I just posted this on Twitter, but thought I'd expand here. Aside from it being the longest Pro Day I've ever attended (the pace was sooooo slow), a lot good happened for Tennessee today.
Individually, Josh Dobbs (who proved people right by looking very comfortable throwing the NFL ball), Alvin Kamara (explosive, showcased versatile route-running) and Jason Croom (tested well, has NFL interest) all had really good days. We'll see what happens with the latest mock drafts, but Kamara continues to cement himself as a legit 1st rounder.
Derek Barnett was never going to shine in this type of setting, but he gutted out a bum hammy to run a good 3-cone time (3rd-fastest of the day behind Kamara and Sutton) and performed well in drills. His film and productivity remain his biggest alley. He's not a Top 10 pick IMO, but his floor is so high I don't see him sliding outside the early 2nd round. He certainly remains a probable 1st round selection.
If JRM's shoulder is really healthy, he will be an intriguing prospect. Malik Foreman and Dylan Wiesman both did some things today that could get scouts' attention. Foreman ran fast (not surprisingly) and did enough in drills to probably earn an invite somewhere as an UFA. Could he latch on to a team as a special teams star?
Also, what Robert Meachem did today was impressive. No matter the motivations, the dude is 32 with a lot of miles on the tires. Yet, the former 1st round pick worked himself back into shape and looked great. He had an excellent 10-yard time and his 40-yard dash was as fast as some of the top guys in the draft. I don't know if he'll connect with a team, but he gave himself a chance after Friday's performance.
Finally, in a broader sense, the entire day was a huge win for Butch Jones and Tennessee. Every NFL team was there, with some like the Titans, Steelers and Eagles sending 3-4 reps. These guys got to see the present and future of Tennessee football, seizing up a bunch of current players who trickled in and out of the event between classes. A number of former Vols were in attendance, too, just to support Dobbs, Kamara, Barnett, etc. There was an obvious camaraderie Friday. No matter how the draft ultimately shakes out, Jones will be able to truly sell this on the recruiting trail now. These are his guys, and this was his event.
And it was a smash hit.
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