The NFL Scouting Combine is history. NFL GMs, coaches, and scouts now focus on College Pro Days. NFL hopefuls looking to improve upon their combine showing and players who did not work out in Indianapolis recently will show off their talents all over the country. The University of Oregon started the pro-day season on Tuesday.
All six Oregon Ducks present at the Combine were in attendance. Led by head coach Matt Eberflus, the Chicago Bears had one of the largest contingents of personnel on hand.
Bo Nix Shines
Bo Nix had a good showing a few weeks ago. Nix capitalized on the opportunity given to him and other QB prospects in Indy, when Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels decided to forego throwing drills in Indianapolis. Nix showed off his passing skills again on Tuesday.
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His passing drills lasted more than 30 minutes, throwing to his receivers from last year and he did not disappoint. He threw short, medium, and long passes from several arm angles. He threw from the pocket as well as moving in the backfield. His passes were on target the entire session. Only two drops by his receivers prevented a perfect day.
Head coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron were there for the event. Several offensive coaches including WR coach Chris Beatty, and offensive line coach Chris Morgan joined them. Morgan was there, a day after he witnessed Oregon State standout Taliese Fuaga at the Oregon State Beavers’ pro day.
The bigger question is which Oregon players are on the Bears 30 player visitor list?
Bo Nix is accurate (over 70% CompPct 2023) but does not have a strong arm according to prospect evaluations. Still, he will be drafted in the top 50 – just not by the Bears. We can imagine that former OL Poles must have been excited to see JPJ in action. Powers-Johnson could be a Pro Bowl Center should Bears trade down from #9 to get him. I am praying Poles goes for it if a Top 3 WR is not available. The heart and anchor of the OL is more important than fans realize. Typically, he helps recognize defensive tells… Read more »
Nix is better than some analysts make him out to be. Still, I am not sure he is a 1st round QB in a league that isn’t calling Sam Darnold a starter…
For myself, I’d rate him mid to late 2nd round talent. But, of course, he will go higher.
I think a JPJ, Franklin combo would be nice, Dr. Mel. I think there were a couple others who have discussed Franklin. Great WR/OT class.
Due diligence, and Nix makes a great smokescreen for the player I think/hope they are there to see, center Jackson Powers-Johnson (JPJ), the top center and 24th overall player on the Great Blue North Draft Report’s draft board. I think Michael hinted at that when he mentioned that OL coach Chris Morgan was there. WR coach Beatty no doubt wanted a good look at Troy Franklin, the #7 WR on GBN Draft Report’s WR list, and ranked #35 overall on their big board. A trade down from #9 could possibly net both of those players with some luck, and would… Read more »