News and notes from Alabama Pro Day
Representatives of just about every NFL franchise were on hand to see Alabama’s potential pro prospects.
The herd was highlighted by New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, Buffalo Bills general manager Doug Whaley, Indianapolis Colts general manager Ryan Grigson and Colts head coach Chuck Pagano.
Here’s a few looks at just how packed the event was.
Sea of coaches and scouts at the end of the 40. #BamaProDay #RollTide pic.twitter.com/FYJ9V1dssQ
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) March 9, 2016
Ups ⬆️ #BamaProDay #RollTide pic.twitter.com/k89TGdvDiU
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) March 9, 2016
There were 18 participants at the Pro Day. One prospect, cornerback Bradley Sylve, tore his Achilles tendon on Tuesday while preparing for the event, according to AL.com. Meanwhile, running back Kenyan Drake technically participated but only in the weigh-in due to injury.
Running back Derrick Henry elected not to run the 40-yard dash or individual drills. He only took part in position drills.
Nick Saban: "I think people need to embrace Derrick Henry's style. … Regardless of why he's hard to tackle, he's still hard to tackle."
— NFL Draft (@NFLDraft) March 9, 2016
Derrick Henry said he has met with the Patriots, Dolphins and Browns.
— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) March 9, 2016
Mike Mayock from Alabama pro day: "I think Derrick Henry is a second-round pick, but only because of the devaluation of the RB position."
— NFL Draft (@NFLDraft) March 9, 2016
Despite his limited participation, Henry did get to show one important aspect of his game with QB Jake Coker’s help.
“I just wanted to come out here and catch balls. Just doing what I’ve been doing and showing them I can catch, so it was good.”
Cornerback Cyrus Jones failed to improve on his disappointing vertical at the combine, where his 33-inch leap was tied for 4th-worst among defensive backs. At the Pro Day, Jones only managed a 32.5-inch jump.
Cyrus Jones.
CB.@AlabamaFTBL.32.5" vertical.#BamaProDay https://t.co/EgZjKdn56U
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) March 9, 2016
Linebacker Reggie Ragland, like Henry and Coker, opted not to run the 40. However, Ragland did participate in the bench press after not doing so at the combine. He only managed 13 reps of 225 pounds. Of the 28 linebackers in Indianapolis, only one got less than 15.
The reason for that may stem from a minor shoulder injury that Ragland has been dealing with.
Ragland talked about his experience at the event.
“It’s a great experience. Coming out here living out my dream ever since I was a kid, I wanted this moment. Being able to talk to all those coaches, I’m just very thankful and blessed to have this opportunity.”
Two other defenders, defensive linemen A’Shawn Robinson and Jarran Reed, also got plenty of attention. Here’s what coach Nick Saban had to say about them in relation to other defensive linemen in this year’s NFL Draft.
“Well, I don’t really know who those other guys are, and I can’t compare our guys to other guys. I know the two players we have are really, really good players. They’ve played on one of the best defenses in the country and they were both bell cows, and great leaders. They effected other guys on the team in a positive way. I think they have tremendous size, tremendous ability, and I think whoever gets them, where ever they get picked, they are going to have a great career.”
Linebacker Dillon Lee fared well overall. Despite reportedly running the dash in the range of 4.80-4.85, he had a good vertical jump (31 inches) and broad jump (9’5”) while posting 20 reps on the bench.