Two former Colorado players -- linebacker Jordon Dizon and cornerback Terrence Wheatley -- are expected to be drafted somewhere in the middle rounds of the NFL draft. Both finished their careers ranked among the finest players ever at their positions in Boulder.

Two other former Buffs -- running back Hugh Charles and tackle Tyler Polumbus -- could be drafted in the late rounds on Sunday. If they are not picked, they will be signed as preferred free agents Sunday night or Monday.

Charles turned heads at CU pro-timing day last month when he recorded times and lifts on par with the best backs in the draft. He was not invited to the February scouting combine in Indianapolis.

Two CU players were drafted last year and five former Buffs were picked in 2006. The last year in which no CU player was drafted was 2005.

Here's a look at the four Buffs that could be drafted this year:

Hugh Charles, RB, 5,8, 190

Strengths: Speed and good hands. Charles ran a 4.4-second 40-yard dash for scouts at CU pro-timing day. He also benched 225 pounds 25 times, which got the attention of scouts. He also has experience as a return man.

Weakness: He is undersized for an NFL running back and would likely be used as a third-down, pass-catching threat.

Career at CU: Saw extensive action in all four seasons. Left CU as the sixth-leading rusher in the program's history with 517 carries for 2,659 and 17 total touchdowns.

When will he go: Late rounds or undrafted.

Jordon Dizon, LB, 6-0, 225

Strengths: He just has a knack for finding the guy with the ball and getting him on the ground. He is faster than most give him credit, especially when the ball is snapped and adrenaline is pumping. Plays with heart and passion.

Weakness: He struggled in pass coverage early in his career but improved as a senior. He is undersized for a linebacker by NFL standards.

Career at CU: One the best linebackers to ever play for the Buffs. Left the program as a runner-up for the Butkus Award and one of CU's top-five tacklers with 440 in four seasons. Set a program record by playing in 51 games.

When will he go: Late second round to fourth round.

Tyler Polumbus, OT, 6-8, 315

Strengths: Has the size and work ethic coaches covet. He's a smart player who can learn any scheme quickly and adapt on the fly. He is best at pass blocking. He played 893 snaps as a senior and allowed one sack.

Weakness: He has added weight in the past four months but there are concerns about his overall strength and how it translates to his run blocking. He is a better fit for certain teams depending on the blocking scheme.

Career at CU: The most steady performer on the offensive line the past two seasons. Played every snap of every game in that time. Had the high single-game grade last season, earning 97 percent against Nebraska.

When will he go: Late rounds or undrafted.

Terrence Wheatley, CB, 5-10, 190

Strengths: His speed and athleticism have allowed him to compete with any receiver he has been asked to cover. He has good instincts for the ball and generally catches the ball when he has a chance to make an interception. Also is an effective kickoff return man.

Weakness: At 5-10, he will be challenged to cover some of the tall wide receivers in the league. He recovered from a severe wrist injury, which led to surgery that robbed him of mobility in the joint. Some teams might be concerned about the issue, but he has shown he can play effectively despite it.

Career at CU: Tied for third on the career interceptions list with 14. Also broke up 10 passes as a senior. He returned two interceptions for touchdowns in his career.

When will he go: Late second round to fourth round.