SMITHFIELD- 22 prospects worked out in front of scouts from the Patriots, Packers and the Hamilton Tigers Cats on Wednesday afternoon. The players went through the typical pro day workout of benching, vertical jumping, the 40 yard dash, three cone shuttle and the L drill.
The workout was led by Patriots Personnel Coordinator Brian Smith. Normally, this pro day coincides the same day as the UConn pro day but they moved up their pro day up a day and with so many other pro days going on nationally, attendance was sparse from scouts.
In terms of standouts, there were several. URI running back Malik Grant did 26 reps on the bench and had a vertical jump of 37 inches. He looked smooth running routes out of the backfield and catching the ball.
Follow Ram Carson Primrose transferred to URI with Grant last off-season and he was impressive as well. Primrose is a defensive tackle but he also worked out as a fullback and did some long snapping as well. Primrose did 21 reps on the bench, had a vertical jump of 35 inches and ran an unofficial 4.9 in the forty. He caught people’s attention.
Primrose was happy with his performance.
“Felt like I did very well. I hit all my numbers, especially on the bench. I hit all my numbers. I showed my versatility, played some fullback. From there I went to defensive line and did some long snapping. I proved I have the versatility and stamina.”
Another URI player who caught people’s attention was safety Braden Price who did 17 reps on the bench, ran a 4.47 unofficially and had a vertical jump of 34 inches. Price came in a bit unheralded but improved his stock dramatically.
Hybrid tight end, wide receiver Tommy Smith looked to be in great shape and had a solid workout. Smith measured in at 6’3 220. He unofficially ran a 4.59 but showed good burst and got in and out of cuts in drills. The former Maynard High School standout helped himself big time.
Bryant wide receiver Landon Ruggieri helped himself more than any other player. He measured in at 6’0 196 pounds. He banged out 18 reps on the bench, ran a 4.53 forty and was filthy catching the ball in the drills portion. He has strong hands and displays terrific body control along the sideline.
I caught up with Ruggieri after the pro day and he was pleased with his performance.
“It was really good. I was able to show my speed, my change of direction. In all of the drills, I got where I wanted to be if not better. I definitely showed what I can do out there.”
Ruggieri already has workouts set up with the Patriots and Giants.
Another receiver who popped was Salve Regina’s Josh Letellier was a monster in college and he showed that size and the ball skills he is known for during the drills portion. He measured in at 6’2 215 and showed good hands and clean route running. He put up 15 reps in the bench.
Brown quarterback Jake Willcox measured in at 6’1 205. He was impressive throwing the ball during the on field work. He can sling and a couple of agents in attendance asked me if he showed this type of arm talent at Brown. “Yes. Yes he did” was my response. Willcox’s leadership also showed. He encouraged guys from all of the schools in attendance all afternoon.
Safety Zach Twardosky also caught folks attention by doing 17 reps on the bench and running an unofficial first time of 4.53 in the forty. At 5’11 200, he should get a camp invite after the draft.
It was a good day overall for several prospects. We will keep you updated on their status and if they line up workouts with teams.