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Questions we’d like to ask SEC players who attended NFL Scouting Combine
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The vetting process at the NFL Scouting Combine is a detailed one that often lends itself to some unique questions.
Whether it’s being asked what kind of animal they’d describe themselves as, or their desired super power, or boxer versus briefs, sometimes pertinent questions slip through the cracks and never get asked.
Here are a few questions (some serious, most not) we wish we had a chance to ask prospective SEC players at this year’s NFL Scouting Combine.
CHRIS JONES, MISSISSIPPI STATE
Have you given any thought to wearing a jock strap? Or perhaps some underwear?
Chris Jones infamously burst onto the scene at the NFL Scouting Combine when little Chris Jones decided to inauspiciously burst from the Mississippi State defensive lineman’s shorts during his 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. As a result, Jones discovered he might have a future in the adult film industry after Vivid Entertainment offered him a movie contract.
Don’t worry, we’re not going to post Jones’ combine video.
BRANDON ALLEN, ARKANSAS
Have you considered playing the piano to make your hands bigger?
Brandon Allen made news at the NFL Scouting Combine when it was revealed that the Arkansas quarterback seeks regular massage therapy on his hands in an effort to increase their size. Apparently, scouts told the man who ranks third on the Razorbacks’ career passing leader board that his small hands could be a hindrance come draft time.
That said, Allen’s draft stock is on the rise, and projects in the fourth or fifth round, according to NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock. And while there’s really no scientific way to grow one’s hands, piano players often benefit from the reaching involved in playing the instrument. He could also try this woman’s trick …
DAK PRESCOTT, MISSISSIPPI STATE
What were you thinking? Have you heard of Uber?
Just because you have a 2016 Cadillac Escalade, Dak Prescott, that doesn’t give you license to drive drunk, which you are accused of doing. Serious legal and safety ramifications, aside, the Mississippi State quarterback, and projected second or third round pick, couldn’t have picked a worse time to land in a jail cell.
Prescott — the most prolific passer in Bulldogs history — had been steadily moving up mock draft boards, thanks especially to earning most outstanding player honors in the Senior Bowl. But now begins the task of reclaiming that once squeaky-clean image that had scouts raving about the two-time All-SEC first teamer.
He started his image rehabilitation with a March 13 statement via the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport:
“I want to make a statement, and first take complete responsibility for my actions. I’m very remorseful for my misjudgment. I want to apologize to my true supporters, my family, Mississippi State University, the NFL and the kids who look up to me. I won’t ask for forgiveness; however, I’ll show the true man I am and exhibit my character through my actions and behavior going forward.”
DERRICK HENRY, ALABAMA
Are you tired of being compared to Eddie Lacy, Trent Richardson and Mark Ingram, yet?
Derrick Henry is working to distance himself from his fellow Alabama running back alums by improving his pass-catching ability, which has been thought to be a weakness for the Heisman-winner.
Henry impressed at his pro day in Tuscaloosa, and could in the second round of the NFL Draft, according to Mayock. The comparisons to the former running backs, however, will likely follow him throughout his career, regardless of if he pans out to be the next T.J. Yeldon (rising star) or the next Glen Coffee (one year in the NFL and done).
ROBERT NKEMDICHE, OLE MISS
Do you believe you can fly? Do you believe you can touch the sky? Do you think about it every night and day?
Ole Miss defensive lineman Robert Nkemdiche has seen his draft stock plummet in recent weeks, starting with a dubious and graceless arrest in the lead-up to the Rebels’ Sugar Bowl matchup with Oklahoma State.
Nkemdiche, convinced someone was stalking him after he allegedly smoked a synthetic form of marijuana, fell through a hotel window and into a bush 15 feet below.
From there life’s spiraled a bit for the Loganville, Ga., product as questions, not just about his life choices — but also allegations of dogging it at times and taking plays off — have come into play.
Chris Wuensch is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers South Carolina and Tennessee.
