DES MOINES, IOWA -- As the Drake football team nears the conclusion of its first week of spring practice, the Bulldogs had scouts from the Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings stop by Friday evaluating senior-to-be defensive linemen Andrew Asbell (Machesney Park, Ill.) and Dain Taylor (Highlands Ranch, Colo. )

A six-foot 4-inch, 267-pound defensive tackle,  Asbell has been a three-year starter being named to The Sports Network Mid-Major All-American second team in 2007. He earned second-team All-Pioneer Football League honors in 2007 and was an honorable mention choice in 2008.

Taylor, who stands 6-3 and weighs 242 pounds, earned first team All-PFL honors at defensive end last year after leading the league in quarterback sacks (10.5) and tackles for losses (19.5 for 90 yards) while ranking second in forced fumbles with four.

"I think that our team is full of talented players and as Andrew (Asbell)and Dain (Taylor) go into their fifth year, they are special talents," said third year Drake head coach Chris Creighton. "By the measurable standards those guys potentially fit the NFL mold. It is exciting to get interest from the National Football League.

"The best players from our league get opportunities to play in the NFL. When we talk to recruits we tell them that in order to be the best at our level, we have to have some NFL caliber people playing.

"Andrew and Dain are two leaders in our program" Creighton added. "They also are passionate about football, but at the same time have done well in school. We are looking forward to their last go around at Drake."