Monday was all about defense at the NFL Scouting Combine. Lineman and linebackers took the field to test their strength, speed and agility. The depth at each position is impressive. By most accounts, quality players will still be available into the fourth round of April’s draft.

Crimson Tide backer Rolando McClain skipped the festivities with what his agent described as a bad hamstring. In other hammy news, Michigan defensive end Brandon Graham tweaked his running the 40 and was forced to sit out the rest of the drills. Both are considered surefire first-round picks and each should be 100% healthy for their respective pro days, which will take place later this month.

Without further ado, here are my impressions from Monday’s action:

- There’s a glut of tweener pass rushers. Guys like Dexter Davis, Arthur Moats, Jerry Hughes, Ricky Sapp, and Sergio Kindle all project to be OLB in a 3-4 scheme. With more and more NFL teams moving to the 3-4, stand-up pass rushers are a hot commodity. Davis and Kindle grade out the best, but don’t sleep on Hughes, who could also play in a 4-3 alignment.

- Derrick Morgan is a freaking beast. He’s perfect as a left end in a 4-3 scheme. Has good speed and moves smoothly in space. I’ll be shocked if he’s not an elite player within three years.

- To no one’s surprise, Ndamukong Suh dominated. He’s easily the #1 player in the draft. Fast and powerful, he could push for the Pro Bowl as a rookie. If the Rams don’t go quarterback with the top pick, Suh has to be the man.

- Gerald McCoy seemed a bit stiff in space. He wasn’t terrible, but I was expecting a little more. That being said, he’s still a top 5 prospect who plays faster in pads.

- Sean Weatherspoon was dressed in an all white catsuit. Despite the odd attire, he did nothing to hurt his rep as being one of the top linebackers. Probably better suited to play the WIL or SAM.

- Brian Bosworth’s nephew, Kyle, was among the linebacker invitees. Like his uncle, he’ll be lucky to make it at the next level.

- There is great depth at defensive tackle. Keep an eye out for Dan Williams and Brian Price. Neither is getting the same pub as Suh and McCoy, but both could end up starting for whoever selects them.

- Linebacker Dekoda Watson flashed big time. His athleticism cannot be denied, but he has some serious durability issues. Still, he’s an intriguing player.

- Pat Angerer has the prefect name for an attacking linebacker. He’s undersized, but I can’t help but be reminded of Zach Thomas when I watch him fly around.

- Need a run stuffer? Get Georgia’s Chris Owens, who racked 44 reps on the bench press. Short and stout, Owens would make a nice rotational tackle.

That’s it for the bigs. Today, corners and safeties will be put under the microscope. I’ll be back tomorrow to put a bow on this year’s Combine.