Fabian Washington, Nebraska, Cornerback -- The first round is expected to be heavy with quality cornerbacks, but Washington has climbed the charts a bit because of his eye-popping 40 times on Nebraska's pro day. Washington ran a 4.29 and a 4.31, and had a vertical leap of 41.5 inches. Once considered a borderline first-round prospect at best, Washington could now go in the 18-to-24 range. If there's an early run on the top-rated corners, that number could inch even higher.

With such outstanding jumping ability, Washington is considered the best pure athlete among the first-round cornerbacks, and he's certainly the quickest. His three years of starting experience in a major program are also seen as a huge plus for a team in need of an immediate impact player. Washington is a little on the small side at 5-10 1/2, 188 pounds, but he plays tough and his ball skills compare favorably with any of the other higher-ranked prospects.

Khalif Barnes, Washington, Offensive Tackle -- There's little mystery to Barnes' rising fortunes. It's the law of supply and demand. He's the only legitimate big-time left tackle in the draft, and therefore he's virtually bullet-proof. Barnes has great footwork and is seen as being ready to play the offensive line's toughest position almost immediately. Despite missing the final six games of his senior season with a wrist injury, he's not a question mark because he turned in strong performances at both the Senior Bowl and the Combine.

Unlike many collegiate offensive-line prospects, Barnes seems to excel both in pass protection and run blocking, and he has enough athleticism at 6-5, 311 pounds to be able to hold his own against even the quickest defensive ends in the NFL. Teams such as Baltimore at No. 22 and San Diego at No. 28 are thought to be eyeing him, but it would be an upset if he's still on the board when the Chargers' second first-round pick rolls around.

FIVE FALLING DOWN

Adam Jones, West Virginia, Cornerback -- It's not yet conventional wisdom to put "Pac-Man'' in the falling category, but given that he has been projected to go as high as sixth overall to Tennessee in some mock drafts, we think he's going to end up considerably short of that lofty slot. And short might just be the operative word.

Jones measured a bit over 5-10 at the Combine, but he's still in the category of a small cornerback, and when push comes to shove, this is a league that likes its top cover men to be a little taller than that. It didn't help Jones' cause that he had only an average pro day workout and his ball skills were not judged to be top notch. He ran a 4.47 40, which is good, but for his size, he should have been even a tad faster.

With so many talented cornerbacks available, Jones needs to be head and shoulders better than the likes of Miami's Antrel Rolle and Auburn's Carlos Rogers -- both of whom stand 6-foot or better -- to be the first cornerback taken. We think Rolle will wind up ahead of Jones, and Rogers might wind up pushing him for the No. 2 slot.

Cedric Benson, Texas, Running Back -- Whereas Auburn's Ronnie Brown and Carnell Williams have improved their standing during the past six weeks, turning in boffo Combine workouts, Benson largely sat out the Combine and then posted a disappointing pro day showing. He also has personality issues that might echo a little too much of Ricky Williams and his penchant for aloofness.

That said, don't look for Benson to fall below No. 8 Arizona. Cardinals head coach Dennis Green loves powerful north-south runners like Benson, and likely won't be scared away by the questions regarding his temperament.

The Cardinals' thinking is Benson won't time or test as well as Brown or Williams, but he's a better player than he is a workout warrior. He can run people over, keep his feet and his balance, and make the plays that keep the chains moving. He's not going to make as much money in signing bonus as the two Auburn backs, who will both go ahead of him, but he has a chance to be a more productive pro right away.