MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The NFL Draft is one month away and college football players across the country are hoping to hear their name called during or immediately after the three-day event. In Memphis, the Tigers held Pro Day, Thursday, hoping to prove how valuable 14 former players could be to a pro franchise.
The Tigers participated in the day of drills and measurements in front of scouts from all 32 NFL teams and the some Canadian Football League. The day brought years of training, grinding, and patience to a head.
Most players do not have a preference of where they land in the NFL. They just hope to land somewhere and are willing to do anything on the field to prove it.
That could mean playing out of position or battling it out in special teams.
"Wherever you need me at. Wherever you want to put me at, I'm there. Right now, today," said defensive end Jaylon Allen.
The 40-yard dash is always the highlight of any combine setting. A few Tigers impressed with their times and their speed. Top honors went to runningback Blake Watson, who ran a 4.3.
Watson, who ran for his second career 1,000 yard season in his one year in Memphis, had an extended evaluation period. On top of the group drills, he also ran solo bag drills and caught passes with receivers Joseph Scates and Tauskie Dove.
Watson figures to have the best odds of being drafted in this year's class of Tigers and pro day proved the scouts are taking a long look.
"Going through this process, getting to the NFL, I mean that's what we do this for. That's what we come to college for to get a shot at the next level. It's a dream come true," Watson said.
After the 2023 football season ended, the athletes spent weeks preparing for Pro Day in various parts of the country. Some to improve the measurables in drills. Others, like linebacker Geoffrey Cantin-Arku, want to show versatility.
Cantin-Arku, spent time in Nashville at X3 Performance & Physical Therapy. He trained with defensive backs hoping to improve his coverage skills.
"I want (NFL teams) to know I'm a great linebacker, but I know how to cover," Cantin-Arku said. "I know I can strap tight ends, receivers, runningbacks, you name it. Just give me the chance."
While many players were happy with their performance, others left disappointed. Jacob Likes, a three-year starting center and projected draft pick, came up gimpy after a drill and sat out the rest of the day. One of the Tigers more likely to get drafted, it didn't dampen his spirit.
"I'm just happy that I was able to do what I was able to do," Likes said. "It was discouraging that that happened, but it's fine. I'm all good and ready to move forward."
Pro Day also showcased just how important a chance at the NFL is to the athletes. Parents, girlfriends, and teammates were in attendance encouraging the former Tigers.
Defensive back Malik Feaster held his daughter after drills finished. Cantin-Arku's mother watched as he performed. The Canadian made it clear how special this moment in time is to him.
"It means everything, the world to me. I left my country five years ago just to be able to play football in America," Cantin-Arku said. "I learned English. I left my friends, my family, my home."
The NFL Draft will be held April 25-27th in Detroit, Michigan.
