The defensive linemen were the story of the day at the 2011 NFL Combine, showing off the talent and depth of their strong class. However, in terms of purely individual workouts, a couple of linebackers may have stolen the show.
Texas A&M outside linebacker Von Miller, who packed on about nine pounds after the 2011 Senior Bowl to boost his weight to 246 pounds, clocked a 4.53-second 40-yard dash, and was timed unofficially as fast as 4.46 seconds. That's a remarkable pace given his additional weight, and there should no longer be any doubt that Miller will be one of the first handful of players picked in the 2011 NFL Draft.
Meanwhile, Martez Wilson of Illinois blew scouts away with an official 4.49-second 40-yard dash at over 250 pounds (he was unofficially timed at 4.44). Wilson, who is listed as an outside linebacker, has the required length and explosion to play outside linebacker in a 3-4, and given the athleticism on display Monday, his draft stock should jump simply because of that added versatility.
Another outside linebacker, UCLA's Akeem Ayers, was a slight disappointment, registering unofficial 4.80 and 4.83-second 40 times. He's still a consideration for the late first or early second round, however, due to his versatility.