NFL Draft 2011: Ryan Mallett and 10 Players Who Can't Afford an Average Pro Day
The 2011 NFL Scouting Combine has come and gone and now only collegiate pro days stand between us and the NFL Draft.
We got a chance to see almost all 330 prospects invited to Indianapolis but there are a few that still need to strap on their cleats and look impressive one more time before April 28.
All the players at the combine put pressure on their peers to perform better and we saw some really good work from a lot of prospects.
Whether it be injury or opting out of workouts, these 10 players still have something to prove if they want to truly maximize draft stock.
The pressure is on and as the draft closes in, we'll get a better feel for what may truly happen the night the 2011 NFL Draft kicks off.
Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
1 of 10
The quarterback rankings seem to be separating and, unfortunately, Ryan Mallett is quickly getting left behind.
His massive frame and big arm have not been enough to overlook his deficiencies and now teams will want a complete look at him in-and-around the pocket with receivers with whom he is comfortable.
There are a ton of teams looking for quarterbacks in this draft and eventually Mallett will be chosen by one of them. But if he wants to get back into true first-round consideration, he cannot afford to put up an average pro day.
And again, we know that pro days are not the end all, be all, and we will never forget JaMarcus Russell. But Mallett will be given the opportunity to showcase everything that he does well and he must really show he can move a bit and make solid throws.
Arkansas' pro day is scheduled for March 8.
Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame
2 of 10
The 6'6" tight end prospect is coming off a season-ending injury that has currently bumped him out of the first round.
Rudolph has fantastic ball skills, he can stretch the seam and he has the ability to make moves in the open field as well.
He is also a capable in-line blocker who will continue to develop with time.
The golden domer is the only tight end with first-round potential and it will be important for teams to see how much he has progressed since the injury.
If he gets his workout in, he could very easily make himself more money by being selected on Day 1.
Notre Dame's pro day will be in early April.
Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State
3 of 10
The new NFL Scouting Combine bench-press record holder has a lot of people wondering about his on-field ability.
Scouts and teams know that he is for real, but with so many other defensive tackles in this class performing well, it will be important for them to see Paea one more time.
He has first-round talent but the current injury could knock him down some and the last chance he'll get to solidify himself as one of those second-tier defensive tackles will be at his pro day.
Oregon State will hold its pro day on March 11.
.png?w=256)
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia
4 of 10
The injury-plagued Cavalier cornerback was looking to have a solid outing in Indianapolis but he was stung by the injury bug once more.
During the first of his two attempts at the 40-yard dash, Dowling pulled up about three yards shy of the finish line. He remarkably still ran a 4.46.
He has great size at 6'1", 200-pounds and his 40 time is obviously encouraging.
Dowling was rated very highly coming into the season and now he will only have his pro day left to improve his draft stock.
If he can go despite his pulled hamstring, look for him at Virginia's workout on March 17.
Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
5 of 10
Blaine Gabbert has brought this upon himself.
We have seen the tape, we have heard him speak, we have have seen his athleticism and teams have interviewed him. Now it is time to throw the football.
There are questions surrounding Gabbert and this will be the only opportunity he has (other than private team workouts) for him to show what he can really do.
If he wants to be the top quarterback chosen, he cannot underwhelm at all.
Missouri's pro day is scheduled for March 17.
Tandon Doss, WR, Indiana
6 of 10
The junior Hoosier receiver was unable to perform in Indianapolis and now his shot at making money rides on the pro-day workout.
Doss has good size at 6'2", 201-pounds and he is right in the mix as a second-to-third round receiving prospect.
With all his peers having made an impression already, it is time for him to rise to the occasion.
The Hoosiers will host their pro day on March 16.
Taiwan Jones, RB, Eastern Washington
7 of 10
The former defensive back (as pictured) was one of the most explosive running backs in the country this season prior to getting injured.
Jones is right around 5'11", 198 pounds and he is considered to be quite the athlete.
His injured foot will limit him in activity but he is hoping to be able to run at the Hawaii pro day on March 31.
If he can show off the ability that has been seen on tape, he could really help himself.
Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
8 of 10
The Clemson junior is still a high first-round pick, but getting back onto the field prior to the NFL Draft will be important after the performances of his peers in Indianapolis.
Bowers is 6'4", 280 pounds and he has a good combination of size, speed and power off the edge.
He is a potential No. 1-overall prospect but he has some firm competition on his hands.
If he can indeed perform before the NFL Draft, it could go a long way to solidifying him in the top six picks.
Clemson's pro-day date is unconfirmed as of now.
Weslye Saunders, TE, South Carolina
9 of 10
The South Carolina tight end petitioned to get the opportunity to compete in Indianapolis and he was injured in the process.
He will have to undergo surgery and he is expected to miss South Carolina's pro day on March 30.
If he can get healthy and find another opportunity to show his ability some time in the month of April, it could go a long way to potentially landing him in the NFL Draft somewhere.
It is unfortunate that it has played out like this for Saunders, but he has to make the most of any opportunity that comes his way.
Casey Matthews, LB, Oregon
10 of 10
Casey Matthews has some quality tape to his name, but teams wanted to see him work out in Indianapolis.
Midway through his bench press workout, Matthews' shoulder "slid" out and he was forced to the sideline for the rest of the workouts.
Matthews is undersized for the NFL but he has a lot going for him, including the success of his family name. He will need to put up some kind of performance prior to the NFL Draft if he wants to move up draft boards.
The Oregon pro-day date has yet to be confirmed.
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
