Perception met reality last week with scouts traveling across the country to view many of the top-rated prospects work out at their respective Pro Days. With likely first-round prospects working out at Boston College, Florida, Penn State, Virginia, Michigan, Tennessee State and Vanderbilt, among other universities, scouts were spread out with little time to take in each performance. That led to considerable speculation about which players truly helped themselves. With more than a hundred scouts on site and the media contingent to match, all eyes were on Boston College's Matt Ryan. As it turns out, the better performance came from a former ACC rival.
1. Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College Current Rating: 2008 Draft Scout #1 QB, Overall #7, Compiled Projected Round(s): 1
Despite reports to the contrary, Ryan did not help his stock during his March 18 Pro Day. Characterized by some as a candidate to be the first overall pick, Ryan's lack of prototypical arm strength and marginal athleticism left many of the hundred-plus scouts attending the workout questioning if Ryan has the upside to warrant such a high selection. Ryan remains this draft's top rated passer and an obvious first-round talent, but he needed a spectacular workout to legitimize top-pick status after electing not to participate in the Senior Bowl or the passing drills at the Combine.
2. DeJuan Tribble, CB, Boston College - Stock Current Rating: 2008 Draft Scout #23 CB, Overall #211, Compiled Projected Round(s): 6
Ryan wasn't the only Golden Eagle to struggle at the Boston College Pro Day as Tribble continued his slide down the board with another disappointing workout. Estimated by pro scouts as having 4.4 speed before the season, the 5-9, 189-pound Tribble had hoped to improve upon a disappointing 4.59 at the Combine. Instead, Tribble was timed at a 4.65 and 4.68.
Another ACC cornerback taking a tumble down draft boards is Flowers. The junior was viewed among the draft's elite cornerback prospects entering the Combine by some teams, but proved shorter (5-9.6, 189) and slower (4.55) than projected. Flowers is expected to improve his numbers at Virginia Tech's Pro Day March 27. More important, Flowers will have to answer scouts' questions about his maturity, as reports linking the All-American to illegal activities are circulating throughout league circles.
4. Dwight Lowery, CB, San Jose State - Stock Current Rating: 2008 Draft Scout #19 CB, Overall #162, Compiled Projected Round(s): 5
Lowery might be used to dealing with adversity. He signed with San Jose State as a relative unknown junior college transfer from Cabrillo College, but jumped into the spotlight with 13 interceptions in only 25 games for the Spartans. In doing so, Lowery was the first San Jose State player to earn consecutive All-American accolades. After demonstrating only marginal pure speed at the Combine (4.54), however, Lowery wasn't able to improve the time at his Pro Day; clocking in at a 4.55 and 4.57.
Another highly productive defender from the West whose stock is dropping due to workouts. In leading the country with 120 solo tackles and earning Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year accolades, Dizon's tackling ability is unquestioned. However, his ability to get off blocks and make tackles at the line of scrimmage will be with news that the 6-0, 229-pounder only managed 12 repetitions of 225 pounds at Colorado's Pro Day.
03/26/08 - Rob Rang, Senior Analyst, NFLDraftScout.com
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