Kenneth Acker, DB, SMU
Every year a defensive back from SMU makes a roster, and Acker (5-foot-11 5/8, 190 pounds) is as good as any who have been there in previous years. He had a strong pro day, with a 4.50 40, a 36-inch vertical and a 6.94 three-cone drill. He'll be a seventh-rounder or a priority free agent.
Denicos Allen, LB, Michigan State
Allen (5-foot-10 1/4, 225 pounds) ran a 4.74-second 40 and had 26 bench-press reps at his pro day. He played linebacker in college, but I think he has a chance to be a great special teams player as a pro. He'll be a seventh-rounder or a priority free agent.
Lonnie Ballentine, FS, Memphis
Ballentine (6-foot-3, 219 pounds) ran the 40 twice at his pro day and posted times of 4.39 and 4.45 seconds. He also posted a vertical jump of 38 inches. He played all four years in college, but is a very young player -- he turns 21 Wednesday -- playing a new position at free safety. I expect him to be a sixth- or seventh-round pick.
Zach Bauman, RB, Northern Arizona
If it's possible to have a running back this size play in the NFL, Bauman (5-foot-7 1/4, 194 pounds) will do it. He was a four-year-starter who made the all-conference team all four years. At his pro day, he ran the 40 in 4.50 seconds. He's likely to be a free agent.
Glenn Carson, LB, Penn State
You have to take a look at players like Carson (6-foot-2 5/8, 238) who started at a big school. At Penn State's pro day, he ran a 4.75-second 40 and had a 35-inch vertical and 30 bench-press reps. He has a chance to be a sixth- or seventh-round pick.
Ryan Eppes, RB, South Florida
Eppes (6-foot-1 5/8, 232 pounds) is worth a look as a free agent based on his size, speed and strength. He posted a 4.62-second 40 and had 26 strength lifts at his pro day.
Greg Hardin, WR, North Dakota
Hardin (5-foot-10 1/8, 171 pounds) has athletic ability and ran the 40 in 4.44 seconds, but he might lack the necessary weight to play in the NFL. He should be a free agent.
Torin Harris, DB, USC
Harris (5-foot-11 5/8, 189 pounds) ran the 40 in 4.46 seconds and the three-cone drill in 6.96 seconds at USC's pro day. Those numbers, along with his height, are solid for his position. He also posted a good vertical and broad jump. Harris will probably be a free agent.
Micah Hatfield, WR, Oregon State
Hatfield (6-foot-1, 182 pounds) is a big, fast, athletic receiver who didn't play a lot at Oregon State. The question is, why not? At his pro day, he ran the 40 in 4.44 seconds and had fast times in the shuttle and three-cone drills. He also posted a 38-inch vertical.
Aaron Hill, LB, Minnesota
Hill (6-foot 5/8, 231 pounds) has good speed and is a top-flight competitor, which should make him a very good special teams player. He ran the 40 in 4.73 seconds and threw up the bar 21 times at his pro day. He's most likely a priority free agent.
Ryan Jones, LB, Montana Tech
Jones (6-foot-3 1/4, 249 pounds) is a small-college player who showed off his speed, athletic ability and strength at his pro day. He posted a 4.68-second 40, a 34-inch vertical, a 6.95-second three-cone drill and 28 bench-press reps.
Andrew Norwell, OL, Ohio State
Norwell (6-foot-5 3/4, 315 pounds) was a starter on a very good Ohio State team. He has long arms (33 5/8 inches) but needs to get stronger and will. I think he'll be a seventh-round pick or priority free agent.
Zach Orr, LB, North Texas
Orr (5-foot-11 7/8, 237 pounds) has good bloodlines (his dad played in the NFL) and is a very tough player, one of those hard-to-run-off types.
Tyler Russell, QB, Mississippi State
Russell (6-foot-4 3/8, 227 pounds) had surgery to repair a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder and did not run or work out at his pro day. He has good athletic ability and is a candidate to change positions in the pros. I think he's worth a try at tight end.
Marcus Williams, CB, North Dakota State
Williams (5-foot-11, 196 pounds) has good height for a cornerback and has been well coached. He posted a 4.57-second 40 and a 35-inch vertical at his pro day.
|
