Penn State showcases top players with NFL draft potential at Pro Day
Some players had more to prove than others at the showcase for the next level.
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With the NFL draft just weeks away, Penn State showcased 15 of its top players at its Pro Day on Thursday, and all 32 NFL teams had at least one representative in attendance including Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon.
After weigh-ins, the players went to the bench press, where offensive lineman Eric Wilson stood out. Wilson had a solid day all around, but the bench was where he separated himself, putting up 29 reps, five more than Max Chizmar, who put up the second most.
The 40-yard dash had some notable omissions, as potential first-round pick Jahan Dotson opted not to run it after posting a 4.43 at the combine. Linebacker Brandon Smith, who could be taken on Day 2 of the draft, also didn’t run after he clocked in at 4.52 at the combine.
The standout from the 40, though, was undoubtedly Drew Hartlaub, who posted a blazing 4.24, which didn’t surprise him.
“I wanted to run around a 4.25, and I’ve been hitting that when I’ve been training,” Hartlaub said afterward. “When I heard 4.24, that was right around where I wanted.”
Hartlaub is listed as a safety on Penn State’s roster, but acknowledged that he’s undersized to play safety in the NFL after measuring in at 5-foot-11 and 170 pounds, but said he’s heard from teams in regards to a special-teams role.
As for Dotson, concerns about his size have also been brought up, and he measured in at 5-foot-10 and 184 pounds, but he’s confident in his ability, regardless of his stature.
“I truly believe I am the best receiver in the draft,” Dotson said. “I’m right up there with the top guys. My film kind of proves that.”
Dotson was looking to prove his strength, as well, and he put up 15 on the bench press. However, he also showcased his hands, not dropping a single ball thrown to him from Sean Clifford during the route-running showcase.
While Dotson carries the most hype on offense, on the defensive side of the ball, Jaquan Brisker is looking to hear his name called in Round 1, and he further proved Thursday that he just may. Brisker posted a team-best 38.5 inches on the vertical jump and ran a 4.40 40-yard dash.
Brisker said he tweaked something in his back at the combine during the bench press, so he wanted to utilize Pro Day to showcase his ability to “move like a corner” when his back was feeling good.