Nebraska Pro Day 2015: Recap, Reaction for Randy Gregory and Top Cornhuskers

When it comes to Nebraska prospects in the 2015 NFL draft, everything starts with defensive end Randy Gregory. He's projected to be one of the first players taken, though the Cornhuskers also showcased star running back Ameer Abdullah. 

Gregory, like a lot of this year's top edge-rushing talents, is considered a physical freak. He dazzled at the combine, running the 40-yard dash in 4.64 seconds and a 125-inch broad jump. 

As good as Gregory looks to NFL people, he's hardly alone in this pro day. Ameer Abdullah and Kenny Bell are the other major attractions in Lincoln, with plenty of sleepers having the chance to emerge from the shadows with a strong showing. 

In fact, per J.P. Shadrick of Jaguars.com, there were approximately 10 players participating in Thursday's pro day:

According to Rich Kaipust of the Omaha World-Herald, most teams were represented at Nebraska's pro day:

A hot topic of conversation for Gregory is his weight. He's got the height you want from an edge-rusher at 6'5", but is considered slight by weighing in at 235 pounds during the combine. 

Per Bryan Fischer of NFL.com, Gregory did add some bulk in the two weeks since working out in Indianapolis:

B/R draft expert Matt Miller responded by noting that Gregory is still light but makes up for it by being "athletically freakish":

The good news for Gregory is that it's easy to change weight. Anyone can add or subtract from their body, but you can't change size and athleticism. Since the Nebraska star already has those attributes, teams can help him add bulk before the season starts in September. 

Gregory told Zak Keefer and Stephen Holder of The Indianapolis Star during the combine that he wasn't concerned about where his weight was at right now:

"For me, even at 235 pounds, I still think I set the edge pretty well just because of my technique," Gregory said. "And I think I use my strength well for how much I weigh. I just did 24 reps on the bench (at 225 pounds) and I'll only get stronger."

There's no doubt the weight will come, because he's 6'6" and can support more muscle on his frame without losing a step off the edge. 

As far as the work on the field, Fischer noted that Nebraska's key draft prospects, along with wide receiver Kenny Bell, were not going to jump or lift weights on Thursday and Gregory wasn't going to run the 40-yard dash:

The only questionable decision there is Bell choosing not to lift weights, as he only did seven reps on the 225-pound bench press, fewest among all wide receivers at the combine. It's not likely he's gotten substantially stronger in the last two weeks, so maybe it's not as unusual as it seems. 

It seems as if Abdullah's decision to run the 40-yard dash was a wise decision. Even though official times aren't Tony Pauline of Draft Insider reported some in attendance had the running back posting a strong time on his second attempt:

"

Feedback receiving when all is said and done the times for Ameer Abdullah/RB/Nebraska at pro-day will stand at 4.50s (give or take .01s)

— Tony Pauline (@TonyPauline) March 5, 2015"

NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah shared his thoughts on who Abdullah compares to:

In case you forgot, Abdullah disappointed at the combine with a 4.60 40-yard dash. Getting that time down by at least one-tenth of a second is going to curry a lot of favor with scouts.    

Fischer posted a video on Instagram of Abdullah's run:

Nebraska's assistant director of player personnel Todd McShane tweeted a side-level view from inside the facility where everyone was working out:

After patiently waiting for everyone else to take their turn, Gregory finally stepped on the field for his workout. Fischer tweeted a Vine video of the star defensive lineman running the shuttle:

The shuttle was one drill that scouts were likely anxious to see Gregory take part in since he skipped the three-cone drill and 20-yard shuttle at the combine. 

Per Shadrick, this is the view from above before Gregory took part in the bag drills:

Nebraska's official Twitter also posted a video of Gregory going through his workouts:

In addition to his work on the field, there were plenty of teams that sent their best and brightest to see what Gregory had to offer. 

Per Fischer, the Jets had their director of player personnel in attendance:

Pauline wrote on Walter Football that the Minnesota Vikings, who own the 11th overall pick, spent an "extensive amount of time" with Gregory before the workout. 

Based on early projections, the Vikings may have to move up if they want to have a shot at Gregory. He's got everything that teams want in an edge-rusher, save for his weight, and that's become one of the most important positions for teams to fill. 

All told, the key players who scouts wanted to see did exactly what they needed to do with the home-field advantage. Gregory continued to show the athleticism that has made him a top prospect and Abdullah showed better straight-line speed than he did at the combine. 

It's not a deep class for the Cornhuskers in 2015, but the top of the group is particularly compelling. Gregory won't be around long, while Abdullah could sneak into the second- or third-round mix.