Tom Curran • E-mail

INDIANAPOLIS -

Time and again we've been told this week that the lion’s share of prospect evaluation is done between September and January. It's game tape that matters. But, as is always the case, once everyone gathers in Indy and times and measurements are getting posted, some players get more buzz than others. Here are five who have helped themselves so far this week.

1. Brad Cottam, TE, Tennessee
Measured in at almost 6-8 and 271 pounds, ran a 4.63 40 and had a vertical leap of 33 inches. Cottam also put up 225 pounds 24 times, which is outstanding for a long-limbed gentleman. Now that's a red zone target.

2. Jake Long, T, Michigan
Already projected as a top-10 pick, Long's explosiveness (27.5 inch vertical), power (position-high 37 reps on the bench press) and agility (third-best time in three-cone shuttle at 7.44) really solidified him as being the authentic item.

3. Dustin Keller, TE, Purdue
Keller posted the best 40 time, vertical, broad jump and 20-yard shuttle performances and was second best in the bench press. A 6-3, 242-pounder, this was a tremendous performance for Keller.

4. Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
By deciding to throw while Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan opted not to, Brohm was able to put forth some evidence that Ryan didn't match. It appears the general consensus is that Ryan is still the better prospect but that Brohm maximized his time in Indy while Ryan didn't.

5. Joe Flacco, QB, Delaware
He's 6-foot-6, 236 with an Uzi for an arm and, in a season where the opinions are divided on the abilities of the big-program quarterbacks like Ryan, Brohm and Chad Henne, Flacco has emerged based on his frame and personality.

Of course, not everyone was lucky enough to improve their standing. Here are three who hurt themselves this week.

1. Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
He was polished enough in his answers with the press, but he seemed prepped to the point of being canned. He also seemed very nervous. Teams desire quarterbacks that ooze self-confidence, and Ryan doesn't. He also missed out on the chance to throw before a captive audience and ran a very average 4.96 40.

2. John Carlson, TE, Notre Dame

Slide show   Week in Sports Pictures Golfing from the rough, college football openers, net gain for tennis, and more more photos

After being unable to compete due to illness at the Senior Bowl, Carlson was only able muster a 4.89 in his 40. That put him 10th in his position group.

3. Fred Davis, TE, USC
Regarded coming into the combine as the best tight end prospect, Davis measured out at just 6-foot-3 and dropped several passes during drills Saturday. Not helpful.

MORE FROM NFL

NFL Section Front

Can Favre run from Father Time? Around the NFL, quarterbacks under pressure Is Favre financial savior for the Jets? Novacek's Picks: Favre will win in Jets debut NBCSports' Madden previews Sunday's games   Giants' Kiwanuka accuses Redskin of 'dirty play' Super start for Giants, then a battle for victory Curran: Giants still have 'something to prove' Slide show: Top images from Redskins-Giants Bold 2008 predictions for all 32 NFL teams   NFL Section Front   Add NFL headlines to your news reader: