Notes on a trip to the NFL Scouting Combine.If LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey's absence from the combine causes him to move down on draft boards, who will move up?
The answer may be North Carolina defensive tackle Kentwan Balmer, an engaging young man who says he's excited about the prospect of working out in front of all 32 NFL coaches.
"That's what we came here for, to work out, right?" Balmer said when asked if he'd go through every drill.
Balmer, a 6-foot-4, 300-pounder, takes his football seriously. He talked about the way he watches what he eats, always makes sure to get enough sleep, and studies lots of films. So detailed is his film study, Balmer says, that he's at times been able to know whether a run or pass is coming because he has learned that an opposing offensive lineman tips off whether he's run blocking or pass blocking based on whether he staggers his feet when he lines up.
Balmer's likely NFL position is as a three-technique defensive tackle, but he can play anywhere on the defensive line. Although everyone seems to think the top three defensive lineman in this year's draft are, in some order, Dorsey, Chris Long and Sedrick Ellis, don't be surprised if Balmer makes a move.
