Bucs get a final look at Merling

Some draft news to report:

We hear the Bucs were among the more than 10 teams with representatives at a workout earlier today for Clemson defensive end Phillip Merling, with defensive line coach Larry Coyer taking it all in. The Tigers standout had been physically limited until recently because of a sports hernia surgery.

Today's workout was part of an effort by the player to eliminate any concerns about his health. Merling is expected to be a first-round pick selected somewhere just before or just after the Bucs' No. 20 selection. It's a pretty safe bet that he's in the pool of players they're considering, though we can't say for sure how high they have him ranked on their board.

The Redskins, who pick 21st, had everyone from owner Dan Snyder to coach Jim Zorn at the workout.