2013 NFL Draft: Texas Pro Day Recap

In front of 30 NFL teams, Vince Young took the first step in reshaping his image by participating in the Texas Longhorns Pro Day in Austin, Texas Tuesday. Over 50 scouts were in attendance to view the variety of talent between numerous Longhorns looking to make a name for themselves.

Young stood out among the players who participated in the drills. While he didn’t weigh in or run a 40-yard dash, he did throw about 50 passes on the day. Young threw to former Texas receivers John Chiles and DeSean Hales, as well as Marquise Goodwin and the rest of Texas’ draft-eligible receivers. While Young didn’t stay to talk with reporters, his agent Jerry Marlatt said he had a great showing.

"“I think he did extremely well,” agent Jerry Marlatt said. “He showed his footwork and mechanics, and overall it was a very good day. He thought it went well. We received positive feedback from multiple teams.”"

Many reports stated Young threw the ball very well and made a variety of NFL throws, but according to former NFL consultant Gil Brandt teams won’t be impressed by that.

"”That’s not his problem. His problem is not physically doing something, it’s getting the ability to study, to pay attention. If he does that, he’s got a chance to come back with somebody and play,” Brandt said."

The major issue for Young is whether his financial issues and other distractions are behind him. If they are, and he can focus on football, he can be an asset to a team as a backup quarterback due to his strong arm and ability to create plays with his feet.

Safety Kenny Vaccaro and wide receiver Marquise Goodwin were the other important prospects scouts came to see.

Vaccaro was unable to improve on his 4.63 40-yard dash due to a hip flexor injury. Not being able to show his speed may hurt Vaccaro since FIU’s Jonthan Cyprien is rising up draft boards.

The injury didn’t prevent him from participating in position drills. The 6’0″, 214-pound safety looked great during drills and exelled showing off his movement and quick ability to turn his hips downfield. Regardless of his 40-time, Vacarro will still end up in the top 15 players drafted in the NFL Draft.

Goodwin didn’t run the 40-yard dash either, but unlike Vaccaro, it was by choice. He would be hard pressed to beat his 4.27 40 time that he posted at the Combine. Goodwin was able to show off his athleticism and explosiveness in another way, by posting a 42″ vertical leap. Goodwin showed great ability to catch the ball at the Combine as well and is graded out as a second round pick.

Lastly, an under the radar player from the Pro Day was running back D.J. Monroe. He ran a 4.35 40-yard dash and added a 36″ vertical jump. Monroe can be a dual threat on offense playing as a wide receiver as well. At 5’9″, 175 pounds, he may need to add some strength to prove teams he can last in the NFL.

After his performance at the Pro Day, Monroe should’ve done enough to get a phone call on draft weekend.