The NFL brings new players into the league each year through a seven round draft. But before the draft, scouts, coaches, and other staff members get a couple of chances to meet and evaluate prospective players. Pro Day is one of the last of these events on the way to the draft, and Florida State Coach Jimbo Fisher says it offers a unique opportunity for the players.
“Well I think it’s a little more relaxed setting, and I personally think you see more of the guy who he really is, because he’s in an atmosphere and an environment that he’s used to and he’s comfortable. It’s really the same thing as the combine, you’re just doing it in an environment where I’m comfortable, and not where everybody’s in one central location. I think you don’t see as many nerves as you would see at the combine,” Fisher said.
Throughout the day, players participate in drills testing their speed, strength, and agility.
One of these drills is bench press. Players participating here lift 225 pounds as many times as they can. Center Bryan Stork lifted it 21 times.
FSU has a number of prospects that are likely to be drafted, and for most of them, this will be their last chance to impress teams. Running Back Devonta Freeman says he’s been looking forward to this moment for a long time.
“A long time, this is my dream, since I started loving football, and that was since I was really young, this is like a dream come true knowing that I’m almost there, and I’m almost about to get drafted. And I just thank God, it’s just a humbling moment for me,” Freeman said.
Now all these players can do is wait until May, and hope they find a spot on a team.
