More than two dozen NFL teams were on hand in Madison for the 2022 Wisconsin Pro Day. Despite the media circus that is the 2022 NFL Draft, a little-known cornerback, who was not invited to the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine, became the talk of the workout.
Wisconsin Pro Day 2022: Faion Hicks stands out
Cornerback Faion Hicks, who draws a variety of opinions in the scouting community, looked terrific from start to finish. His 40-yard dash time was a swift 4.37 seconds with a 10-yard split of 1.48. That number would have been fifth-best at the NFL Combine behind two record-breaking performances at the position.
His other numbers included 3.94 seconds in the short shuttle, 6.78 seconds in the three-cone, and 37.5 inches in the vertical jump. Hicks also completed 13 reps on the bench press of 225 pounds.
Making matters even better, Hicks was terrific in position drills as he looked fluid and smooth. The feeling from scouts was the need to go back and rewatch the film on Hicks to see what they may have missed the first time around.
Other Badgers take advantage of Wisconsin Pro Day
As I tweeted out earlier, the Badgers’ other defensive back — safety Scott Nelson — performed well beyond expectations. His 40 time came in at 4.38 seconds, while his short shuttle clocked just 3.92 seconds and his three-cone at a blistering 6.62 seconds. His vertical jump was 39.5 inches with a broad jump of 10’6″.
Ironically, it was Nelson’s athleticism that was questioned as he’s a hard-nosed defensive back with great instincts. Nelson will not go unnoticed and is a potential late-round pick.
On the other side of the ball, wide receiver Kendric Pryor was fast, timing 4.38 seconds in the 40 and with a 6.77 in the three-cone. His jumps were outstanding, with a vertical of 38.5 inches and a broad jump of 10’11”.
Fullback John Chenal timed 4.75 seconds in the 40, touched 37 inches in the vertical jump, and caught the ball well in drills. His brother — linebacker Leo Chenal — timed 4.18 seconds in the short shuttle and 6.84 in the three-cone.
Additionally, as I tweeted out earlier, tight end Jack Ferguson improved his 40 time to 4.71 seconds from 4.77 at the Combine while he touched 34.5 inches in the vertical jump. Ferguson did not run the shuttles or three-cone. Jack Sanborn did run both of those, timing 4.05 seconds in the short shuttle and 6.81 in the three-cone.