There was a massive crowd on hand for TCU’s Pro Day, a program that has as many as seven players in contention to be selected in the 2023 NFL Draft. Among the highest-profile of those athletes is wide receiver Quentin Johnston. Here’s what I’m hearing on where Johnston could land and more from today’s pro days at TCU, Louisiana, and Fresno State.
Pro Day News and Rumors: Patriots Eye Quentin Johnston at TCU Pro Day
The long-awaited 40-times from Johnston came in, and the numbers were anywhere from 4.46 to 4.52 seconds. Johnston then caught passes from Max Duggan, who had a difficult day. All in all, the people I spoke with said Johnston caught the ball very well.
The two passes he dropped were uncatchable throws. The big receiver had a busy day of meetings with teams including the New England Patriots and head coach Bill Belichick, most of the New York Giants’ staff, and the Tennessee Titans.
Shrine Bowl participant Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson was sensational in position drills. The cornerback was fluid and smooth, displaying elite technique. He sat on his Combine marks, which included 4.41 seconds in the 40-yard dash, 39” in the vertical jump, and 11’ in the broad jump.
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Hodges-Tomlinson measured a tick over 5’7.5″, which is going to suppress his draft stock. One scout at the TCU Pro Day described it best, saying, “That little cornerback is a baller.” I’ve fondly referred to Hodges-Tomlinson as the Bryce Young of cornerbacks. The San Francisco 49ers ran the defensive back drills, while Hodges-Tomlinson also met with the Las Vegas Raiders and Arizona Cardinals.
Dylan Horton, the explosive and athletic pass rusher who recorded four sacks against Michigan in the CFB semifinal playoff game, looked terrific in drills. Horton was put through both linebacker and defensive line drills. The Patriots, who met with Horton, project him as a 3-4 OLB in their system. He also met with the Houston Texans and Chicago Bears.
Running back Kendre Miller, who hurt an MCL during the college football semifinal game against Michigan, was on hand for the interview process. Miller, graded as a third-round prospect on my board, is on pace to be ready by the start of mini-camp. He had pro day meetings with the Arizona Cardinals, Houston Texans, Miami Dolphins, and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Andre Jones Was the Star at Louisiana
The Louisiana Pro Day took place a few weeks ago without Andre Jones. Yet, after yesterday’s pro day at LSU, about a dozen teams headed to Lafayette to watch the Shrine Bowl participant work out.
Jones has been struggling with a hamstring injury he suffered on his first attempt of the 40-yard dash at the Combine. Jones did not run the 40 but looked good in drills.
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Some believe the 6’4 1/2”, 248-pound pass rusher will eventually grow into a defensive end. The Bears, 49ers, Green Bay Packers, Atlanta Falcons, and Indianapolis Colts were just a few of the teams on hand to watch Jones.
It must be noted that, while Jones never fully completed his 40 at the Combine, as he pulled up lame around the 20-yard mark, his 10-yard split came in at 1.56 seconds, one of the better splits from the linebacker group.
Jalen Cropper and Jake Haener Standout at Fresno State Pro Day
There was a decent crowd on hand for Fresno State pro day to primarily watch the Fresno State Bulldogs’ offensive prospects.
Quarterback Jake Haener sat on his Combine numbers but threw the ball during position drills. I’m told he was very accurate with outstanding pass placement in the short field and his deep passes weren’t bad. But I was also told unlike the Anthony Richardson workout earlier today, Haener’s script stressed short and intermediate passes.
Receiver Jalen Cropper stood on most of his Combine numbers though he did run the short shuttle (4.24 seconds) as well as the three-cone (7.06 seconds). Cropper caught the ball exceptionally well and ran terrific routes.
The team’s other receiver, Nikko Remigio, a transfer from Cal, touched 36″ in the vertical jump, 10’1’’ in the broad, and completed 19 reps on the bench. His 40 timed 4.56. He caught the ball well and did a good job in return drills. Remigio will be signed for his return ability. Last year at Fresno State he averaged 19.9 yards on 13 punt returns and brought two back for scores.
David Perales, an underrated pass rusher who combined for 25.5 tackles for loss and 16.5 sacks the past two seasons, timed 5.00 in the 40 on a bad ankle. His three-cone time was a swift 7.10 seconds and short shuttle 4.40 seconds. Perales spent time with the Eagles, Jaguars, Packers, and Broncos at pro day.
Running back Jordan Mims was unable to get under 4.65 seconds in the forty.
