NFL Pro Day News and Notes: Von Miller Dreams of Being a Dallas Cowboy

It’s been a busy week for NFL and college teams a like, preparing their young players for pro days, interviews, and private workouts. Nate Solder wasted no time getting his name out there for all the right reasons, as he completely blasted Denver Broncos director of college scouting Matt Russell (a former CU Buffs linebacker).

In addition to Russell, the Broncos also sent offensive line coach Dave Magazu to the Colorado workout. The Broncos are rumored to be letting offensive tackle Ryan Harris hit free agency should he choose not to sign his free agent tender, and if that should happen, they will have a gaping hole at right tackle. With Tim Tebow as the future starting quarterback of the franchise, it would make sense for them to invest a high choice on that area of the offensive line. For their zone blocking scheme, Solder is the perfect fit. It would not shock me to see them try and move up to get him.

• Louisville CB Johnny Patrick, a projected 2nd-4th round pick, had dinner with the San Francisco 49ers
• Purdue DE Ryan Kerrigan had an individual meeting with the Jacksonville Jaguars, who have shown strong interest in him throughout this whole process.
• The Green Bay Packers, rumored to be interested in upgrading the defensive and offensive lines, sent head coach Mike McCarthy and general manager Ted Thompson to Wisconsin’s pro day. The Badgers feature two top prospects in both regards, our #1 rated offensive tackle in Gabe Carimi and arguably the 2nd best 3-4 defensive end prospect, J.J. Watt. The Packers could also be looking for depth on the interior line, in which case guard/center John Moffitt is a great fit.
• The Chicago Bears, in the market for an offensive tackle, sent offensive line coach Mike  Tice and offensive coordinator Mike Martz to the Wisconsin pro day, which really drew a crowd. Tice and Martz were obviously there to see Moffitt and Carimi, but sources indicated that Martz payed close attention to quarterback Scott Tolzien, who allegedly would be a “perfect fit” in Martz’s system.
• The Cincinnati Bengals sent their defensive backs coach to watch Nebraska’s pro day, likely for cornerback Prince Amukamara. The Bengals could potentially lose Pro Bowl corner Jonathan Joseph to free agency (if/when it happens). Cincinnati owns the 4th pick in the draft, and if Patrick Peterson is already off the board, Amukamara could be their choice. Even if Peterson is still there, the Bengals might want to go for the more refined Amukamara, who could just as easily start as a rookie and make an impact. There has also been talk of him potentially moving to safety, which the Bengals also have a hole at.
• Texas A&M linebacker Von Miller has always dreamed of playing for the Dallas Cowboys, and was disappointed they have not requested a private interview yet:  “I always saw myself with a blue star on the side of my helmet,” Miller said. “It’d be a dream come true, I’d probably pass out, you know.” Miller grew up a Cowboys fan, was born and raised in Texas, and played his college ball in the great football state.
• Wisconsin offensive tackle Gabe Carimi will make a visit to Buffalo to meet with the Bills next week.
• The Pittsburgh Steelers sent head coach Mike Tomlin to the Wisconsin pro day as well. The Steelers would love to nab either Carimi or Moffitt at some point in the draft, and could be looking at power back John Clay as well. You don’t send the head coach for later round picks though, Tomlin was there to see Carimi and Watt, would be my guess.
• Wisconsin OG John Moffitt commented on the NFL labor discussions: “I hope they get it figured out because my parents do not give me allowance anymore…I need money”
• I’ve learned that the Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, and Carolina Panthers will hold private workouts with Auburn quarterback Cam Newton.
• All 32 teams were in attendance at the Nebraska pro day, where Niles Paul improved his 40 yard dash time to 4.37 seconds. At 6’1″ 225 pounds, that is incredible speed.
• Northwestern DT Corbin Bryant is not often talked about, but he is a legitimate 6’5″ and almost 300 pounds, and the St. Louis rams sent GM Billy DeVaney to watch the Wildcats’ pro day. Also on deck for Bryant is a private workout with the New England Patriots, who have seven picks in the first four rounds and a need at the 5 technique position.
• 22 teams were in attendance for the Oklahoma State pro day, and the best prospect there by far is running back Kendall Hunter, who is drawing comparisons to Darren Sproles.
• The Bengals sent defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer to the Texas A&M pro day, likely to watch linebacker Von Miller, who could be an option with the 4th overall pick.
• Bill Belicheck, Jack Del Rio, and some other big head coaching names were expected at the University of Miami pro day, which got started but was quickly rained out. The Patriots would likely be looking at later round guys, and possibly Allen Bailey, the athletic defensive lineman. More likely though, I think the Patriots were there to see Leonard Hankerson, a big, speedy receiver who would fit their scheme perfectly. The Pats have three picks in the top 33, and I could see Hankerson going as high as 28 overall to them. Del Rio was likely there to watch cornerback Brandon Harris, who is expected to be a mid-late first round pick.