With the 2017 NFL Scouting Combine in the rear-view mirror, the last and final stop on the way to the actual draft is pro days. NFL draft prospects across the country will invite scouts and general managers to their schools to watch them work out, run drills and generally try to impress as people and prospects.
For some, a pro day is a huge opportunity to stand out in front of NFL personnel in a more intimate setting. For others, though, pro days are that one last chance to make an impact and perhaps impact their draft stock in a positive light.
For these five hyped NFL draft prospects, having a big-time pro day is going to be a big deal. Here’s why.
Adoree’ Jackson, cornerback, USC
Cornerback Adoree’ Jackson is one of the best overall football players in the draft. He was a dynamic corner and kick returner for USC. And he even played on offense at times, notching six receiving touchdowns in three seasons for the Trojans.
The problem Jackson is facing in the 2017 draft is that it’s an incredibly deep class at cornerback. Sure, he’s a great prospect, but he’s going up against players like Alabama’s Marlon Humphrey, Ohio State’s dynamic duo of Marshon Lattimore and Gareon Conley, Washington’s Sidney Jones, Florida’s Jalen Tabor and others.
Jackson is a big name coming from a resurgent USC program, but he has his work cut out for him to stand out among that talented group.
The good news is, so far so good.
At the combine, he ran a 4.42-second 40-yard dash, which checked in just behind Humphrey’s 4.41, and he did very well in the field drills. He’s a great athlete, so that’s not surprising. But a good showing in USC’s Pro day could take his pre-draft experience from good to great.
He could go from a middle-of-the-pack corner to perhaps a top-three off the board with one more big pre-draft showing.
John Ross, wide receiver, Washington
Washington wideout John Ross was one of the big winners coming out of the combine. Heading into Indianapolis we all knew he was fast. Just how fast was the question.
He went out and proved the scouting reports right, which wasn’t a surprise, but he did it in style by beating Chris Johnson’s combine record for the 40-yard dash. Ross ran a 4.22 40, which was easily the best at the combine. Johnson’s previous record was 4.24.
Unfortunately, Ross pulled a muscle on his record-breaking run, and that’s what makes his Pro Day important.
For one, he’ll get a chance to prove that he’s A-OK and ready to set some more records in the NFL.
Secondly, in drills, interviews and on-field workouts, he’ll get one last chance to prove that his game is more than just speed.
Ross has the potential to be an all-around superstar wide receiver for some lucky (and smart) NFL team as a first-round pick. His pro day will be the last opportunity he gets to show firsthand that he’s more than just his 40 time as a wideout. Though that’s what he’ll be known for from here on out.
Reuben Foster, linebacker, Alabama
Reuben Foster, the super-talented Alabama linebacker, got into what was referred to as a “heated altercation” with a hospital worker during the pre-exam phase of the combine medical exams. Foster and the hospital worker reportedly got face-to-face, and Foster was sent home and dismissed from the combine as a result.
After the fact, Foster’s agent sent out the following letter to NFL teams.
Heading into the combine, Foster was thought of as a talented linebacker with championship experience and a potential top-10 pick. He was expected to solidify himself as a 2017 draft superstar prospect with a strong showing at the combine.
Instead, he made one of the worst, if not the worst impression in NFL Combine history.
Alabama’s pro day may not be the last opportunity he gets to clear up his reputation. But facing the music and answering for his actions certainly can’t hurt him at this point.
Jaleel Johnson, defensive tackle, Iowa
Jaleel Johnson forged a great career as a defensive tackle at Iowa because of his speed and size. Despite being 6-foot-3, 313 pounds, he was known for his ability to shoot the gap and get into the backfield as a defensive tackle. As evidence, he notched 113 tackles (54 solo), 18.5 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks in four seasons for the Hawkeyes. Ten of those tackles for loss and 7.5 of his sacks came in 2016.
Unfortunately for Johnson, he was somewhat of a disappointment in the NFL Scouting Combine.
He ran a 5.38 40-yard dash, which was the second-worst recorded time among defensive lineman. His 10-yard split was even worse.
His bench press, a major test of strength, was also very underwhelming. Johnson put up only 19 reps in the bench press, which was tied for the sixth-worst output among defensive linemen. For comparison’s sake, Auburn defensive end Carl Lawson put up 35 reps.
The good news for Johnson is that he still has Iowa’s pro day, and the Hawkeyes have a great reputation among NFL scouts. His results at the combine weren’t great, but he can still show off his size and foot speed. Thankfully for him, Iowa City is a great place to do just that.
Isaiah Ford, wide receiver, Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech wide receiver Isaiah Ford was supposed to flash some speed and athleticism at the combine. But unfortunately, he put up some very sub-par results. He ran a 4.61 in the 40-yard dash, which was very underwhelming, especially when compared to John Ross’ number.
To put it in greater perspective, consider this: Only 14 of the receivers that ran at the combine ran a 4.60 or slower. Compare that to the 37 who ran quicker than a 4.60, including the 18 that ran a sub 4.50 40, and Ford’s time looks horrible.
He also didn’t impress in the 20-yard shuttle, which is a measurement of quick-twitch athleticism. Ford ran a 4.34 in that event, which was the 11th-worst time among all the wide receivers.
Ford did have a decent vertical jump (35.5 inches). But without a doubt, he’s going to have to have a good pro day to make up for his ho-hum results at the NFL Draft Combine.