Pro Day Tracker

Receiver David Nelson has been a pleasant surprise thus far. The tall wideout touched 38 inches on the vertical jump, 10-feet, 4.5-inches in the broad and ran well in the 40, with a best time that read just under 4.5 on a number of watches. Nelson was the forgotten man on a Gators team rich with skill players, but scouts feel he has the skills necessary to make a squad as a fifth receiver. They rave about Nelson's downfield blocking. Today's workout numbers could push him into the late rounds.

The Gators participating in today's pro day have already completed their jumps and bench press. They are presently running the 40 and the early indications are not good for Brandon Spikes. Few stop watches had Spikes 40 time under 5.0 seconds, with most reading between 5.02-to-5.08.

Tight end Aaron Hernandez, who did not workout at the combine because of a back injury, had an unofficial 40 time of 4.64.

The celebration of St Patrick's Day takes a back seat to today's pro-day workouts for NFL scouts. The headliner takes place in Gainesville, where Tim Tebow and other Gators prospects are working out, but critical pro-day events are also scheduled for Illinois, Tennessee and Fresno State.

While most in Gainesville will focus on Tebow, Florida's pro day is also important for cornerback Joe Haden and linebacker Brandon Spikes. Haden must improve on his poor 40 time from the combine to have any chance of being picked in the draft's top 10 selections.

Spikes, who chose not to run in Indianapolis, must post a good 40 time or he will fall into the middle of round two. Scouts have questioned his foot speed all season long and recent word in the scouting community is Spikes has not been diligent about his workouts during the offseason.

The field where the workout will take place is wet from rain, so both players will be at a disadvantage.

Two Gator defenders who won't be working out are defensive end Jermaine Cunningham and linebacker Ryan Stamper. Cunningham is still recovering from a torn labrum while Stamper recently injured his back. Both are scheduled to work out in early April.

• In Illinois, another highly considered player won't be taking the field. Jon Asamoah, rated by most teams as one of the top five guards available in April's draft, suffered a hairline fracture of his shoulder blade during Senior Bowl practices in January. He did not work out at the combine and will bypass today's pro day. Asamoah has already scheduled April 8 as the day he will workout privately for NFL scouts.

• Fresno State running back Ryan Mathews turned in a terrific workout at the combine but hopes to improve this morning during the Bulldogs pro day. We were told Tuesday night that the highly rated ball carrier will run the 40 and take part in most of today's workout.