5 Must-See College Pro Days Before NFL Draft: Scouting the Future Stars
The NFL Draft is just around the corner, and while the Combine offered a glimpse into the potential of top college prospects, Pro Days provide a more intimate and often revealing look at these athletes. These individual showcases allow teams to delve deeper into players' skills, focusing on areas of particular interest and conducting more specialized drills. For scouts and general managers, Pro Days are crucial for refining draft boards and identifying potential sleepers. This year, five Pro Days stand out as must-sees for anyone following the NFL Draft process. Let's dive into the details, examining the key prospects and storylines to watch.
Meta Description: Don't miss out on these 5 crucial College Pro Days before the NFL Draft! We highlight the top prospects, key storylines, and what scouts are looking for in this essential scouting event.
Keywords: NFL Draft, Pro Days, College Football, NFL Scouting, Draft Prospects, [Specific Player Names – e.g., Bijan Robinson, Will Levis], Scouting Combine, NFL Draft 2024, Sleeper Picks
1. Texas Longhorns Pro Day: Bijan Robinson and Beyond
The Texas Longhorns Pro Day is arguably the most anticipated event of the pre-draft season. The main attraction is undoubtedly running back Bijan Robinson, a potential top-15 pick considered by many to be the best running back prospect in the draft. Scouts will be closely scrutinizing his explosiveness, agility, and receiving skills. Beyond Robinson, Texas boasts other intriguing prospects, including defensive tackle Keondre Coburn and wide receiver Xavier Worthy. Coburn's size and power could make him a valuable asset in the later rounds, while Worthy’s speed and route-running ability will be on full display.
What to Watch For: Robinson's 40-yard dash time will be highly publicized, but equally important will be his performance in drills showcasing his receiving ability and pass protection. Coburn's strength and agility tests will determine his draft stock, while Worthy's precise route running and ability to create separation will be under intense scrutiny. The overall performance of the Longhorns' offensive line will also be a significant factor for scouts assessing Robinson's potential.
Potential Sleeper: Keep an eye on Jerrin Thompson, a safety with impressive ball skills and tackling prowess. While he might not be a first-round prospect, his performance could catapult him into the mid-rounds.
2. Kentucky Wildcats Pro Day: Will Levis' Redemption Arc
Kentucky's Pro Day is all about Will Levis, a quarterback with immense physical talent but inconsistent performance in college. Levis possesses a cannon for an arm and exceptional size, but accuracy and decision-making remain significant questions. This Pro Day is his opportunity to showcase improvements and solidify his standing as a first-round pick, or potentially fall further down the draft board. The Wildcats also feature other intriguing prospects, like linebacker J.J. Weaver, whose impressive athleticism could land him a spot on an NFL roster.
What to Watch For: Levis' accuracy on deep throws will be intensely examined, as will his pocket presence and ability to read defenses under pressure. His performance in drills simulating game-like situations will be crucial in proving his readiness for the NFL. Weaver's speed and agility will be tested extensively, revealing whether his impressive physical tools translate to consistent NFL-level play.
Potential Sleeper: Offensive lineman Eli Cox has the potential to emerge as a late-round gem. He'll need to demonstrate improved consistency and technique to impress scouts.
3. Ohio State Buckeyes Pro Day: A Deep Roster of Talent
Ohio State's Pro Day is always a hot ticket, and this year is no exception. The Buckeyes have multiple players projected to be drafted in the first few rounds, including cornerback Cameron Brown, wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., and offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr.. Brown’s speed and coverage skills will be on display, while Harrison Jr. aims to showcase his exceptional route-running and ability to win one-on-one matchups. Johnson Jr.’s power and technique will be closely observed to determine his potential as a franchise left tackle.
What to Watch For: Brown's ability to change direction quickly and mirror receivers will be crucial for scouts assessing his NFL potential. Harrison Jr.'s performance in individual drills and his ability to run crisp routes against elite competition will significantly influence his draft position. Johnson Jr.'s ability to handle pass-rushing drills effectively will be key to convincing teams of his readiness for starting at the NFL level.
Potential Sleeper: Defensive end Zach Harrison could see his stock rise if he delivers a strong performance, showcasing consistent pass-rushing moves.
4. Georgia Bulldogs Pro Day: Another Dominant Bulldog Class
Georgia's Pro Day always draws a massive crowd, and this year is no different. With several players projected to be first-round picks, including defensive tackle Jalen Carter, linebacker Nolan Smith, and cornerback Kelee Ringo, scouts will be intensely scrutinizing their abilities. Carter's power and explosiveness will be key factors, while Smith's speed and versatility as a pass rusher will be highlighted. Ringo's size and athleticism at cornerback will be tested. This Pro Day presents an opportunity to assess the depth of Georgia’s talented roster.
What to Watch For: Carter's performance in drills focused on his explosiveness off the line and his ability to shed blockers effectively will be crucial. Smith will strive to demonstrate improved pass-rushing techniques and consistent edge pressure. Ringo’s performance in one-on-one drills against top receiving talent will confirm his NFL readiness.
Potential Sleeper: Keep a close eye on Christopher Smith, a safety with impressive range and ball skills. His performance could elevate him to the mid-to-late rounds.
5. Alabama Crimson Tide Pro Day: Bryce Young and the Supporting Cast
Alabama's Pro Day will focus heavily on quarterback Bryce Young, the potential number one overall pick. Young's size has been a talking point, and he'll be eager to prove his arm strength and accuracy against NFL-level competition. Beyond Young, Alabama has a number of talented players hoping to improve their draft stock, including edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. and receiver Jahmyr Gibbs. Anderson Jr.'s consistent pass-rushing ability will be tested, while Gibbs’ agility and receiving skills will be showcased.
What to Watch For: Young's arm strength and accuracy on all throws will be rigorously tested, and his ability to execute under pressure will be closely monitored. Anderson Jr. needs to show sustained power and consistency throughout drills to solidify his top-10 ranking. Gibbs’ quickness and ability to make plays after the catch will influence his draft position.
Potential Sleeper: Offensive tackle Emil Ekiyor Jr. could emerge as a solid late-round pick if he performs well in drills demonstrating his strength and consistency.
Conclusion:
These five Pro Days are essential viewing for any NFL draft enthusiast. They offer a closer look at the top prospects and a chance to identify potential sleepers who could make an impact at the professional level. Remember to watch for not only the highly touted players but also the under-the-radar prospects who could significantly impact their draft stock with strong performances. These events showcase the talent and dedication that define the journey from college football star to NFL hopeful. By analyzing these performances, scouts will finalize their draft boards and shape the future of the NFL. Remember to follow reputable sports news outlets and analysts for detailed coverage and up-to-the-minute information on each Pro Day. The race to the NFL Draft is on!
