Pro Day Recap: Florida, and other News to Note
Florida Running back Chris Rainey who wanted to run a 4.1 40 yard dash at the combine ran a 4.37 at the Florida Proday. Rainey is a Sproles like player who can be very valuable to a team who figures out how to properly maximize his talents much like the Chargers and now the Saints have done with Sproles.
“Rainey is multi-talented. He can do a lot of things,” Mularkey said, per the Sun. “You want to get the ball in his hands and let him do his thing. He’s a little bit like Percy (Harvin). He’s a guy who can hurt you in many ways.”
Defensive tackle Jaye Howard, a riser on draft analyst Rob Rang’s board, was one of the Gators’ workout standouts at this time last year. He’s raw, but has the potential to become a solid player in the right scheme. He didn’t do much Tuesday, standing on his 4.75 40-yard dash from the Scouting Combine. He also did 24 reps of 225 in Indy.
Wide receiver Deonte Thompson ran a sizzling 4.27 in the 40 and could get more attention because of his 101 career catches and strong showing in position drills, where he caught every pass.
Pittsburgh Cornerback Buddy Jackson is a guy who put himself on the map at his Proday
NFL scouts may have attended the University ofPittsburgh Pro Day to see offensive guard Lucas Nix, defensive tackle Chas Alecxih, cornerback Antwuan Reed or pass rusher Brandon Lindsey — each of whom participated at the Combine. And while several Pitt Panthers posted impressive results, it was another cornerback —Buddy Jackson— whose spectacular speed and leaping ability stole the show.
Jackson, who started only one game and never recorded an interception in four seasons with the Panthers, turned in a workout that would have ranked among the elite recorded at the Combine this year.
Jackson was clocked in the low 4.3s in the 40-yard dash. Central Florida cornerback Josh Robinson was “officially” recorded at 4.35 seconds, the fastest among the 325+ prospects invited to participate in Indianapolis this year. Jackson also posted an 11-9″ broad jump. By comparison, the top performance at the 2012 Combine was 11 feet, one inch which was accomplished by Robinson and Georgia Tech wide receiver Stephen Hill.
Jackson, listed by Pitt at 6-1, 180 pounds, had primarily seen his playing time come on special teams throughout his career. He led the Panthers with 543 kick return yards in 2011 (on 23 attempts). He averaged 23.6 yards per return and took one 98 yards for a touchdown against Utah. He posted career highs in every other category as a senior as well, recording 34 tackles, four passes broken up and recovering a fumble while seeing action in nickel and dime packages and on punt and kickoff coverage units.
QB Kirk Cousins: Michigan State (6-3, 205)
A solid athlete who isn’t overly impressive physically, but he has enough to make it in the NFL. Needs to take that next step in his understanding of the offense this year and cut down on the mental errors. However, he’s a good kid, a hard worker and has some real similar qualities to some of the senior quarterbacks who came off the board last year (Ponder/Dalton).
Current stock 2nd round
Slot WR Devon Wylie: Fresno State (5-9, 185)
Is limited a bit by his size, but is the kind of cat-quick slot guy with great ball skills who can make a living in the NFL. The major positive with him is that he also has very good speed as well.
Current Grade: 3rd/4th round
TE Chase Ford: Miami (6-6, 245)
Had a good showing at this year’s East-West Shine game and for a guy at his size with his body control looks like a option you can draft late and try to mature into an every down type option. Has the frame to add weight and get much bigger.
Current Grade: 5th/6th round
That’s all the news I have for you guys today.
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