[2022] ACC Pro Day Standouts

[Kirby]

 

 

 

MATT HOWARD - QUARTERBACK

FLORIDA STATE

 

Overall Grade: B

40 Yard Dash: 5.01

20 Yard Shuttle: 4.22

Cone Drill: 7.01

Bench Press: 29

Vertical Jump: 36.43

Broad Jump: 123

Accuracy Drill: 7.99

Distance Drill: 9.09

 

Howard needs no introducing. The man who was snubbed in every College National Award in his senior year, Matt Howard dubbed “Big Dick Matt” to those that know him in Florida, looks set to be a starter in week one of the inaugural NFL season. But the question is, for which team? His Pro Day was okay, if a little underwhelming. Led the nation in passing yards, and lost only one game all year which was the National Championship Game.

 

Pros

Has elite arm strength. Elite level football IQ. Winners mentality that can not be taught. A true pocket passer. Has been said to not have the best pocket awareness as was sacked a lot in his Senior year however must be noted that he had one of the worst offensive lines in football.

 

Cons

Not dynamic, doesn’t offer anything in way of mobility. Accuracy is solid, but not yet elite. Sometimes has had a tendency to spend more time in Hooters than at the training field, which hasn’t hurt him so far but when turning pro he may need to change his lifestyle and dedicate more time to training.

 

Verdict

I still believe when all is said and done, Howard will be the first quarterback off the board in the draft. His pedigree speaks for itself. He is a natural winner and is cold in the clutch, intangibles that can’t be taught. May not have the highest ceiling of the rookie quarterbacks but definitely has the highest floor.

 

Potential suitors

Seattle, Indianapolis, Atlanta

 

 

 

KOLTON HAYES - CORNERBACK

CLEMSON

 

Overall Grade: B

40 Yard Dash: 4.39

20 Yard Shuttle: 3.90

Cone Drill: 6.53

Bench Press: 21

Vertical Jump: 40.50

Broad Jump: 133

Man Coverage Drill: 7.80

Zone Coverage Drill: 8.08

 

Clemson were not good in 2021. That is a fact. However, Hayes was a standout player for them and dominated in their secondary. He has a lot of pro potential and at this stage, looks likely to be a first round pick for one lucky suitor. A reasonably solid pro day, Hayes is a very well rounded prospect.

 

Pros

Has great speed for a cornerback. Has great length too, very useful. Versatile in coverage, though excels in Zone sets. Isn’t a slouch when it comes to Man coverage either though.

 

Cons

Game tape isn’t the best. Only had three interceptions on the year and played most of the season living in the shadow of Verlander. Could also be viewed as a positive as likely shut down a lot of WR1’s.

 

Verdict

Although Hayes didn’t have the greatest year in college, I think a lot of that can be put down to his supporting cast. Clemson were really poor last year. Hayes has a very good game which should translate nicely into the pros and he seems a very high ceiling guy. In the right system, Hayes could flourish. Would be surprised if he is still there in round two.

 

Potential suitors

New England, Detroit, Dallas

 

 

 

CARLOS BOSTICK - DEFENSIVE END

GEORGIA TECH

 

Overall Grade: B

40 Yard Dash: 4.64

20 Yard Shuttle: 4.01

Cone Drill: 6.78

Bench Press: 35

Vertical Jump: 37.33

Broad Jump: 124

Run Stop Drill: 7.46

Pass Rush Drill: 7.33

 

Bostick is not the biggest Defensive End to grace the field, but what he lacks in natural size, he more than makes up for with skill. He boasts a very well rounded game and although his Senior year was underwhelming, his draft stock looks likely to go one way… up, as we approach draft day.

 

Pros

Is very agile. Definitely more of a speed rusher as opposed to a power rusher. Has perfected the art of the swim move. Though not the biggest end, has immense raw power, something which can not be taught as opposed to strength which can be gained. Versatile player, who is arguably better against the run than rushing the passer.

 

Cons

Being versatile, means he is not a master of either pass rushing or run stopping. Technique needs some work. Work ethic has questions to be answered. The talent is there, will he put the time in on the training ground to flourish?

 

Verdict

In my opinion, has potential to be a very, very good defensive end talent. High floor, reasonable ceiling, but probably bigger potential players out there at the same position. Would be surprising if he fell to the second round.

 

Potential suitors

Miami, Philadelphia, Buffalo

 

 

 

COOPER MCGOUGH - RUNNING BACK

VIRGINIA

 

Overall Grade: B-

40 Yard Dash: 4.36

20 Yard Shuttle: 3.90

Cone Drill: 6.67

Bench Press: 26

Vertical Jump: 39.82

Broad Jump: 131

Catching Drill: 6.98

Route Running Drill: 6.64

Inside Run Drill: 7.68

Outside Run Drill: 8.24

 

McGough is arguably the most interesting draft prospect coming out of the ACC. Led the nation in rushing yards with almost 3000 rushing yards (THREE THOUSAND!!) along with 20 rushing touchdowns. If that wasn’t enough to excite you, he also had 600+ receiving yards and another 6 receiving touchdowns. The boy can play.

 

Pros

Versatility is the key here. Can line him up pretty much anywhere in the offense and he will make a play. Prefers outside running, where he uses his speed to outrun defenders, but isn’t afraid of coming inside for the hard yards if he has too. Very fast, creative player. Has a great attitude for the game and has elite football IQ.

 

Cons

His size isn’t ideal. Needs to put on some timber, but as mentioned for a little guy he is very gritty. Needs to work on his receiving to truly become a dynamic monster, but i’m being picky by saying it’s a con. Had an extremely high workload in Virginia, which worries scouts that he may have played too many snaps already in his young career.

 

Verdict

McGough looks like one of the most interesting prospects in the upcoming draft. In the only mock released so far, he was snubbed from the first round but did get an honourable mention. I believe that when draft night comes around, that McGough will be the most “surprising” pick and that he will go in the Top 15. There is no player like him in the draft. High risk, high reward player. His potential is limitless.

 

Potential suitors

Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Jacksonville

 

 

DARREN JOHNSON - STRONG SAFETY

WAKE FOREST

 

Overall Grade: B-

40 Yard Dash: 4.49

20 Yard Shuttle: 3.96

Cone Drill: 6.69

Bench Press: 19

Vertical Jump: 38.85

Broad Jump: 128

Man Coverage Drill: 8.53

Zone Coverage Drill: 6.35

 

It wasn’t the senior year that Johnson expected to have statistically and as a whole Wake Forest struggled massively. Johnson, who finished second in tackles for the team, didn’t record a single interception all year.

 

Pros

Johnson is elite in man coverage. Can be relied on against the run. Loves to get behind the line and stuff the runner behind the line of scrimmage. Has good speed for a strong safety and has great length. Fantastic agility.

 

Cons

Character questions. Doesn’t seem to be a great locker room presence. Seems more concerned with his brand “DJ” and social media presence, than he is training. Susceptible in the pass game, especially when in zone coverage. Needs to get stronger and put some size on. Recorded no turnovers his entire senior year.

 

Verdict

At one stage touted as one of the big secondary players in the college world, his underwhelming senior year has seen his draft stock fall. Without a convincing combine, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Johnson fall to the second round of the draft. All is not lost though and he may yet redeem himself.

 

Potential suitors

Minnesota, Arizona, Carolina