How four prospects raised their status in offseason

A lot can happen between a player's final college game and the NFL draft. Four draft prospects whose draft status has shot up in recent weeks told SI.com's Andrew Perloff their keys to success.

BE YOURSELF

Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska

(Carriker was a late first-round prospect who is now likely a top-12 pick.)

You hear about a lot of people preparing for interviews, but the people who advised me told me one thing: Just be yourself. I went into the Senior Bowl, the combine and every team interview and just let teams know who I am as a person.

When I flew out to visit teams -- Redskins, Eagles, Rams, Jets, Jaguars, Saints and Steelers -- we didn't even talk about football. I was more likely to talk about hunting with a head coach than about a 3-4 or 4-3 defense. I haven't tried to hide anything during this whole process. And I hope my physical tests -- a 4.72 40 at my pro day -- and game footage speak for themselves as well.

BE VERSATILE

Brian Robinson, DE/LB, Texas

(Robinson was not discussed as a surefire pro player in college, but he's impressed several teams during the offseason and is now a possible second-round selection.)

The potential knocks on me were that I was too small to be a defensive lineman and maybe too slow to be a linebacker. But I think I showed a lot of people that I can make a difference in the NFL. After wrapping up at Texas, I worked with former NFL line coach John Pease, and learned a lot about what NFL teams were looking for. Coach Pees worked with me on getting my hands on the offensive lineman quick and making sure I dictated the action, not him.

My 40 (4.67)and bench press at the combine surprised some teams who didn't know what I was all about. I think I can contribute at any position. The 3-4 teams want to make me an outside linebacker and most of the 4-3 teams want me at defensive end. I played linebacker my first year at Texas, so it's not a problem. The bottom line, I'm a football player who can make plays. And I think that's what teams care about.