When it comes to the Senior Bowl, a player's performance in the mid-week practices is almost always more important than how they fare in the game itself. And by most accounts, Harry Douglas has nothing to hurt his draft stock in Mobile this week.
The Cardinal record-setter was recently listed as a draft "riser" by SI.com's Tony Pauline.
One team that has reportedly been looking hard at Douglas is the St. Louis Rams, who are uncharacteristically thin at the wide receiver position.
Of course there is another Louisville wideout available in the draft, and Mario Urrutia sat down and talked about his situation with TheFootballExpert.com's Imran Tahir.
Mario Urrutia: So far, so good for the Draft. I think it was a good idea for me to declare early, so that I could get a head start on workouts, etc.
Talk about the injury you sustained this past season, and how it hindered your ability to contribute to the team.
Mario Urrutia: It was torn ligaments outside my big toe (called "Turf Toe"). I never knew how difficult it could be. I couldn't cut at all. All the way around, it was really bad.
Entering the 2007 season, expectations were high for you given both your natural receiving talent, and production during your Sophomore season. Did those expectations affect you in any way?
Mario Urrutia: Not really, cause I went into the season knowing it would be different and difficult with the new coaching staff. The way it ended up, it was just for the worse.
Did any changes in Coach Kragthorpe's offense affect your or your teammates' ability to be effective on the field this past season?
Mario Urrutia: It was a new package, a different offense. I really believe that it was a year which everyone, even the coach, took to get used to everything. I think with that year behind, the guys returning and the coaching staff will be better next season.
Do you feel that there is room for you to become an even better WR? If so, what areas do you feel you need to improve on the most as you enter the NFL?
Mario Urrutia: Most definitely, I can get better - I want to get consistent catching the ball, getting out of my breaks, and improving my speed, 40-yard dash time, etc.
What areas of your game do you feel compare favorably to other wideouts in this year's Draft?
Mario Urrutia: My size and game speed, which is at another level. Plus, I want it so bad, and I know that declaring for the Draft will push me.
Obviously, it's early, but in what round of this year's Draft do you hope to be selected in?
Mario Urrutia: They (the NFL Advisory Committee) said that I would go in Round 4 or 5, but my goal is to go on the first day of the Draft (Rounds 1-2). Really, I'll go in whichever round I'm selected in.
Here's to both guys landing in favorable situations.