I had to buy a new little notebook at Target this morning to make sure I had room to fit all the notes that needed to be taken at Washington’s 2021 official Pro Day. Over the course of the day, notes were taken, exchanged with scouts and agents, and the all-important 40-yard dash was discussed.
Note: All times listed in this article are my own. They were taken by hand, which you must take into account because a margin for error must be left, so if you see a “u” next to them, it stands for “unofficial.” Most times at official combine events are done by laser timing, which is far more accurate
DT Levi Onwuzurike
Levi Onwuzurike, 30 inch very pic.twitter.com/pY7Hv6YUVU
— Roman Tomashoff (@rtomashoff34) March 30, 2021
After an injury held him out of most of the Senior Bowl, there was a hush that fell over the room every time Onwuzurike stepped up to do a drill. He didn’t perform any on-field drills, as he took a fall at the end of his second 40-yard dash attempt, and was grabbing at his left leg when he stood up. Before that injury though, Onwuzurike showed the explosiveness that could make him the first defensive tackle off the board.
By the numbers
Height/weight: 6027/290
Bench press: 29 reps
Vertical jump: 30″
Broad jump: 9′ 1″
40-yard dash: 4.84u/4.86u
Scout’s quote: “A big-bodied defensive lineman with a quick get off the snap and light feet, Onwuzurike’s highlights are as good as any DT in this class. In a scheme where he is allowed to get upfield and attack the pocket, he could generate a ton of pressure at the next level.”
EDGE Joe Tryon
It looks like both Levi Onwuzurike and Elijah Molden are done for the day, so enjoy some Joe Tryon and Keith Taylor content! pic.twitter.com/6unh6NbKxg
— Roman Tomashoff (@rtomashoff34) March 30, 2021
Watching Tryon move up close is a true sight to see, with his measurements, build, and skill set, if he participated in the 2020 season, he might be a lock as a top 15 pick. From some of his on-field drills today, it’s clear that Tryon’s been in the lab working on his bend off the edge. As he continues to refine his technique as a pass rusher, he has the potential to become one of the best rushers in the league.
Something that I picked up on, the only team I was able to spot with the maximum three scouts in attendance was the Chicago Bears, and on Realdawg, we’ve covered how great of a fit Tryon would be across from Khalil Mack.
By the numbers
Height/weight: 605 /259
Bench press: 22 reps
Vertical jump: 35″
Broad jump: 9′ 8″
40-yard dash: 4.51u/ 4.65u (He got a bad start on his second run)
Scout’s quote: “A power rusher with experience standing up or with his hand in the dirt, Tryon has ideal size for an edge rusher. With only one full season as a starter, he lacks a pass rush plan outside of winning with pure strength or length. He’s a hard-nosed edge setter that plays with a lot of effort. That will get him on the field while still rounding out his game getting after the quarterback.”
DB Elijah Molden
Elijah Molden, 36.5 inch vert pic.twitter.com/xonNfiSVXI
— Roman Tomashoff (@rtomashoff34) March 30, 2021
Like Onwuzurike, Molden’s day also ended early, as he had ice on his right leg after his second 40-yard dash attempt. It’s easy to turn on his tape and see his production and technique on tape, but it’s another thing to see his explosiveness up close. I overheard an agent saying, “If he was just two inches taller, he would be the first defensive back off the board.” But you have to work with what you’ve got, and Molden is the complete package as a defensive back, and will fit in anywhere on the field at the NFL level.
By the numbers
Height/weight: 5094/192
Bench press: 13 reps
Vertical jump: 36.5″
Broad jump: 10′ 5″
40-yard dash: 4.41u on his second attempt, suffered technical difficulties on the first.
Scout’s quote: “Tremendous cover player with twitch and instincts. His ability to come to balance as a reliable tackler makes up for his size. He reminds me of K’Waun Williams, one of the best slot corners in the NFL.”
DB Keith Taylor
Keith Taylor, 33.5 inch vert pic.twitter.com/9DE1nUVIpb
— Roman Tomashoff (@rtomashoff34) March 30, 2021
Taylor has the prototypical build of an NFL corner, but with some of the guys he shared the secondary with, he didn’t necessarily get his opportunity to shine. When he went down to the Senior Bowl in January, he had arguably the best week of any defensive back, and he continued to shine on Tuesday. He’s fluid in his movements, plays with solid technique, and looks like he’s been working on his ball skills.
By the numbers
Height/weight: 6022/187
Bench press: 13 reps
Vertical jump: 33.5″
Broad jump: 10’7″
40-yard dash: 4.41u/4.47u
Scout’s quote: “Taylor has ideal size as a press corner but there isn’t much ball production on film.”