Ole Miss Pro Day recap: Prewitt improves 40 time from combine
The Ole Miss Rebels were the fifth SEC program this week to hold their Pro Day as part of the annual NFL Draft process, and a number of former Rebels were on display for scouts and executives from 27 NFL franchises witness.
Some players intended on improving areas of concern from their NFL Combine showings last month, while others were determined to be recognized after being snubbed a combine invite altogether.
Among the players looking to build on their combine performances were All-American defensive backs Senquez Golson and Cody Prewitt, and both succeeded in improving their draft stock.
Prewitt ran a modest 4.6 second 40-yard dash at the combine and hoped to improve on that time Wednesday. He ran his allotted two trials and was reportedly asked by a few scouts to run a third time. Most scouts timed Prewitt in the low 4.5 second range, some even in the high 4.4s, which should have those scouts feeling better about Prewitt’s pro potential.
Ole Miss safety Cody Prewitt helping himself in the 40 today at pro day. Scouts seemed to agree last run was in the low 4.5 range.
— David Brandt (@davidbrandtAP) March 5, 2015
Prewitt's time, he said, was 4.47.
— Hugh Kellenberger (@HKellenbergerCL) March 5, 2015
Golson did not run the 40 again and only participated in a few workouts for scouts. However, he did schedule a few private visits with teams for the coming weeks, indicating he is on the radar of at least a few NFL general managers.
Golson has private workouts/visits planned with the Bucs, Steelers and Ravens.
— Hugh Kellenberger (@HKellenbergerCL) March 5, 2015
All in all, both defensive backs shined on Thursday. They even showed a little muscle when giving the bench press another try after some posting some modest numbers at the combine.
Both Senquez Golson (15 to 16) and Cody Prewitt (11 to 12) improved their bench press reps at 225 pounds by one from the NFL Combine.
— Austin Miller (@austinkmiller) March 5, 2015
A number of other players also impressed on Thursday despite not being invited to the combine. The biggest name of the bunch was three-year starting quarterback Bo Wallace, who may not be drafted but is almost certain to be signed as an undrafted free agent and given a training camp invite nonetheless.
Wallace reportedly threw the ball well, which could elevate him back to the level of a draftable late-round selection this spring.
Very strong performance from Bo Wallace throwing today. He was slinging it. #NFLDraft #OleMissProDay
— Forman Sports (@FWKTsports) March 5, 2015
Bo looks strong throwing the ball. A lot of zip on it.
— Hugh Kellenberger (@HKellenbergerCL) March 5, 2015
Another player who was given his first chance to workout for NFL scouts Thursday was six-year middle linebacker Deterrian Shackelford. His history of injuries precedes him, and might hurt his draft stock as a result, but teams are also aware of his legacy at Ole Miss, including two degrees and some awe-inspiring leadership within the Rebels program.
Shackelford showed he’s as healthy as ever on Thursday, putting on a show with 33 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press.
DT would have been second among linebackers and ninth among everyone at the combine in the bench, per @austinkmiller.
— Hugh Kellenberger (@HKellenbergerCL) March 5, 2015
(NOTE: DT is short for Deterrian, not defensive tackle.)
Little-known defensive end Carlos Thompson proved himself to be quite the athletic specimen on Thursday, posting some impressive numbers during his workout.
Pro Day has begun at Ole Miss. So far, DE Carlos Thompson has highlight. 10-3 standing broad jump.
— Chuck Rounsaville (@SpiritChuck) March 5, 2015
That broad jump was one of just many highlights from Thompson’s Pro Day. He also completed 21 reps on the bench press and showed off a 38-inch vertical leap before running a 4.75 second 40 yard dash.
The NFL franchise that seemed most invested in Ole Miss’ Pro Day was the New York Jets, which had three representatives in attendance to take in the festivities, likely to see Golson and Prewitt workout. That’s just a hunch, but considering one of those three representatives was Jets defensive backs coach Joe Danna, there’s some substance to the inclination.
More coverage from Ole Miss Pro Day:
Scene inside the weight room. pic.twitter.com/U3UIRXZEY7
— Hugh Kellenberger (@HKellenbergerCL) March 5, 2015
It's time to move to position specific drills, the second half of Pro Day here at Ole Miss. #NFLRebels pic.twitter.com/Bs2IAaX4He
— Ole Miss FB Video (@OleMissFBVideo) March 5, 2015
We've moved to position drills. Here's @OleMissFB CB Senquez Golson in action: pic.twitter.com/8US6XTrs6Z
— Laura Rutledge (@LauraMRutledge) March 5, 2015
Bryon Bennett jumping over four bags to grab a tennis ball. pic.twitter.com/xJ6qsPxLfk
— Hugh Kellenberger (@HKellenbergerCL) March 5, 2015