Here's what Mike Mayock of the NFL Network had to say about some of this year's 'tweeners, whom he calls ''conversion guys.'' These are the players who can be defensive ends or outside linebackers.

Vernon Gholston, Ohio State: ''He's got wonderful ability, but the knock on him is a lack of every-down consistency. At the top end of the draft, that's going to worry some teams. I played for Bill Parcells and he looks like every rush linebacker Bill Parcells had who was an all-pro. Physically, he looks like Lawrence Taylor or DeMarcus Ware. But I'm not saying he's going to be like them.

''But when you go back to the tapes, he doesn't chase the ball, he doesn't play with the consistency every day. How can he play the way he did in the Michigan game and not show up in the national championship game? That's the other question Bill Parcells is asking himself.''

Quentin Groves, Auburn: ''His biggest problem is his work ethic and consistency. He's got first-round talent, but will probably go in the second round because of his lack of consistency.''

Marcus Howard, Georgia: ''He's more third or fourth round; he might be a straight-on pass rusher.''

Shawn Crable, Michigan: ''He's an interesting guy, a great body, great physical specimen. He's more of an outside linebacker in a 4-3. Some teams are looking at him as a potential rush linebacker in a 3-4, but I don't know if he can do all the things you need, rush and drop. I think he's better off standing over the tight end in a 4-3.''

Antonio Reynolds, Tennessee: ''He's an interesting guy; there's a whole bunch of those guys. He's off the radar a little bit, not a highly rated guy at all. Losing that much weight (down to 255 at last report) trying to convince people what you are, he's a late-rounder at best.''

Other players to watch

Comments from Pro Football Weekly's 2008 Draft Guide:

Bruce Davis, UCLA: Had 29 sacks in four years. Father Bruce Sr. played offensive tackle for the Raiders and Oilers. '''One trick pony who worked out well at the combine and looked athletic enough to bring value as a 3-4 outside linebacker.''

Cliff Avril, Purdue: Had 13 career sacks, all but one-half in the past two years. ''Played out of position in college at strong-side defensive end. Outstanding showing standing up at the combine. Long lineage of successful Purdue rush linebackers should enhance his value for a blitzing 3-4 defense.''

Bryan Smith, McNeese State: Had 31 sacks in past three seasons. ''Shows a very quick first step. Good instincts. Plays smart. Outstanding worker. Mentally tough.''

Darrell Robertson, Georgia Tech: Had 111/2 sacks in four years. ''Very nimble footed and agile; can drop into coverage. Nice closing speed on the perimeter. Not an every-down player in college. Does not play with great urgency or excite scouts with his pass-rush ability.''

Curtis Johnson, Clark-Atlanta: Had 181/2 sacks in two years at Clark. Led the nation with nine forced fumbles in 2006. ''Good athlete, chiseled up top, runs fast in a straight line, is disruptive. Relied on superior athleticism vs. marginal competition.''

— Marla Ridenour