HUNTINGTON -- Leading to this weekend's NFL Draft, C.J. Spillman embraced a variety of auditions.

From all-star games to the NFL Combine and Marshall Pro Day, Marshall University's former free safety elevated his status. Pro Day, in particular, appears to have cemented a mid-round selection on Sunday. His Scouts Inc. grade card includes "above-average height. ... top-end speed but too lean at this point."

As a junior, the 6-foot, 197-pound defensive back led the Thundering Herd with 131 tackles. He totaled 71 stops, four batted passes and a forced fumble in 2008, earning second-team All-Conference USA honors for a second straight year.

Speaking to his agent, Ian Greengross, and during informal talks with NFL scouts, Spillman's top asset through the "interview" process has been a willingness to accept feedback. Spillman's lowest grade exiting the March NFL Combine concerned pass coverage and fluidity in the open field.

He addressed both, earning Pro Day praise from numerous scouts.

"It speaks volumes of his intelligence and his character," Greengross said. "He's willing to listen and learn and make himself a better player."

Annually, the NFL Draft proves the definition of a two-day guessing game. Still, Spillman appears to have locked down a Sunday selection. Rounds one and two will be televised by ESPN and the NFL Network beginning at 4 p.m. Saturday. Round three, continuing through round seven, kicks off at 10 a.m. Sunday.

"We've talked with a few teams and based on the Combine, his workouts and of course his senior year, teams have said third round," Greengross said. "Several teams have said fourth round as well."

Spillman conducted approximately 15 interviews with NFL representatives at the Combine and since has spoken with officials from the San Diego Chargers, Dallas Cowboys, St. Louis Rams and Jacksonville Jaguars.

Greengross, however, realizes well pre-draft machinations. The Houston Texans did not speak with Greengross or client Amobi Okoye but selected the former Louisville defensive tackle with the 10th overall pick in 2007. Conversely, the Oakland Raiders made no secret of their desire to draft Darren McFadden, another Greengross client, last year and followed up by opting for the Arkansas tailback with the No. 4 overall pick.

"Every team handles it a little different," Greengross said.

Spillman is content entering this weekend, enjoying the "waiting game" with family and friends in Louisville, Ky. Feedback has been positive, making for an interesting draft.

"The team that gets C.J. gets a good player who has proven he'll play through pain," Greengross said. "He has high football intelligence and he's proven that he can take what's asked and improve on it.

"It's going to be a lucky team."

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Wisconsin running back P.J. Hill (39) dives into the end zone in front of Marshall defensive back C.J. Spillman (4) for a touchdown run during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)