By Zach Berman
With over 60 representatives from all 32 NFL franchises and major media outlets such as ESPN and NFL Network broadcasting on site, Mizzou’s 2019 Pro Day was one of the highest profile pro days in recent history.
While all 18 draft-eligible Tigers participated in the day’s events, it was clear that most eyes were on star quarterback Drew Lock’s performance. The senior and probable first round pick from Lee’s Summit, Misouri wowed nearly everyone in attendance, catching particular interest from teams such as Miami, the Los Angeles Chargers and the New York Giants.
The Giants in particular seemed to be the most enamored with Lock. Offensive coordinator Mike Shula followed him around like a shadow for most of the morning. The QB-needy Giants also sent the most personnel members to Columbia out of all the teams in attendance (5) and took Lock out to dinner after the day’s events (the Dolphins’ staff took him out to dinner as well the night before). All in all, Lock did exactly what he needed to do to prove himself among the best quarterback prospects in this year’s draft class with Ohio State’s Dwayne Haskins and Oklahoma’s Kyler Murray.
Lock wasn’t the only prospect that impressed at pro day. Running back Damarea Crockett ran an unofficial 4.40 40-yard dash time, while weighing in at 224 pounds, according to the Kansas City Star’s Alex Schiffer. A 37-inch vertical jump should only help Crockett’s draft stock, and he should slot in somewhere among the middle rounds of the draft- and could be a nice surprise for whoever drafts him.
On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Terez Hall pulled off a 39.5 inch vertical, placing him among the higher echelons of draft linebackers in that category. Unfortunately, he fell during his 40-yard dash and came up limping, which resulted in him not participating in the day’s linebacker drills.
Other players that impressed were tight end Kendall Blanton, wide reciever Emanuel Hall, and fan-favorite punter Corey Fatony.
All in all, Mizzou’s prospects put on a good showing at this year’s pro day. While Lock’s performance will be what most take away from the day’s events, impressive performances by both Halls, Blanton, and Crockett should bode well for the program and them heading into this year’s NFL draft.
Edited by Garrett Jones | [email protected]