Just because Boise State had one of the smallest senior classes in the nation in 2009 doesn't mean their Pro Day will be short on excitement. Kyle Wilson can legitimately crown himself the top CB in next month's draft if he aces the speed drills that he had to forego at last months NFL Scouting Combine. Richie Brockel can remind scouts that he's still around...and if he's feeling cocky, show them his Master's Degree. The Caven-Williams Sports Complex should be packed (sorry, closed to the public) and millions of dollars will be at stake, so let's take a quick look at what to expect at today's Pro Day.
Update: Wilson clocked between 4.39 and 4.45.
Make no mistake, Kyle WIlson is the star attraction here. Just like Ryan Clady brought a bevy of suitors in after the 2007 season, Wilson will have tongues wagging and stopwatches clicking as the scouts try to confirm Wilson's quicks. Wilson attended the combine in Indianapolis a few weeks back, but was only able to complete the bench press and interview portions as he nursed a sore hamstring. Even so, Wilson impressed scouts with his power (25 reps on the benchpress) intelligence, and personality. Throw in the fact that the presumptive top CB in this year's draft, Florida's Joe Haden, ran a very slow 40 at the combine (4.6 range), and there is plenty of reason for Wilson to want to put on a show. If Wilson can run what he's capable of in the timed drills, he'll likely cement his place in the first round of the draft, and the difference between 1st and 2nd round money when signing bonuses are factored in can be enormous. Wilson, who says he'll be 100%, will be tested in the vertical jump, broad jump, 40-yard dash, agility shuttle, three-cone drill and 60-yard shuttle. Kyle's brother, Gerry (of RV fame) is currently serving as his manager. Wilson has been projected to go as high as 7th overall or as low as the upper-to-mid 2nd round. We know that plenty of scouts will be on hand, likely including Green Bay who will be looking for a CB with their 23rd pick. The Packers seem to like Boise State products and ESPN's Todd McShay thinks that Wilson should be at the top of the Packers' wish list, describing him thusly:
Quick and instinctive with good size (5-foot-10, 194 pounds), Wilson can play man or zone and can re-route receivers in press coverage. He is a durable player who also offers value in the return game.
If you want to see what the scout's will, check out this video of Wilson from last summer's Pro Day, though it's doubtful he can shed any more clothes for the 40.
Another Bronco senior that will be looking to turn some heads after falling a bit off the radar will be Richie Brockel, who prior to the 2009 season was considered to be the top fullback in the class. With Brockel's relative lack of carries and catches in 2009, coupled with an foot-injury that kept him out of late season games and the Fiesta Bowl—Brockel faded into obscurity like only a fullback can. Remember, even top fullbacks are rarely taken in the first few rounds of the draft, and Brockel's absence from last month's NFL combine may have removed him far enough from teams consciousness that he'll be fighting to just hear his name called on Draft weekend. Brockel has signed with Exclusive Sports Group out of Indianapolis, the same agency that represent numerous ex-Broncos like Legedu Naanee, Korey Hall, and Chris Carr and was in Indy training in around the same time the Combine took place. Brockel is a high-character guy, a true leader, and one of the hardest workers on the field. All he'll really need to do is remind people of his body of work and I expect him to find his way into the very late rounds or as a free agent. Richie thinks that's doable.
"As long as I get into a camp, I think I can make a team,"
After a 1-year layoff and rehabbing of a pesky broken leg that ended his Bronco career on a sour note, Mike T Williams will be looking to show scout's some of the form that made him an All-WAC Defensive End for the Broncos. If you swung by Bronco Stadium last summer, you may have seen Mike T running laps on the track or shuttles on the turf—this was my experience on two separate occasions. Mike T has a high motor and a lot of heart, but he may be out to prove something to him self more than the scouts. Williams may get lucky and find his way onto a practice squad next year, but my guess would be that he'll be trying to generate a little buzz for the AFL or CFL where, like Stella, he can get his groove back.
Pro day workouts will be held at 10 AM today, we'll let you know about other participants and share the results as we get them.