Three Nittany Lions at scouting combine

The first step toward realizing the dream of playing in the NFL began yesterday for former Penn State offensive tackle Floyd Wedderburn at the NFL Scouting Combine and starts today for former Nittany Lions defensive end Brad Scioli and wide receiver Joe Nastasi.

The annual combine, which extends throughout the weekend and into Monday at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, consists of various speed, skill, agility and psychological tests specific for each position.

Scouts from each of the NFL's 31 teams are provided with another view of potential draft picks' abilities in addition to the prowess they illustrated during the past season.

For some players, the combine is a chance to impress the scouts after failing to seize such an opportunity during the regular season.

"After the year I had, a lot of people aren't expecting too much," said Nastasi, who broke his left hand in the Lions' 27-17 win over Minnesota Oct. 10. "Even I was selling myself short. Now, the sky's the limit (this weekend). I have to go out and surprise some people."

Wedderburn and Scioli, both of whom competed in postseason senior all-star games, look to use the combine to improve on prospective draft status.

The NFL Draft is April 17-18.

-- by Vito Forlenza