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31 NFL Teams Watch As 20 Rebels Perform At Ole Miss Pro Day
Ole Miss’ Pro Day saw 20 former Rebels show their skills in front of scouts from 31 NFL teams. Although the biggest storyline to come out of today’s Pro Day was the injury to Chad Kelly, plenty of other Rebels made their case to the scouts in attendance.
Perhaps the most notable participant was Evan Engram who made a splash at the NFL combine, running a 4.42 40-yard dash as a tight end. After a strong showing in Indy, Engram decided not to test at Ole Miss’ Pro Day. Engram only participated in a few blocking and route running drills, opting to not run the 40, bench press or do the vertical jump.
Despite not taking part in the entire Pro Day, Engram was happy to be back at Ole Miss for one more day with his teammates.
“It was an awesome day. It’s a blessing to be out here, especially with my brothers that we’ve gone to war with over the last four years. So to go out and show out one last time was a blessing,” Engram said.
Engram mentioned that he has meetings set with the Bears, Panthers, Rams and a private workout with the Cardinals set up. With less than a month until the NFL draft, Engram is confident in his position as one of the draft’s top tight ends.
“They love my punch, my physicality and not shying away from contact…I believe I’m one of the best receiving tight ends if not the best tight end in this draft,” Engram said.
Engram went on to talk about his life leading up to the draft and if he believes he’s a first round talent.
Demorea Stringfellow did not receive an invite to the combine due to off-the-field issues dating back to his days at Washington. The talented WR showed scouts what Rebel fans have seen over the past two seasons. Stringfellow participated in the entire Pro Day and impressed the scouts in attendance. It took just 4.54 seconds for his 6-2, 220 frame to travel 40 yards, and he put up 17 reps on the 225-pound bench press.
“I don’t think anyone expected me to run a fast 40, I just came to show out and have fun with it,” Stringfellow said. “Every player wants to be great, wants to go to the combine. When I didn’t get the invite, I had a little chip on my shoulder.”
Stringfellow also answered questions about his off-the-field concerns and where he’s been hearing he may be selected.
D.J. Jones was another NFL Combine participant, and at over 300 pounds, the DL ran a 5.00. Today, he did not run the 40 but impressed with 28 reps on the bench press. Jones did participate in the field drills and felt he displayed good acceleration on the field. Jones has talked to numerous teams and mentioned that he has had contact with the Oakland, soon to be Las Vegas Raiders among other teams. Jones discussed what teams like about him heading into the NFL Draft.
“They like my stocky frame, being able to take on blocks whether it’s two or one. My quick feet and ability to move at my size and my ability to play the shade and three techniques,” Jones said.
Jones also talked about how his meetings are going and joked how you can’t trust the media when it comes to what round he may be selected in.
Also among the participants was RB Akeem Judd, who showed his strength with 23 reps on the bench press and his agility in the on-field drills.
WR Quincy Adeboyjoe didn’t run the 40 either but did show off his speed and improved route running during the scripted portion of the day.
WR/DB Derrick Jones showed his vertical ability by displaying a 41-inch vertical for scouts and recorded one of the fastest 40-times: 4.44 seconds.
At just 170 pounds, DB Carlos Davis turned in 15 reps on the bench press and ran a 4.45 40-yard-dash, showing an impressive combination of strength and speed for someone his size.
OL Jeremy Liggins did it all during his time as a Rebel and flashed some speed that got him some playing time as a QB. Liggins was able to run a sub 5 second 40 at 4.95 seconds. At 315 pounds, Liggins also finished with a 31-inch vertical and 9-4 foot broad jump.
DB Tony Bridges flashed some vertical ability as well, posting a 39.5 inch vertical.
Steven Gagliano is a writer for HottyToddy.com. He can be reached at steven.gagliano@hottytoddy.com.
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