The players finally started workouts today, to the great relief of most. Today was offensive linemen, tight ends and the special team specialists kicking things off. Star of the day: Purdue TE Dustin Keller, who put up more bench reps and ran the fastest 40 time of all TEs, as well as blowing away the competition in the broad jump, which he had the best distance by nearly a full foot. He also looked the most natural catching the ball with his hands and turning to run with it. Catching the ball sure did not come easy to many of the TEs on Friday. By my recollection only 3 of the 18 participants caught every ball thrown to them, and at least half the passes that got caught were trapped onto the body or juggled a little. That's really not good, because the general perception of this year's TE class is that it's weak on blocking but has a lot of quality receivers. I think a lot of us beg to differ after watching the performance. If they gave out a Mr. Congeniality award for the entire combine, my vote would go to North Carolina DT Kentwan Balmer. He's a bright center of attention wherever he goes, quick with a smile and an honest comment. Everyone I've talked with who interviewed him genuinely likes and respects Balmer, who needed a good showing here to allay the fears that he only had one good collegiate season. I asked him about how sincere and engaging he came across, and he told me it's because he did almost no interview preparation -- he wanted to be himself and not give any wrong ideas about himself. That's a stark contrast to a lot of guys here (Darren McFadden and Chris Long -- this means you!), who appear to be reading from crib notes just inside their eyelids every time they answer a question. Fun reality check of the day: Bowling Green C Kory Lichtensteiger is universally panned by every scouting pundit as having short arms, a real negative label. I asked him to stand next to me and see whose arms are longer. I'm 6'5?, he's a hair over 6'3? and our reach was within an inch. He's got very long hand bones and fingers compared to me. I guess expectations are for these linemen to be able to drag their knuckles or something... I got to meet Steve Mariucci today. The former Lions coach is now doing quality work for the NFL Network, which is freaking ubiquitous here. Yes mom, Mooch's eyes really are that blue! Quite the juxtaposition of athletics is going on, as there is some sort of gymnastics convention also going on here in downtown Indy. Most of the participants in that gathering don't measure over 4'6? or weigh 100 pounds -- or about the size of Miami DE Calais Campbell below the waist. I humbly bet that the duo of Chilo Rachal and Jeff Otah eat more tonight than all the participants in the gymnastics meet will all weekend. Glenn Dorsey made a bit of a surprise showing. I'd heard through a couple of different grapevines that he was suspected of hiding an injury and using a dead relative as a cover for it (that reads more sinister than intended). He showed up, weighed in about 20 pounds lighter than expected (296), and looked like he hadn't slept in about 3 weeks. Do not be surprised to see USC DT Sedrick Ellis move ahead of Dorsey on a lot of draft boards, as the durability and desire of Dorsey are being openly questioned, apparently with good reason. The Bears raised more eyebrows today by re-signing embattled QB Rex Grossman to a one year deal. I keep envisioning Lovie Smith endlessly repeating the mantra "Rex is our starting quarterback", then wondering why his team finishes 5-11. Sorry Bears fans, but there's not a person here I've talked to with much positive to say about that team, other than Lovie Smith's goatee looks great. Jeff.Risdon@RealGM.com