I just got back from Stanford’s Pro Day. This is the
event where the scouts for many (if not all) NFL teams come to watch the Stanford
football players who declared for the draft. Some of the players were invited
to the NFL Combine in Indianapolis last month (Andrus Peat, Alex Carter, David
Parry, Ty Montgomery, etc.). Others were not and this is just an opportunity
for them to get in front of the teams one more time.
AJ Tarpley getting ready to run |
They do various drills, are timed, etc. As I am not an
NFL scout, I do not know how they evaluate these players based on these drills.
I just know what I have seen on the field on Saturdays.
Stanford football has tremendous athletes and Coach
David Shaw and his staff do a great job at reloading every year. I look at many
of these players and wonder how they will fill that hole next year, but someone
is always waiting for their shot.
This is my second Pro Day at Stanford. And no, my
first Pro Day was not Andrew Luck’s. I actually watched him on TV trying to
release the ball before the broom attacked. I attended the following year.
One thing you have to know about going to Pro Day at
Stanford. It’s going to be hot. There is no shade, although the athletic
department does put up a few umbrellas. So bring plenty of water and a hat.
Many former Stanford players show up. This year I
noticed Indianapolis Colts teammates Coby Fleener and Griff Whalen, among
others.
Coby Fleener on the right |
“Playing under Pep Hamilton’s (Colts offensive
coordinator and former Stanford OC) system helped…and people don’t realize that
the stripes on the ball are different and they are coming right at you. The pro
game is much different than the college game.”
I also spied Oakland Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie
talking to San Jose State wide receiver Jabari Carr in the parking lot. Jabari,
who had his Pro Day yesterday and enjoyed it, said, “It was fun to get back out
there on the field.”
The Stanford players also shared some thoughts.
Andrus Peat, an offensive tackle, who is predicted to
go in the first round of the draft, stands at 6-7, 313 pounds. He made All-Pac-12
first team, Outland Trophy quarterfinalist, Sporting News and SI.com
All-America, and on and on. Andrus is the son of former NFL offensive tackle,
Todd Peat, who played for the Cardinals and the Raiders.
“Today was what I expected,” he said. When asked about
San Francisco 49er Chris Borland retiring earlier this week due to concerns
around concussions, Andrus said, “It’s his decision. I want to play as long as
I can.”
Ty Montgomery |
“I was lighter and felt more flexible (today),” he
said. “My emphasis was on flexibility. I got a little stiff (at the combine). I
felt fast and explosive today. It’s been a little stressful and tiring, but
this is what I signed up for…what I want to do. I’m very grateful to be here.”
Now, all that is left is the waiting…until their name
is called on draft day(s), April 30.