NFL Pro Day News and Rumors: Chigoziem Okonkwo and Trey McBride stand out

There were four noteworthy pro days that took place on Wednesday, with several top prospects taking the field in front of large NFL contingents as preparation continues for the NFL Draft. Below are all of the latest pro day news and rumors from around the country.

NFL Pro Day News and Rumors: Maryland’s Chigoziem Okonkwo stands out

Though not earning the headlines lavished on several of the other pro day workouts on Wednesday, Maryland had two sleeper prospects perform that could be snatched off the board on Day 2.

Tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo, who starred during Shrine Bowl practices, weighed in at 243 pounds, slightly more than his Combine weight of 238. Okonkwo is getting over a mild shoulder injury but completed 13 reps on the bench while timing the short shuttle in the low 4.3s. He looked terrific catching the ball in position drills.

Earlier on Twitter, I mentioned the Tennessee Titans had their offensive coordinator on hand for the workout. Tight end coaches for the New York Giants, Atlanta Falcons, and Baltimore Ravens were also in attendance.

Safety Nick Cross logged 21 reps on the bench press and also looked terrific in position drills. I mentioned earlier that the New York Jets, Titans, and New Orleans Saints all had defensive back coaches on hand, as did the Washington Commanders. Additionally, the Baltimore Ravens had their safety coach at the workout. Coaches from the Saints and Jets put Cross through position work.

Colorado State tight end Trey McBride shines, and NFL teams take notice

Tight end Trey McBride put on a show and ran much faster than anyone imagined. In addition, one of the better pass rushers no one talks about also had a terrific day.

As posted earlier on Twitter, the Titans, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Cincinnati Bengals had tight end coaches at CSU’s Pro Day. Titans director of player personnel Monti Ossenfort was also at the workout.

McBride ran times as fast as 4.51 seconds in the 40-yard dash. His “official” APT time came in at 4.56. Cincinnati worked McBride through position drills, and he looked terrific. The team spent an extensive amount of time with McBride before the pro day. The senior, who’s expected to be selected on Day 2, has official 30 visits scheduled with the Titans and Jaguars.

Pass rusher Scott Patchan, a transfer from Miami, also had a fine pro day. Patchan measured a shade under 6’4 1/2″ and weighed 251 pounds. He completed 29 reps on the bench, touched 32.5″ in the vertical jump, and 9’11” in the broad. Patchan then timed as fast as 4.68 in the 40 despite tightness in his hamstring. An under-the-radar pass rusher who will get late-round consideration, Patchan posted 10.5 sacks and 19.5 TFLs last season.

UAB’s Alex Wright disappoints

This was the second pro day for UAB, and it was primarily a workout for pass rusher Alex Wright, who by all accounts looked terrible.

Wright didn’t run at the Combine or during the first UAB Pro Day, and he didn’t run today. His broad jump was 9’3″, and I’m told Wright struggled in position drills. He showed little in the way of explosion and was “outplayed” in drills by teammate Tyree Turner.

The Jets and Ravens had coaches on hand, while the Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Bears, and Pittsburgh Steelers were also present.

NFL Pro Day News and Rumors: Huge crowd of NFL executives attend Baylor’s workout

There was a big crowd at the Baylor Pro Day, including Cardinals defensive back coach Marcus Robertson, Titans secondary coach Anthony Midget, Jets player personnel executive Zach Truty and director of college scouting Jon Carr, Dolphins assistant general manager Marvin Allen, Jeff Ireland of the Saints, Tyler Scudder of the Eagles, Tariq Ahmad of the Niners, Texans general manager Nick Caserio, Antwaan Randle El of the Lions, and Marty Hurney of the Commanders.

Senior Bowl standout Jalen Pitre ran for scouts and ran well. His times ranged in the mid-to-high 4.4s, and Pitre had a terrific day. Keep an eye on the Chiefs, who have 12 picks, including four on Day 2 of the draft. I’m told Kansas City likes Pitre in the Honey Badger role, despite signing Justin Reid.

Combine stars Kalon Barnes and Tyquan Thornton stood on their 40 times from Indianapolis but posted broad jumps of 11’2″ and 10’11”, respectively.

Thornton had dinner with the Saints last night, met extensively with the 49ers as well as the Lions, and has already been on an official 30 visit with the Packers.

Running back Trestan Ebner looked excellent catching the football. Linebacker Terrel Bernard, who has been struggling with a hamstring injury since the Senior Bowl, timed in the high 4.5s.