There were four standout pro days that took place on Wednesday, with several top prospects taking the field in front of sizeable NFL contingents as preparation continues for the NFL Draft. Below you’ll find all the latest news and rumors from the pro day across the country.
NFL Pro Day news and rumours: Maryland’s Chigoziem Okonkwo stands out
Although it didn’t make headlines on several of the other pro day practices on Wednesday, Maryland had two dormant prospects who could be ripped from the board on Day 2.
tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo, who played in Shrine Bowl practices, weighed 243 pounds, just over his combined weight of 238. Okonkwo is recovering from a minor shoulder injury but completed 13 reps off the bench while timing the shuttle short within 4.3 seconds. He looked terrific at catching the ball in positional drills.
Earlier on Twitter, I mentioned that the Tennessee Titans had their offensive coordinator on hand for practice. Tight coaches for the New York Giants, Atlanta Falcons and Baltimore Ravens also attended.
Security Nick Cross logged 21 reps on the bench press and also looked terrific in position exercises. I mentioned earlier that the New York Jets, Titans and New Orleans Saints all had defensive back coaches at your fingertips, just like the commanders of Washington. Also, the Baltimore Ravens had their safety coach in practice. The Saints and Jets coaches put Cross through positional work.
Colorado State tight end Trey McBride shines and NFL teams take notice
tight end Trey McBride put on a show and ran much faster than anyone imagined. Plus, one of the best pass rushers no one talks about also had a great day.
As noted earlier on Twitter, the Titans, Jacksonville Jaguars and Cincinnati Bengals had tight coaches on CSU’s Pro Day. Titans director of player personnel Monti Ossenfort was also in practice.
McBride ran times as fast as 4.51 seconds in the 40-yard dash. His “official” APT time came in at 4.56. Cincinnati worked McBride through positional drills, and he looked terrific. The team spent a lot of time with McBride before the pro day. The senior, who is expected to be selected on Day 2, has 30 scheduled official visits with the Titans and Jaguars.
Pass rusher Scott Patchan, a transfer from Miami, also had a great pro day. Patchan was under 6’4 1/2″ tall and weighed 251 pounds. He completed 29 reps off the bench, hit 32.5″ in the vertical jump and 9’11″ off the bench. Patchan then clocked as fast as 4.68 in the 40 despite straining his hamstrings. An under-the-radar pass rusher who will be considered late in the round, Patchan posted 10.5 sacks and 19.5 TFLs last season.
UAB’s Alex Wright disappoints
It was the second professional day for UAB, and it was mainly a training session for the pass rusher Alex Wrightwhich, by all accounts, looked terrible.
Wright didn’t race at the Combine or the first UAB Pro Day, and he didn’t race today. His wide jump was 9’3″, and I was told Wright struggled in positional drills. He showed little outburst and was “outmatched” in drills by teammate Tyree Turner.
The Jets and Ravens had coaches on hand, while the Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers also attended.
NFL Pro Day news and rumours: Huge crowd of NFL executives attend Baylor practice
There was a large crowd at Baylor Pro Day, including Cardinals defensive back coach Marcus Robertson, Titans secondary coach Anthony Midget, Jets director of player personnel Zach Truty and director of college scouting Jon Carr, Dolphins assistant general manager Marvin Allen, Jeff Ireland of the Saints, Tyler Scudder of the Eagles, Tariq Ahmad of the Niners, Texans general manager Nick Caserio, Antwaan Randle El of the Lions and Marty Hurney of the Commanders.
Senior Bowl Standout Jalen Pitre ran for scouts and ran well. His times ranged between 4.4 and 4.4, and Pitre had a terrific day. Keep an eye out for the Chiefs, who have 12 picks, including four on Day 2 of the draft. I’m told Kansas City loves Pitre as Honey Badger, despite signing Justin Reid.
Combine the stars Kalon Barnes and Tyquan Thornton held onto their 40 Indianapolis times but shot wide jumps of 11’2″ and 10’11”, respectively.
Thornton had dinner with the Saints last night, met extensively with the 49ers as well as the Lions, and has already made his 30th official visit with the Packers.
Running back Trestan Ebner looked excellent at catching football. linebacker Terrel Bernardwho has been dealing with a hamstring injury since the Senior Bowl, clocked in the 4.5 seconds.