NFL Draft 2011: Mark Ingram and the 9 Who Will Shine at Their Upcoming Pro Day
The NFL Scouting Combine may be over, but the real pre-draft fun hasn't even started yet.
For the past week and going on until the end of the month, a number of top college football programs will hold pro days. At these events, players entering the NFL Draft will showcase their talents not just for scouts, but for NFL coaches and owners.
Yesterday, Auburn quarterback Cam Newton wowed spectators with his arm and athleticism. Today, it will be stud running back Mark Ingram's (pictured) turn to show men on the professional level that he has what it takes to play with the big boys.
Here are nine players, including Ingram, who are sure to make strong impressions during their school's pro day.
No. 9: Pat Devlin, QB, Delaware
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Pro Day: March 16th
Compared to the rest of the quarterbacks in this year's draft class, Devlin has really flown under the radar. Yet, at the combine, one of his performances in particular struck me.
Devlin is a good-sized QB at 6'4" and 222 pounds, yet he also ran the 40-yard dash in 4.86 seconds. That's pretty amazing for a man of that size. Combined with his true passion for the game, look for Devlin's draft stock to rise at Delaware's pro day.
No. 8: Andy Dalton, QB, TCU
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Pro Day: March 11th
At the combine, many were left unimpressed with Andy Dalton's performance. Scouts wrote him off as undersized (6'2", 215 pounds) and questioned his ability to complete passes to heavily-covered receivers. Still, I'm convinced that he'll have a good pro day.
Dalton reminds me a lot of Colt McCoy. He isn't the biggest or the best quarterback out there, but he knows it. That said, he is constantly looking to improve his game and learn what he can do to become a better player.
Coaches and executives will take note of that when they watch Dalton on Texas Christian's pro day, and something tells me his draft stock will then rise.
No. 7: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
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Pro Day: March 31st
Going into the Combine, tons of questions surrounded defensive end Robert Quinn. He hadn't played in a year due to suspension, so would he show up in shape and put on a good show?
Needless to say, Quinn answered the bell.
The 6'4" 264 pounder ran the 40 in 4.86 seconds, and was very forthcoming about his off-the-field issues. His honesty and willingness to admit he was wrong made the scouts beam, and thus his draft stock rose.
Look for Quinn to have an even better pro day. He's currently expected to be a Top 10 pick, and a good pro day might bump him up to Top Five status!
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
No. 6: Roy Helu, RB, Nebraska
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Pro Day: March 10th
Helu is average-sized for a running back, but the numbers he put up in Indianapolis turned a lot of heads. This young man ran the 40 in 4.42 seconds, so there is no doubt his draft stock rose.
Combined with his potential leadership skills, look for Helu to have a great pro day and take another step closer to a successful NFL career.
No. 5: John Clay, RB, Wisconsin
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Pro Day: March 9th
I know what you're thinking. John Clay had an unimpressive performance at the combine, so why is he on this list?
Well, first things first. There is no denying Clay had a bad combine. His 4.87 40 was not what people expected of him, and scouts questioned his balance in the cone drill and vertical leap.
Yet, one must remember that Clay is recovering from a knee injury. Plus, he isn't exactly what one would call a finesse running back. At 6'1" and 255 pounds, he is strictly a power man and not the Chris Johnson type that teams take in the first round.
Still, Clay has great determination. Look for him to be slightly better as he shows off his talents once again today.
No. 4: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
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Pro Day: March 9th
What can be said about Julio Jones that hasn't already been said? At the combine, the young Alabama receiver shocked the scouts with his 4.39 40-yard dash.
Even more impressive, he ran that time on a broken foot!
With about a week of healing time between then and today's pro day, just imagine how fast Jones will be now! He will continue to impress and further prove he is worthy of being a top pick.
No. 3: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
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Pro Day: March 17th
Unlike his fellow quarterbacks at the combine, Blaine Gabbert did not throw. Still, he managed to blow scouts away with his interview. Out of all the quarterbacks interviewed, Gabbert was considered to be the best in that regard, seeming like a "natural leader."
Most draft experts, as well as myself, have been saying for months that Gabbert is the most NFL-ready out of this year's quarterback class, and they are right. On the 17th, he will further prove to the professionals that he is worthy of being a top quarterback in the NFL as he throws and shows off that great arm of his.
No. 2: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
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Pro Day: March 9th
Ever since he declared himself eligible for the draft, Mark Ingram has been considered the top running back prospect available. At the combine, he ran the 40 in 4.62 seconds. That time isn't outstanding, but is good for a power back like Ingram.
He will surely impress at his pro day today. Currently, experts have him has a Top 15 pick. With a good pro day, he can upgrade his status to Top 10.
No. 1: Patrick Peterson, DB, LSU
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Pro Day: March 14th
Unless he gets injured between today and LSU's pro day, Patrick Peterson is sure to be a Top 5 pick. He ran the 40-yard dash in a remarkable 4.31 seconds and was just plain amazing for the entire combine.
Say what you want about Nick Fairley and Prince Amukamara, but Peterson is going to be the only defensive player in the draft who makes an immediate impact. He can be a leader, goes out and gives 110 percent game after game, and has great willingness to learn.
Look for him to have a great pro day and ultimately be a Top 5 pick!
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
