2021 NFL Draft: The latest Pro Day numbers which could shape the Steelers’ draft

As free agency continues to pave the landscape for the 2021 NFL Draft, we are in the midst of pro day season. Not every measurement and time is easily accessible like it is in most years at the scouting combine, but colleges have tried to be more transparent than usual in giving out pro day information to the fans.

We are not going to break down every player’s numbers, but I am going to share with you the ones that Steelers fans should take note of. I will also share a few under-the-radar names that could be risers after strong pro day performances. If you have any other pro day information you would like to share about your favorite prospects, be sure to mention it in the comment section.

Creed Humphrey — C — Oklahoma

Humphrey was expected to test fairly pedestrian, but he had an impressive pro day, running a 5.09 in the 40, jumping 33 inches in the vertical, 112 inches in the broad jump, and putting up 29 bench reps. He is a former wrestler who plays a tough and physical brand of football, but he definitely surprised people with his solid athleticism that was on display this past week. With the injury concerns with Landon Dickerson, this performance may be enough for Humphrey to supplant Dickerson as the consensus number one center in the draft.

Azeez Ojulari — EDGE — Georgia

I have been on the Ojulari hype train for about a year. I loved the bend and quickness around the edge that he showed on a consistent basis. In a weak class of pass rushers, Ojulari has a very good chance of going in round one after his pro day performance, as he recorded a 4.63 in the 40 and put up 28 bench reps. I always like it when edge rushers run the 3-cone drill. Ojulari’s time was a bit disappointing at 7.27, but tape is the most important thing, and it is clear the bend around the edge is not an issue for him. Free agency will have to finish playing out, but I could definitely see him as a viable option for a team like the Jets in the bottom half of the first round.

Robert Rochell — CB — Central Arkansas

Rochell blew up his pro day with a 4.39 40, 43 inch vertical, 133 inch broad jump, and 6.83 3-cone drill. There is a lot of uncertainty after the top three cornerbacks. I do not see Rochell becoming the next cornerback off the board, but he has firmly cemented himself as a mid-round prospect. ESPN’s Jim Nagy believes that he will not be available by the time we get to day three.

With Steven Nelson on the trade block, the Steelers will once again be taking a close look at the cornerback position, and the Steelers were spotted at Rochell’s pro day. Get familiarized with this name, because he could be in play if he is available in the third round.

Jaylen Twyman — DL — Pittsburgh

Twyman’s pro day was very unusual. His 40 bench reps answered some questions people had about his strength, but his 5.51 40 does not make much sense considering that quickness was what made him look so dominant on tape in 2019. His 8.00 3-cone-drill also put a damper on his performance. With Cameron Heyward getting older and Tyson Alualu leaving via free agency, the Steelers will need to invest in the defensive line at some point. Twyman is too small to be a nose tackle in a 3-4 scheme, but if he truly is quicker than what his 40 time portrays, he may be able to become a 5-technique defensive end if he is given a year or two to learn the position. On his 2019 tape, he was incredibly quick off the snap and was able to get good penetration. If he is available in the fourth round, I would have to consider taking him.

Davis Mills — QB — Stanford

I moved Mills ahead of Kyle Trask in my quarterback rankings about a month ago, and he has only helped his stock since then. Some draftniks had questioned Mills’ mobility, but he silenced the critics when he ran a 4.58 in the 40 at his pro day. The most impressive thing, however, was how well he threw the ball in the rain. He was accurate and displayed the tremendous arm strength that scouts knew he had coming out of high school as a five-star recruit. Because of a lack of starting experience, Mills will need at least one year on the bench to learn, but he has a great shot at becoming a starter in the right system.

Anthony Schwartz — WR — Auburn

There are a lot of speedy receivers in this loaded wide receiver class, but Schwartz may be the fastest of them all. Having a track background, Schwartz was expected to run a blistering 40 time. He may not have reached the all-time 40 record like many thought he could, but he still ran an impressive 4.27. His vertical and broad jumps were somewhat pedestrian, but speed is becoming such an important part of the NFL game. Schwartz has a somewhat limited route tree, but he uses his world-class speed to separate late. His hands are also much better than your typical speed demon. Even though JuJu Smith-Schuster is now returning, the Steelers had reportedly shown interest in Schwartz. He would be an excellent piece for Matt Canada’s offense and would be a steal if he is still available in round four.

Tony Fields II — ILB — West Virginia

I was blown away by Fields’ performance this season. He consistently flew to the ball and made plays in the backfield for West Virginia. Mountanier fan and BTSC writer Shannon White has mentioned Fields as a late-round sleeper as well. He is very undersized at about 6-0 and 222 pounds, but he plays bigger than that on tape and has the wingspan of someone who is 6-4. He also tested well at his pro day, running a 4.5 flat in the 40 and a 7.06 in the 3-cone drill. Fields also posted a 34 inch vertical and had 17 bench reps. He is more of a MIKE linebacker, which is why I am not sure if he makes sense for the Steelers. Nonetheless, he is a very intriguing prospect who has starter potential if he can add some weight.

Milton Williams — DL — Louisiana Tech

Williams was a fairly productive player for Louisiana Tech, racking up 10 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss in the past two seasons. At his pro day, Williams ran a 4.62 at 284 pounds! If that did not impress you, maybe his 38.5 inch vertical or 34 bench reps will. How does a 6.87 3-cone drill sound? This February scouting report from Pro Football Network concludes with his best fit being in a 4-3 system, but I have seen scouting reports from The Draft Network and other sites that see him best suited as a 3-4 defensive end. These insane testing numbers will definitely boost his stock, but he is yet another player to keep an eye on if he falls to the early to middle portions of day three.

Other Pro Day Numbers

Josh Imatorbhebhe | WR | Illinois | 40 time: 4.48 | Vertical: 46.5
Nate Hobbs | CB | Illinois | 40 time: 4.39 | Vertical: 40.5 | 3-cone: 6.68
Paris Ford | S | Pittsburgh | 40 time: 4.90 | Vertical: 28.5 | 3-cone: 7.65
Rhomandre Stevenson | RB | Oklahoma | 40 time: 4.63 | Vertical: 31.5 | Broad: 112
Simi Fehoko | WR | Stanford | 40 time: 4.37 | Vertical: 35 | 3-cone: 6.86
Robert Rochell | CB | Central Arkansas | Vertical: 43 | Broad: 133
Seth Williams | WR | Auburn | 40 time: 4.50 | Vertical: 37
Trevon Moehrig | S | TCU | 40 time: 4.50 | Vertical: 33
Ar’Darius Washington | S | TCU | 40 time: 4.61 | Vertical: 37.5 | 3-cone: 7.06
Tyson Campbell | CB | Georgia | 40 time: 4.37
Eric Stokes | CB | Georgia | 40 time: 4.25 | Vertical: 38.5 | Broad: 128
Walker Little | OT | Stanford | 40 time: 5.26 | Bench: 24 | 3-cone: 6.90

Which players have caught your eye during the first half of pro day season? Which numbers have surprised you the most? Be sure to light up the comment section with your thoughts on these pro day numbers and all things NFL Draft!