NFL Pro Day News and Rumors: Commanders, Seahawks, Eagles, and Steelers all interested in Sam Howell?

Several big pro days took place yesterday as North Carolina and Air Force prospects worked out in advance of the NFL Draft. Here are some news and rumors from the pro days, including some names of teams that were impressed by UNC QB Sam Howell.

NFL Pro Day News and Rumors: Sam Howell main focus of disastrous UNC Pro Day

The North Carolina Pro Day workout was characterized by many as a bit of a disaster. Other strong adjectives were used to describe the day, words which I won’t repeat here. Still, it was well attended with several decision-makers on hand.

The problem with the workout was twofold. First, the workout facility was described to me as freezing. It was close to the air temperature outside, which was under 50 degrees. And while that’s nice football weather, it’s less than ideal for working out in shorts and a t-shirt. As a result, several players chose not to run.

The second big issue was the pro day schedule was tailored around the broadcast of the workout by the ACC Network, which was on hand for Sam Howell. This meant much of the workout went in reverse order; players ran the 40, completed position drills, then waited around as Howell threw passes while the ACC Network was on the air. Players returned for the shuttles and jumps before finishing with the bench press.

Regardless, those in attendance liked what they saw.

The Washington Commanders had a large contingent on hand including Marty Hurney, Scott Turner, Ken Zampese, and Luke Del Rio. Seattle Seahawks quarterbacks coach Dave Canales and Philadelphia Eagles quarterbacks coach Brian Johnson were present. Kevin Colbert of the Pittsburgh Steelers was also in attendance.

The offensive line was another unit of interest for NFL teams

As I tweeted early Monday, the New York Jets, New York Giants, and Arizona Cardinals all had their offensive line coaches on hand.

The offensive line drills were primarily run by the Giants, but the Jets also ran a portion of the workout. The Tar Heels have two offensive linemen who will be selected in the draft, guards Marcus McKethan and Joshua Ezeudu. I presently grade McKethan as a sixth-round prospect and Ezeudu as a fourth-rounder, though Ezeudu is getting Day 2 grades from some scouts. Offensive tackle Jordan Tucker also worked out and looked good after dropping 30 pounds in weight.

Today was the first time scouts got to watch talented cornerback Kyler McMichael work out. Snubbed from the NFL Combine, McMichael is the highest-rated player on my board who was not invited to Indianapolis earlier this month.

McMichael ran the 40 in the low 4.5s (4.52, though there were some slower times), touched 32 inches in the vertical jump, 9-feet-6-inches in the broad jump, and completed 14 reps on the bench. His three-cone came in at 6.95 seconds.

I’m told McMichael was adversely affected by the way the workout was run. He had been running the 40 in the 4.3s during training. However, McMichael was unable to get properly warmed up after so many other players chose not to run the 40 due to the cold temperatures. He then was forced to wait around to complete position drills as the ACC Network broadcast Howell’s passing, only to be forced to later complete the workout.

UNC linebacker Jeremiah Gemmel is scheduled to work out on April 5 as he returns from injury. Additionally, McMichael may try and test again for scouts at that time.

NFL Pro Day News and Rumors: Cowboys in attendance at Air Force Pro Day

There were 25 teams were on hand for Air Force’s Pro Day, primarily to watch defensive lineman Jordan Jackson.

Jackson measured 6-feet-4.5-inches and 294 pounds. He timed 4.91s in the 40, 4.35s in the short shuttle, and 7.20s in the three-cone. His vertical jump was 30.5 inches and his broad jump 9-feet-4-inches.

The Dallas Cowboys, a team with a history of mining talent from the Air Force, had assistant head coach Rob Davis put Jackson through position drills.