NFL Pro Day: 10 players who could see their NFL Draft stock rise following impressive workouts

We are in the thick of pro day season with several of the top prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft taking part this past week. We also saw several of these prospects increase their draft stock with impressive performances including Kool-Aid McKinstry who showed why he is the top cornerback in the 2024 NFL Draft, and Khristian Boyd who solidified himself as one the better FCS players in this year’s class.

Pro day standouts increasing their 2024 NFL Draft stock

Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry showed why he is my top-rated corner at Alabama’s Pro Day. He ran a 4.47 40-yard dash which is an impressive time considering speed was one of the biggest concerns scouts had with him. He also did this while recovering from a Jones fracture in his foot. Look for McKinstry to be a first-round pick next month.

Khristian Boyd, DT, UNI

Khristian Boyd who is my highest-rated player not invited to the NFL Combine opened some eyes during his pro day. He posted a very impressive 38 reps on the bench press which would have led all defensive linemen and been the second-best mark overall at the NFL Combine. While he was limited to just the bench press at this event he showed he has the strength to be a force vs the run which was this past season for the Panthers.

Jaylan Ford, MLB, Texas

One of my sleepers in the 2024 NFL Draft, and a member of my All-Underrated defense Jaylan Ford had a strong pro day. His top numbers of the day was his 10-foot-6 broad jump which would have been the second-best among linebackers at the NFL Combine, and his 7.1 3-cone drill which would have led all players at his position. These numbers are even more impressive when you factor in he is coming off a groin injury that affected him for part of the 2023 season.

Joe Evans, DE, Iowa

Another defensive lineman who had a strong week is Iowa’s Joe Evans. He had a 41.5 vertical jump which would have led all defensive ends at the NFL Combine. He also recorded a 4.67 40-yard dash time and did 24 reps on the bench press. In addition to getting looks at defensive end the 6-foot-1 245-pound prospect also is viewed as a fullback prospect by some teams.

Matt Lee, C, Miami

Miami’s Matt Lee helped put to rest one of his biggest concerns at his pro day. Going into the event one issue I had with him was a lack of strength which saw him get pushed back into the backfield too often for my liking. However, he was able to put up 25 reps on the bench press on Monday which should be enough to show scouts he has the raw power to play at the next level.. This combined with his impressive mobility should be enough for Lee to hear his name called on day three.

Chigozie Anusiem, CB, Colorado State

While it is unlikely Chigozie Anusiem gets drafted look for him to be signed as an undrafted free agent. The main reason for this is impressive testing numbers that included a 4.34 40-yard dash and 37.5 vertical jump according to Tony Pauline. This should be enough to make up for his lack of production on the field having only broken up three passes this season.

Mason Tipton, WR, Yale

Another player who carries an undrafted free agent grade yet had an elite pro day is Yale wide receiver Mason Tipton. Tipton ran the 40-yard dash in a ridiculous 4.32 seconds and hit 37-inch on the vertical jump. This past season Tipton caught 10 touchdowns on just 52 receptions. In addition to being a dangerous weapon in the passing game, he also should get looks at a return man in the NFL.

Carlton Johnson, CB, Fresno State

A player who may have earned himself a draftable grade with his pro day is Fresno State cornerback Carlton Johnson who ran a blazing 4.28 unofficial 40-yard dash. This comes after Johnson posted the second-fastest time in Senior Bowl history and a season that saw him be named second-team All-Mountain West.

Will Reichard, K, Alabama

A specialist who had an impressive week is Alabama's Will Reichard. He made several impressive kicks on the day including one field goal from 57 yards and showed impressive leg strength overall. Last season, Reichard converted on 88% of his kicks including going a perfect five of five on kicks from over 50 yards.

Joshua Karty, K, Stanford

Another kicker I have a draftable grade on who looked good at his pro day was Stanford’s Joshua Karty. On the day Karty connected on 11 of 13 field goals including going a perfect three of three on field goals over 60 yards. His longest kick of the day was a 66-yarder he made at the end of his workout. Karty is currently my highest-graded kicker and I have a sixth-round grade on him.