jump (132 inches).  This guy is going to go higher than a lot of people think.  Teams took notice of his consistency, now they just need to turn on the tape.

- Luke N. Sims

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Feb 24, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback EJ Manuel participates in a passing drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs worked out on Sunday and there were some pretty decisive moves up by some of the players featured.  These guys improved their draft stock with some pretty good workouts.  We’ll see if the workouts were enough to give them a push on draft day.

E.J. Manuel, QB, Florida State

• Manuel has been improving his draft stock since his last college season ended.  He had an excellent Senior Bowl and now his combine has been solid as well.  His passing session was good and he impressed with a quick 4.65 40 yard dash.  He may be pushing himself into the earlier parts of round two.  If quarterback desperate teams are willing to focus more on his workout tape rather than his film tape, then he has really given himself a boost.

Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia

• The undersized Austin needed some combine magic to get the eyes on him.  He got it with a very good 4.34 40 yard dash and a good display of hands and route running.  Some teams may not be able to get past his small 5’8″ frame, but it is possible Austin has secured a first round pick with his performance.

Matt Scott, QB, Arizona

• Scott is getting some attention as the big “sleeper” due to his strong workout.  He didn’t do anything to amaze scouts, but he was among the more impressive quarterbacks when passing.  I’m hesitant to say that he’ll transition smoothly to the pros, but he has certainly gotten himself a little more attention.

- Luke N. Sims

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You can also find me on Twitter @LukeNSims

Feb 21, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Rice tight end Vance McDonald speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL Combine begins this weekend, but for all the scouts and draftniks, this day has been a long time coming.  It will be the ultimate time for analysis of the top draftable talent.  There won’t be a gathering of young talent like this until the NFL Draft, and even then only a select few are invited.

Here’s the schedule of what’s going on and when in case you feel so inclined as to watch some of it on the NFL Network or NFL.com this year.

DAY 1 ARRIVALS*: Group 1 (PK, ST, OL), Group 2 (OL), Group 3 (TE)

DAY 2 ARRIVALS*: Group 4 (QB, WO), Group 5 (QB, WO), Group 6 (RB)

DAY 3 ARRIVALS*: Group 7 (DL), Group 8 (DL), Group 9 (LB)

DAY 4 ARRIVALS: Group 10 (DB), Group 11 (DB)