Yesterday, the Cincinnati Bearcats held their Pro-day. The best prospect for the Bearcats is probably running back Isiaeh Pead who showed off his athleticism at the combine.
From Tony Pauline of Sports Illustrated
Running back Isaiah Pead and defensive tackle Derek Wolfe participated in position drills. Wolfe, in particular, looked good in drills. He was fluid moving around the field and looked powerful during bag drills.
Receiver D.J. Woods turned some heads with an exceptional showing. The 6-foot, 180-pound pass-catcher posted a 37-inch vertical jump, then ran a pair of 40s in the low 4.4-second range (4.42 fastest). During drills Woods ran crisp, detailed routes and caught the ball well. Coaches on hand asked the swift wideout to run nearly a dozen NFL routes and came away impressed with his ability.
Late word from yesterday’s Missouri pro day has NFL scouts buzzing about Tiger field goal kicker Grant Ressel, who consistently split the uprights from 60 yards during his workout
Another take on Cincinnati’s ProDay
After largely staying away from Isaiah Pead during the NFL scouting combine, the Bengals were out in full force during the University of Cincinnati Pro Day Friday at the Sheakley Athletic Center.
Pead stood on his workout marks from the combine but did do position drills as running backs coach Jim Anderson, receivers coach James Urban and quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese looked on. Head coach Marvin Lewis did not attend, but director of player personnel Duke Tobin was there.
In addition to receiving drills, Pead also fielded punts under the watchful eye of special teams coach Darrin Simmons.
@GoBEARCATS
Cincinnati BearcatsFootball pro day today with all 32 @nfl teams represented. Follow along all day for workout updates. #Bearcats
Here’s a link to the Pro-Day Schedule
There are no more Pro-days until March 5th. On that day, Georgia will hold it’s proday along with Hawaii, Indiana, Alabama-Birmingham, and McNeese State
Charley Casserly takes a look at 10 high profile prospects who need good prodays
In my years with thePro days aren’t just reserved for superstars, either. All seniors who want to put their talents on display show up. Many players who aren’t invited to the combine participate in pro days, and some are drafted or signed as free agents. Pro days really offer an opportunity to complete evaluations on a draft class.
And also, pro days provide opportunities to interview players. At the combine, teams face time/player limits on the interviewing front, so this additional time is invaluable. I always encouraged my scouts to spend time with the lower-rated players to develop a rapport and gain an edge in signing them as free agents.
Quinton Coples, DL, UNC: I would really challenge him in drills. I’d also watch 2011 tape with him and ask him to explain his lack of intensity at times.
Lastly, Greg Gabriel of National Football post takes a look at two mid round center prospects
Overall, Molk was a very good college player, but that doesn’t always translate to the NFL. At the Combine he measured only 6-0 and 298 with 32-inch arms. Being less than 6-1 makes it really difficult to project his game to the next level. I cannot think of one starting center in the NFL who is that short. In today’s NFL most teams like to keep 7 or 8 offensive linemen on the 53-man roster, with 7 dressing on Sunday’s. In order to dress, if a player is not a starter he needs to be able to play more than one position. I cannot see Molk being anything other than a center. He doesn’t have the required size to play guard. This will hamper his draft status. I would not draft a player this short; regardless of his strength and toughness he still lacks the physical traits to line up and be productive against the type of defensive tackles he will be facing in the NFL.
On Ben Jones:
Playing in a spread offense, he is excellent with the short snap. He also shows good initial quickness and snap on contact. He stays low and plays with leverage. He is strong in both the upper and lower body and has good leg drive. He has the power to turn and seal off his opponent and can get movement with drive blocks.
I see him eventually being a starting center in the league. He has strong intangibles and a passion for the game. A good mid-round pick with upside.
That should keep you busy for today.
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