Traditionally, Pro Days were useful for draft prospects who were not invited to participate in the NFL Scouting Combine, and as a second chance for those who were. Now, Pro Days are often the only opportunity for teams to see players go through on-field drills before the NFL Draft. With the growing popularity of Pro Days and two first-round prospects, Penn State’s Pro Day on Friday in Happy Valley was an important stop for scouts, but certainly left them wanting more.
Neither Abdul Carter nor Tyler Warren participated in drills on Friday. Carter, the potential No. 1 overall pick is still rehabbing a shoulder injury he suffered in the Nittany Lion’s College Football Playoff win over Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl, and Warren is simply set as a surefire first-rounder after a historic season and top-10 Heisman Trophy finish.
Despite the lack of superstar talent on the field inside Holuba Hall, a few Nittany Lions impressed, particularly with everyone’s favorite, the 40-yard dash. Eight former Penn State players ran the 40 on Friday morning
Every 40-yard dash time from Penn State’s Pro Day:
- Jalen Kimber, WR: 4.39
- Kevin Winston Jr. S: 4.50
- Kobe King, LB: 4.63
- Julian Fleming, WR: 4.68
- Amin Vanover, DL: 4.77
- Coziah Izzard, DL: 4.81
- Dvon J-Thomas, DL: 5.08
- Sal Wormely, OG: 5.29
Jalen Kimber did not earn an NFL Scouting Combine invitation after a productive season at Penn State. However, the Florida transfer stole the show in Holuba Hall with a sub-4.40 which could vault him into the back half of Day 3 in Green Bay next month.
Kobe King was another player who had a positive day that could help his draft stock. A physical Big Ten linebacker, King will fit best in the NFL on run downs, but if his impressive speed translates from Pro Day to the NFL field, he may be able to hold up better in coverage and find himself a three-down role.
The biggest disappointment of the day was KJ Winston, who missed nearly his entire junior season with a knee injury. After running 4.50, not a bad time for a safety, but not elite either, Winston claimed that he ran 4.44 in preparation for Pro Day and was running in the 4.3s before his injury.