As we head ever closer to the 2021 NFL Draft, Friday saw both Oklahoma and Arkansas State host their pro days. Let’s take a look at Pro Football Network Chief Draft Analyst Tony Pauline’s highlights from each of those two pro days.
Oklahoma Pro Day
There was a large crowd on hand in Norman, as there usually is for an Oklahoma Pro Day. Here’s the latest on what we’re hearing on the Sooners players and the teams interested in them.
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As posted on Twitter earlier, edge rusher Ronnie Perkins timed between 4.69 to 4.71 seconds in the 40-yard dash, completed 25 reps on the bench, and touched 32 inches in the vertical jump. Perkins strained his hamstring early in the workout, and his patented burst was missing during drills. He did run through defensive line and linebacker drills, and except for being gassed, he looked solid.
Center Creed Humphrey turned in a sensational workout completing 29 reps on the bench press, touching 33 inches in the vertical jump and 9’4′ in the broad jump. His 40 time came in as fast as 5.05 on some watches; his 3-cone was equally impressive at 7.55 seconds.
In my mock draft earlier this week, I had the New York Jets selecting Humphrey with their second choice in Round 1. I compared Humphrey to former Jets center Nick Mangold at similar points in their career. Sources inside the Jets organization confirmed they like Humphrey and agree with the comparison to Mangold. The Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers, and Miami Dolphins are teams also giving Humphrey a look.
Who else stood out at the Oklahoma Pro Day?
Cornerback Tre Brown was another who had a terrific day. He timed between 4.39 to 4.42 seconds in the 40, touched 38 inches in the vertical jump, and recorded 10’3″ in the broad jump. The Buffalo Bills, Minnesota Vikings, and New England Patriots have been spending a lot of time with Brown.
Finally, offensive tackle Adrian Ealy turned in average testing numbers but looked good in position drills. I’ve been critical of the way Ealy did not bend his knees or block with leverage at Oklahoma, but that’s something he showed at his pro day. I was informed blocking with leverage is something Ealy has worked hard on since the Senior Bowl, and the yoga classes he’s been taking help the cause!
Arkansas State Pro Day
The Arkansas State Pro Day took place on campus today, and the focus was squarely on two NFL prospects.
Receiver Jonathan Adams Jr., presently graded as a potential sixth-round pick on our board, measured 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds. He touched 39 inches in the vertical jump, 11’5″ in the broad jump, and was timed at 4.45 seconds in the 40. Adams recently jumped as high as 41 inches during training.
The big-bodied receiver is coming off a career season in which he posted 79 receptions for 1,111 yards and 12 TDs. Adams offers scheme versatility and should be on a roster next September.
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Defensive tackle Forrest Merrill, graded as a middle-round choice before the season by some scouts, measured 6-foot-0 and 322 pounds. He completed 36 reps on the bench, touched 26.5 inches in the vertical jump, and recorded 8’5″ in the broad jump. His 40 time came in at 5.27 seconds, and the short shuttle took 4.81 seconds.
Merrill returned from an injury-plagued 2019 season and had a solid campaign. He’ll offer depth as a defensive tackle in either a four-person line or one-gap 3-4 alignment.
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