Media by Associated Press – Arkansas offensive lineman Dalton Wagner runs drills during NFL pro day Wednesday, March 29, 2023, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
The NFL Draft process these days is a highly-covered affair that will feature months of people reacting, either positively or negatively, to each piece of news concerning prospects that are available in the draft. What that can lead to is certain players getting overhyped or not getting enough attention based on a workout without pads.
Here’s a look at a few players who have received some buzz for their efforts.
Calijah Kancey, Pitt, Defensive Tackle
Kancey, who is 6-foot-1 and 238 pounds, was pleased that the tape measure proved that he is truly 6-1. Kancey was quoted by local media recently saying he had been told by some scouts they thought he was 5-10. Whatever motivates Kancey to keep impressing scouts has been working for him.
Kancey broke former Pitt legend Aaron Donald’s record in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine earlier this spring. During Pitt’s pro day recently, Kancey finished with a time of 6.82 seconds in the three-cone drill and 4.33 seconds in the shuttle run. Both times would have been the top time had he run them at the NFL Combine.
Will Levis, Kentucky, Quarterback
Levis, who is 6-6 and 229 pounds, will need to show that all the physical tools he has will help the Wildcats quarterback translate to the pro level. During his pro day at Kentucky, Levis impressed scouts with his ability to throw the ball deep during a 50-throw script. Levis started his career at Penn State and transferred to Kentucky.
Levis passed for 2,406 yards with 19 touchdowns and ten interceptions as a senior.
Paris Johnson, Jr., Ohio State, Offensive tackle
Johnson was most certainly not the main attraction at the Buckeyes’ pro day. Not when quarterback C.J. Stroud and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who isn’t draft-eligible until next season, were also doing workouts. However, Johnson was able to build some buzz with his performance and size.
Johnson, who is a 6-6 lineman from Cincinnati, impressed scouts with his size and movement. He will be a player that improved his draft stock as a result of his pro-day workout. Johnson has versatility in the positions he can play. Johnson started 13 games at right guard in 2021 before moving to tackle last season.
JL Skinner, Boise State, Safety
Skinner had a difficult job trying to impress officials from NFL teams. He couldn’t participate in the Boise State pro day due to a torn bicep but went to work on building his stock by answering questions. The same injury kept Skinner out of the NFL combine earlier this season.
Skinner, a 6-4, 209-pound safety, didn’t want to waste an opportunity to meet representatives from NFL teams. Skinner is projected to be drafted in the first few rounds, and he wanted to make sure that he could put the team’s concerns about their possible concerns about his injury to rest.
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