UT's Brown opens eyes of NFL scouts

That tag was clipped off when NFL scouts hit their stopwatches at the end of Brown's 40-yard dash Wednesday and saw 4.42 seconds. It was the fastest time of the day in the Neyland Thompson Sports Center.

"I had a role here and I accepted it for the team,'' said Brown, who also turned in a stunning vertical jump of 40 inches. "I'd asked to be moved out wide, but the coaches said it would help the team more if I stayed inside at slot receiver.

"I knew when I got a chance I could show my speed.''

Brown was one of 17 former Vols showing NFL scouts his worth as a potential prospect.

Brown's performance may have moved him from undrafted free agent, to fifth- or sixth-round draft pick.

Linebacker Kevin Burnett is projected to be the first Vol taken in the April 23 draft.

"I've heard some teams think I have the most talent of all the linebackers going to the NFL,'' said Burnett, a projected late-first round to early-second round pick who ran a 4.58 40. Burnett has scheduled visits with Dallas, Kansas City, Atlanta and Tampa Bay.

Offensive lineman Jason Respert raised eyebrows with 33 repetitions of 225 pounds on the bench press.

The most important thing offensive lineman Michael Munoz has done during NFL evaluations was show up healthy at the combine.

"I just found out I passed all the physicals and tests,'' said Munoz, who was plagued with knee and shoulder injuries throughout his UT career.

Quarterback C.J. Leak remained a physical specimen, running a 4.67 40 and doing 22 repetitions of 225 on the bench.

Other Vols didn't fare as well. Kick returner Corey Larkins timed out at 4.55 in the 40 and tailback Cedric Houston injured his a back while doing the broad jump and ran a 4.58 40. Derrick Tinsley ran a 4.54 40 and tailback Jabari Davis pulled his hamstring while running.

UT will have scouts in for a second pro day March 30.