Danario Alexander, leading receiver for the Missouri Tigers in 2009, underwent surgery on his left knee Tuesday, according to a report from SI.com. Alexander will be unavailable for next week’s NFL Scouting Combine and his pro day, but he should be fully recovered by the time teams are ready for training camp.

Alexander injured his knee during practice for the 2010 Under Armour Senior Bowl. He had little pain during the week so he still played in the game. Following his performance, a MRI showed Alexander had a defect in the cartilage of the left knee. A team of specialists, including Dr. James Andrews, recommended surgery for Alexander.

During his senior season, Alexander caught 113 passes last season for 1,781 yards and 14 touchdowns. He was a projected 4th or 5th round pick by NFL Mocks. He becomes the second wide receiver this week to be ruled out of the combine. Georgia Tech’s Demaryius Thomas broke his foot yesterday.

Georgia Tech wide receiver Demaryius Thomas was going through the three-cone drill when he suffered an unfortunate injury. Thomas broke his left foot while training in Scottsdale, Arizona, according to a SI.com report.

Per the report:

His agent, Todd France, told SI.com that it was a clean break and doctors expect a recovery time of four to six weeks. “There are no longterm effects from the injury and Demaryius will be 100 percent by the time OTA’s begin,” said France, who added that surgery is a possibility. “If surgery hastens the healing process, that is something we will consider.”

According to observers at Athletes Performance, where Thomas has been training, the 6-foot-3, 227-pound receiver had been turning in sensational workouts in preparation for the combine. He recently ran a verified 4.38 in the 40, which was recorded on film and will be sent to every team in the league, France told SI.com.

Thomas is currently the number two wide receiver in the NFL Mocks rankings and No. 23 overall on the Big Board.

Thomas possesses great size at 6′3, 229-pounds and is a very talented player. He was overlooked in college due to Georgia Tech’s option-based offense, but he had an excellent junior season. Thomas finished the year with 46 receptions, 1,154 yards and eight touchdowns — 25.1 yards per reception. Over his career, he had 120 receptions, 2,339 yards and 14 touchdowns.

The Georgia native was moving up draft boards and word of the 4.38 40-yard dash time should only help his draft stock. His broken foot could push him back to the early to mid second-round range.

1. C.J. Spiller, Clemson

Spiller is an explosive back that has scouts drooling. He has drawn comparisons to current Saints running back Reggie Bush, but Spiller has a more solid build and his legs don’t go dead on first contact like Bush. Spiller also has added value with his ability to catch passes out of the backfield and he will contribute in the returning game.

As a receiver, the Clemson back runs excellent routes and has great hands. He would be a perfect change of pace back and will be utilized in many positions. You could see Spiller in the backfield, lined up at slot or even split out wide.

Spiller will need to work on his pass protection and he isn’t going to be effective around the goal line, however, his explosiveness and versatility along with his patience and vision will land him in the top of the draft.

Grade: Top 15 pick
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2. Ryan Mathews, Fresno State

The nation’s leading rusher Ryan Mathews, unlike C.J. Spiller, has the size (5′11, 220) to become an every down back in the NFL. He has incredible footwork and balance. He proved during his time at Fresno State that he can handle the main load while still maintaining his speed.

Mathews will need to improve as a receiving threat, but he is a very reliable ball carrier.

What he lacks in the receiving game, Mathews more than makes up for it with his ball security and toughness. In his 535 career carries, Mathews only allowed the ball to hit the turf three times.

Mathews runs with power and he still has the ability to make defenders miss in tight spaces. If Mathews see a gap he will beat the defender to the spot and take the ball all the way to the endzone.

Grade: Top 25 pick

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3. Jahvid Best, California

Jahvid Best has been out of action since November 7 when he suffered a serious concussion against Oregon State. Best is another speed back, which this class is heavy on.

He has elite speed, but what makes him dangerous is his ability to maintain that speed in and out of the cuts. Best always keeps his feet moving and that allows him to pick up some extra yards. He does need to get stronger and run with more power, but with his elusiveness and vision, Best will be able to find the hole.

Best also brings the added value as a receiving threat. He has soft hands and is brilliant in open space. He runs with a low pad level that will make him a challenge to bring down for defensive backs.

Grade: First-round pick

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4. Dexter McCluster, Ole Miss

McCluster is the most exciting player in this year’s draft. He is the jack of all trades and has really seen his value skyrocket in the offseason. McCluster blew scouts away at the Senior Bowl with his ability to play both running back and wide receiver.

With his lack of size (5-foot-6, 165-pounds), McCluster will likely be drafted as a running back and could see himself filling the “Darren Sproles” role for an offense. The running style is similar, however, the Ole Miss back is a much better passing threat than Sproles.

McCluster will be highly valued with his home run ability. Offensive coordinators will be lobbying to take this guy in the teams war rooms on draft day.

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5. Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech

Dwyer is one of the top power backs in this year’s class. At 235-pounds, he runs with incredible power and will not shy away from contact. Dwyer had 517 carries during his time at Georgia Tech and he never recorded a fumble in his collegiate career.

His numbers are not as eye-dropping as some other prospects, but that is mainly due to his role in the Yellow Jackets triple-option offense. Dwyer served as the fullback where most of his work was done inside the tackles.

While his numbers may have suffered, his leg strength and bruising running style was highlighted.

Grade: mid to late second-round pick

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This is the time where former college players are preparing for the upcoming draft to go for their dreams. Many players will find financial security — especially those signing in the first round — and one player has already signed a big deal to ensure he will be getting big dollars.

Former Clemson running back C.J. Spiller has inked a multi-year deal with Razor Entertainment that will pay NFL Mocks top rated running back six-figures.

Spiller is considered to be a first-round lock and the explosive back has drawn comparisons to former Southern Cal back Reggie Bush.

The ex-Tiger finished his collegiate career with 3,547 yards and 32 touchdowns on the ground.

“The opportunity that I have to play in the Senior Bowl is one that I will certainly cherish and value because NFL teams and scouts haven’t seen me for a year,” Rolle said. “This will be the first time I’m on a stage with some other talented players to display my ability and show that I haven’t lost any of my athleticism in a year.

“The only thing I haven’t done in a year is hit somebody and be physical. So once I get that first hit out of my system I think it will be like normal again. I’ve been playing football for 15, 16 years and I’m just ready for the Senior Bowl and the challenge that lies ahead.”

For his career, Rolle has 206 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and 13 pass deflections. He has been working with renowned trainer Tom Shaw since he graduated from FSU in 2008 in preparation for the 2010 NFL Draft. Following a career in the NFL, Rolle plans on attending medical school and becoming a neurosurgeon. He also hopes to open up a free medical clinic in his native Bahamas.

Thomas possesses great size at 6′3, 229 lbs. and is a very talented player. He was overlooked in college due to Georgia Tech’s option-based offense, but he had an excellent junior season. Thomas finished the year with 46 receptions, 1,154 yards and eight touchdowns. That’s 25.1 yards per reception! Over his career, he had 120 receptions, 2,339 yards and 14 touchdowns. Depending on Thomas’ 40 time, he could shoot up draft boards. He is currently projected as a second round pick.

Thomas’ teammates, Running Back Jonathan Dwyer, Safety Morgan Burnett and Defensive End Derrick Morgan will also announce their decisions today at a press conference. Morgan, a likely top-10 pick, seems like a shoe-in to enter the draft.

(Andrew Melnick is Howard the Dunk’s lead blogger and a contributor at NFL Mocks Subscribe to his RSS feed and add him on Twitter to follow him daily.)

Marvin Austin announced on his Twitter account that he will return to school for his final year of eligibility rather than to opt for the NFL Draft.

I will be a Tar Heel for 2010! I could go get paid but in some things it ain’t all about the money … I love Carolina.

Austin could have found his way into the end of round one. He was selected to the All-ACC second team.

Three other Tar Heel juniors join Austin in his decision to return to school. Defensive back Deunta Williams, linebacker Quan Sturdivant, linebacker Bruce Carter and defensive back Kendric Burney will all return to North Carolina.

“We all agreed that next year can be the year,” said Williams. “We believe we can be special, not only as a defense, but as a team.”

Fox, who is a projected second round pick, will now turn his attention to the NFL. His size (6′7, 314) and starting experience will catch the attention of many general managers and scouts. He has 47 starts throughout his collegiate career which is third in school history and he was named first-team All ACC this season.

The university announced the news in a press release today. In the statement head coach Randy Shannon said, “We have really appreciated all of Jason’s efforts this season as well as throughout his career. He’s had some nagging injuries this season, and has played through the pain to the point where we as a coaching staff and athletic training staff feel like it would be best for him to not play in the bowl game. Jason has a bright future ahead in football and he needs to be 100 percent going forward.”

Teams in need of a solid blocker this off-season received good news earlier today. when Maryland offensive tackle Bruce Campbell made it known that he would be entering the 2010 draft.

“I feel I can be something special and this is best for me. I have good size and I can protect the quarterbacks’ blind side. I played defensive line in high school so I can also think like a defensive player, which is an advantage.”

– Maryland offensive tackle Bruce Campbell

Campbell is currently projected as a mid to late first round prospect with excellent size, strength, and is comfortable playing on the left side of the line, protecting his quarterback’s blindside. Depending on where he is selected though, Campbell could end up starting his career as a right tackle and then switch over at a later point.

Carter likely would have heard his name called in round one.

“I made up my mind a long time ago, I want to graduate and get my degree,” Carter said. “I’m going to come back and finish my education, not only for me but for my family.”

Carter is just one of a handful of juniors on the Tar Heel defense that could turn pro. UNC’s defense ranked first in the ACC in total yards and scoring in ‘09.