State Shows Out for NFL Teams at Pro Day
March 27, 2019 | Football
by Brandon Langlois, Associate Director/Communications
STARKVILLE – Scouts and coaches from all 32 NFL teams watched seventeen Mississippi State Bulldogs from the 2018 team and two more who wrapped up their college careers in 2017 showcase their skills Wednesday at the Leo Seal Jr. Football Complex and Palmeiro Center for the school's annual Pro Day.
Just six weeks after surgery to repair an ACL injury, All-American defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons recorded an impressive 28 reps at 225 pounds on the bench press. Simmons, who measured in at 6-4 and 305 pounds did not participate in drills.
"Jeffery has been a model student-athlete on and off the field," MSU head coach Joe Moorhead said. "His academics, his community service endeavors, his performance on the field, his leadership, the way he treats other people, have all been exemplary."
After shattering a modern NFL Combine record by a defensive lineman with a 4.41-second 40-yard dash at Lucas Oil Stadium earlier this month, All-American and projected first-round selection Montez Sweat checked in at 6-6 and 260 pounds with an 85.5-inch wingspan Wednesday.
Sweat, defensive end Gerri Green and All-American safety Johnathan Abram tested well at the NFL Combine earlier this month and participated in just the field workouts Wednesday. The trio, along with Simmons, were among 10 participants who helped lead the nation's No. 1 total defense this past season.
"We represented that today with all the guys in here," Green said. "We needed everybody that was on the field last year and we couldn't have done it without anyone. If I could do it again, I wish I had another two years, but with everything we did, we had fun doing it."
Abram is proud of his time as a Bulldog and said MSU has readied him for the next step in his career.
"Overall, this is probably the best decision I've ever made in coming here," Abram said. "It prepared me mentally and physically … On our defense this year, one [NFL] coach said it was like defending every blade of grass that's behind you, which was true. We take pride in that. A lot of NFL coaches see that, and they have a lot of success with Mississippi State players because they're healthy coming out of college, hard workers and really good men."
Quarterback Nick Fitzgerald worked out on the field and also improved his vertical leap of 29.5 at the NFL Combine to 30.0 on Wednesday.
Center Elgton Jenkins ran a 5.09 in the 40-yard dash after not running at the NFL Combine.
Tight end Justin Johnson put up solid numbers with 22 reps on the bench, a 34 inch vertical leap, a 10 foot broad jump and a 4.56 in the 40-yard dash.
Cornerback Chris Rayford had a strong showing, clocking a 4.49 in the 40-yard dash and logging 24 reps on the bench, a 4.18 20-yard shuttle and a 6.8 3-cone with a 33.5 inch vertical, and 9-10 broad jump.
Cornerback Jamal Peters bettered his time in the 40-yard dash from the NFL Combine, posting a 4.53 on Wednesday, while safety Mark McLaurin also improved in the 40 with a 4.69 and jumped a 9-7 broad.
Defensive tackle Cory Thomas turned in a strong 40 time of 4.98.
Former Bulldogs Donald Gray and Lashard Durr, who were members of the 2017 roster, also participated in Pro Day.
Heading into the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25-27 in Nashville, Tennessee, MSU aims to break the school record for most players selected in a single NFL Draft (six in 1995).
Results from the day are available at HailState.com/ProDay.
Below are quotes from MSU Pro Day:
Gerri Green, defensive end
Q: Talk about today's experience
GG: "It was kind of surreal. It was the final ending, the last time getting to work out on campus with the guys we came in with. It feels good to see everybody get the chance to go out there. A lot of guys I feel like had really good days, even though I was proud of everyone."
Q: What are people looking at you as?
GG: "It is different for each team. That is a big plus for me, my versatility and being able to play multiple spots on the defense. I am willing to play anything a team wants me to play."
Q: Does surreal describe the last month?
GG: "Yes. Even going back to the Senior Bowl and then the [NFL] Combine, it's one of those things when you come in as a freshman you think it would be cool if you get to do that one day. When you are finally there, it's like 'Whoa I made it.' It was just cool to get to do it. "
Q: What are your thoughts on the defensive players and their representation out here?"
GG: "It was amazing. Playing defense with these guys was fun, game one until the end. I felt we showed that we were the best in the nation. We represented that today with all the guys in here. We needed everybody that was on the field last year and we couldn't have done it without anyone. If I could do it again, I wish I had another two years, but with everything we did, we had fun doing it."
Johnathan Abram, safety
Q: What has the past month been like?
JA: "It has been crazy. I had a lot of interviews after the [NFL] Combine and set up some visits. Pre-workouts prior to here and a lot of traveling while still trying to make sure I get my workouts in every day."
Q: What did you want to accomplish today?
JA: "Honestly, I just wanted to move around. I just wanted to get a better feel for it. I never felt like I needed to come out and prove anything. It was a matter of moving around and getting in shape. I'm trying to get in shape and get ready for post-draft."
Q: What is the next step before the draft?
JA: "Working out, getting myself ready and my body ready for what is to come. It's football from here on out."
Q: How do you feel about being an NFL player in the near future?
JA: "It makes me feel really good, honestly. Just talking to a lot of these young guys around here, there is a lot you have to do in a short time. I am honestly just keeping myself prepared and trying not to be overwhelmed by anything. I have enjoyed this process getting to meet all these coaches, a lot of these players. You see them on TV and you play against them but you never really get to meet them on a personal level. That is really exciting."
Q: How as Mississippi State prepared you for the NFL?
Overall, this is probably the best decision I've ever made in coming here. It prepared me mentally and physically with these great coaches we've had … On our defense this year, one [NFL] coach said it was like defending every blade of grass that's behind you, which was true. We take pride in that. A lot of NFL coaches see that, and they have a lot of success with Mississippi State players because they're healthy coming out of college, hard workers and really good men."
Nick Fitzgerald, quarterback
Q: What has the process been like?
NF: "Honestly, since the bowl game, it has been a blast. There has never been a time in my life where all I have to do is wake up, work out, throw a football a couple of times and go to sleep. Overall, I have really enjoyed the whole process. I have really enjoyed being down in Florida with XPE. I want to thank my quarterback coach for working with me a lot. I just had a good time with it."
Q: What are some positions you have been evaluated on?
NF: "From what I know, people are showing a lot of interest as a quarterback. It is great I can come out here and show that I can do a lot of other things. I am completely fine and willing to go out and play in any position and do what I need to do to make the team, but first and foremost, quarterback.
Q: What have you focused on since the end of the season?
NF: "Just really consistency. That has been the main thing people have said the last couple of years. To me, I would stack up my best five throws against someone else's first five throws. It has just been hard to do it consistently. That is what I have struggled with. That is something I have to work on and continue to work on."
Q: Do you feel like you have done your best to prepare?
NF: "Absolutely. Every day, I wake up and try to go get a workout in or try to go throw. I am trying to take care of my body and eat right. I went down to work with the best possible people I could in Fort Lauderdale at XPE. I have the best quarterback coach that you can find. I surrounded myself with some of the best people in the industry just to make sure I was going to be prepared for all of it. I think when I had opportunities, I went out and ceased them. Everything does not always go perfect but I think I had two good shows at the [NFL] Combine."
Q: What is it like to be out here with your teammates for the last time?
NF: "It is sad that it probably will be the last time most of us go out on a field together. It is a bittersweet thing. I think we all really enjoyed the time we spent together the last few years. I feel like everyone here had a pretty good showing. To kind of cap all of that off on a high note, we just go out there and throw the ball around and catch it to just have a good time."
Jeffery Simmons, defensive tackle
Q: What has it been like for you with your injury?
JS: "It's been challenging. The main thing is, I have to stay focused. I just wake up every morning, get my day started and going to rehab. I'm just controlling the things that I can control right now."
Q: When you talk to teams, are they hopeful that you'll be able to play this season?
JS: "I actually have been talking to them about that. The main thing we say is just to get healthy. That's my thing. Trying to get healthy is what I can control right now."
Q: You mentioned trusting the process. What has this experience been like for you?
JS: "Even though I'm not really doing drills, this is what I dreamed of. Growing up, my little brother and I used to be in the backyard hitting trees with shoulder pads. One day, I want to put my mom in a big house. My dreams are turning into reality right now. Doing interviews with NFL teams and with teams that I watched growing up is amazing. I'm just blessed for the opportunity."
Q: How much, mentally, have you had to grow since being recruited in high school?
JS: "It's different. You had all of the hype coming out of high school with people saying, 'You're the best player on your team.' Coming into college, everybody is good. Entering an SEC program, you have to get your mind right. You have to be a step ahead and put extra work in. That's me anyways, even in high school. You have to be mentally strong. You have to get up for class and go to meetings. Even now, it's still mental. The game is mental."
Q: How has the process of rehabbing your knee gone?
"I am not able to be on the field actually to put in work with football drills. The knee injury has helped me become more mentally strong. At times, it can be 'why did this happen to me?' As I've said, it is just one of those mental things where you have to stay focused."
Montez Sweat, defensive end
Q: What are your thoughts about coming out here and doing more drills after having such a strong NFL Combine?
MS: "I still have everything to prove. I just talk about creating my own path and my own destiny. I'm not like those other guys who sit out drills. I'm here to compete."
Q: What are your thoughts about the upcoming NFL Draft?
MS: "It's obviously a big stepping stone and everybody wants to get drafted. It's on my mind a lot."
Q: When you ran the best time for a defensive lineman, did you surprise yourself or is that something you thought was possible?
MS: "I thought it was for sure possible to run pretty fast. Obviously, I exceeded my expectations. When you put the work in, you get results. So, it was no surprise to me."
Q: What do you and Jeffery [Simmons] talk about when you all discuss the coming weeks and the Draft?
MS: "We talk about everything. In my opinion, personally, I feel like he's going in the first round. He's just an amazing player. We're just catching up and talking about training. All through this Pro Day, he was in my ear saying, 'Man, I wish I could do this. I wish I could do that.' I just have a great relationship with him."
Q: What is it like going through this process knowing that you're about to be an NFL player?
MS: "It makes me anxious. It's very humbling. When my dreams finally come true, I'm just going to be blessed."
Joe Moorhead, head coach
Q: What has today been like seeing those guys get, basically, the biggest job interview of their life at this point?
JM: "First and foremost, today is about the players. It's their moment and their time to shine. It's another step for them in achieving a lifelong goal. It's been great seeing them coming out here and inching closer to making it a reality."
Q: Did you encourage the other guys on the team to come out here and see what this process is like?
JM: "I don't think we had to. I hope they weren't skipping any class to do it. I think they should come out. We want all of our guys to have the NFL as their dream, as long as it's not their only dream. That's why you sign up to play. That's why you pick an SEC school to compete at the highest level. We want them to be exposed to this experience."
Q: What do you say to NFL teams about Jeffery Simmons off the field?
"Jeffery has been a model student-athlete on and off the field. His academics, his community service endeavors, his performance on the field, his leadership, the way he treats other people, have all been exemplary."
Q: Is it bittersweet that you've only had a year with these guys and now you have to let them go and get back to spring practice?
JM: "I think it is bittersweet in the sense that you have three potential first round picks of defensive backs. I was kidding around with Montez [Sweat] the other day and told him that we petitioned the NCAA for a sixth year, but he didn't think that was very funny. I did. We'd love to have those guys back. But, I believe that they've done some great things for Mississippi State on and off the field. They've left their mark. They're legacy and they're going to be moving on to bigger and better things."
Q: What does it mean for the overall program with having NFL scouts here with this group of guys and getting to see some of the other guys on the team as well?
JM: "I think it's huge. For every Pro Day, you're going to see underclassmen come out here, work, and envision what it's going to be like when it's their time. Once again, I think it is validation that you can come to Mississippi State and achieve all of your goals. Hopefully, it's a process where every single year on Pro Day you see NFL representatives here. It's the best turnout we get here because of our caliber of player and person we are developing here."
STARKVILLE – Scouts and coaches from all 32 NFL teams watched seventeen Mississippi State Bulldogs from the 2018 team and two more who wrapped up their college careers in 2017 showcase their skills Wednesday at the Leo Seal Jr. Football Complex and Palmeiro Center for the school's annual Pro Day.
Just six weeks after surgery to repair an ACL injury, All-American defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons recorded an impressive 28 reps at 225 pounds on the bench press. Simmons, who measured in at 6-4 and 305 pounds did not participate in drills.
"Jeffery has been a model student-athlete on and off the field," MSU head coach Joe Moorhead said. "His academics, his community service endeavors, his performance on the field, his leadership, the way he treats other people, have all been exemplary."
After shattering a modern NFL Combine record by a defensive lineman with a 4.41-second 40-yard dash at Lucas Oil Stadium earlier this month, All-American and projected first-round selection Montez Sweat checked in at 6-6 and 260 pounds with an 85.5-inch wingspan Wednesday.
Sweat, defensive end Gerri Green and All-American safety Johnathan Abram tested well at the NFL Combine earlier this month and participated in just the field workouts Wednesday. The trio, along with Simmons, were among 10 participants who helped lead the nation's No. 1 total defense this past season.
"We represented that today with all the guys in here," Green said. "We needed everybody that was on the field last year and we couldn't have done it without anyone. If I could do it again, I wish I had another two years, but with everything we did, we had fun doing it."
Abram is proud of his time as a Bulldog and said MSU has readied him for the next step in his career.
"Overall, this is probably the best decision I've ever made in coming here," Abram said. "It prepared me mentally and physically … On our defense this year, one [NFL] coach said it was like defending every blade of grass that's behind you, which was true. We take pride in that. A lot of NFL coaches see that, and they have a lot of success with Mississippi State players because they're healthy coming out of college, hard workers and really good men."
Quarterback Nick Fitzgerald worked out on the field and also improved his vertical leap of 29.5 at the NFL Combine to 30.0 on Wednesday.
Center Elgton Jenkins ran a 5.09 in the 40-yard dash after not running at the NFL Combine.
Tight end Justin Johnson put up solid numbers with 22 reps on the bench, a 34 inch vertical leap, a 10 foot broad jump and a 4.56 in the 40-yard dash.
Cornerback Chris Rayford had a strong showing, clocking a 4.49 in the 40-yard dash and logging 24 reps on the bench, a 4.18 20-yard shuttle and a 6.8 3-cone with a 33.5 inch vertical, and 9-10 broad jump.
Cornerback Jamal Peters bettered his time in the 40-yard dash from the NFL Combine, posting a 4.53 on Wednesday, while safety Mark McLaurin also improved in the 40 with a 4.69 and jumped a 9-7 broad.
Defensive tackle Cory Thomas turned in a strong 40 time of 4.98.
Former Bulldogs Donald Gray and Lashard Durr, who were members of the 2017 roster, also participated in Pro Day.
Heading into the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25-27 in Nashville, Tennessee, MSU aims to break the school record for most players selected in a single NFL Draft (six in 1995).
Results from the day are available at HailState.com/ProDay.
Below are quotes from MSU Pro Day:
Gerri Green, defensive end
Q: Talk about today's experience
GG: "It was kind of surreal. It was the final ending, the last time getting to work out on campus with the guys we came in with. It feels good to see everybody get the chance to go out there. A lot of guys I feel like had really good days, even though I was proud of everyone."
Q: What are people looking at you as?
GG: "It is different for each team. That is a big plus for me, my versatility and being able to play multiple spots on the defense. I am willing to play anything a team wants me to play."
Q: Does surreal describe the last month?
GG: "Yes. Even going back to the Senior Bowl and then the [NFL] Combine, it's one of those things when you come in as a freshman you think it would be cool if you get to do that one day. When you are finally there, it's like 'Whoa I made it.' It was just cool to get to do it. "
Q: What are your thoughts on the defensive players and their representation out here?"
GG: "It was amazing. Playing defense with these guys was fun, game one until the end. I felt we showed that we were the best in the nation. We represented that today with all the guys in here. We needed everybody that was on the field last year and we couldn't have done it without anyone. If I could do it again, I wish I had another two years, but with everything we did, we had fun doing it."
Johnathan Abram, safety
Q: What has the past month been like?
JA: "It has been crazy. I had a lot of interviews after the [NFL] Combine and set up some visits. Pre-workouts prior to here and a lot of traveling while still trying to make sure I get my workouts in every day."
Q: What did you want to accomplish today?
JA: "Honestly, I just wanted to move around. I just wanted to get a better feel for it. I never felt like I needed to come out and prove anything. It was a matter of moving around and getting in shape. I'm trying to get in shape and get ready for post-draft."
Q: What is the next step before the draft?
JA: "Working out, getting myself ready and my body ready for what is to come. It's football from here on out."
Q: How do you feel about being an NFL player in the near future?
JA: "It makes me feel really good, honestly. Just talking to a lot of these young guys around here, there is a lot you have to do in a short time. I am honestly just keeping myself prepared and trying not to be overwhelmed by anything. I have enjoyed this process getting to meet all these coaches, a lot of these players. You see them on TV and you play against them but you never really get to meet them on a personal level. That is really exciting."
Q: How as Mississippi State prepared you for the NFL?
Overall, this is probably the best decision I've ever made in coming here. It prepared me mentally and physically with these great coaches we've had … On our defense this year, one [NFL] coach said it was like defending every blade of grass that's behind you, which was true. We take pride in that. A lot of NFL coaches see that, and they have a lot of success with Mississippi State players because they're healthy coming out of college, hard workers and really good men."
Nick Fitzgerald, quarterback
Q: What has the process been like?
NF: "Honestly, since the bowl game, it has been a blast. There has never been a time in my life where all I have to do is wake up, work out, throw a football a couple of times and go to sleep. Overall, I have really enjoyed the whole process. I have really enjoyed being down in Florida with XPE. I want to thank my quarterback coach for working with me a lot. I just had a good time with it."
Q: What are some positions you have been evaluated on?
NF: "From what I know, people are showing a lot of interest as a quarterback. It is great I can come out here and show that I can do a lot of other things. I am completely fine and willing to go out and play in any position and do what I need to do to make the team, but first and foremost, quarterback.
Q: What have you focused on since the end of the season?
NF: "Just really consistency. That has been the main thing people have said the last couple of years. To me, I would stack up my best five throws against someone else's first five throws. It has just been hard to do it consistently. That is what I have struggled with. That is something I have to work on and continue to work on."
Q: Do you feel like you have done your best to prepare?
NF: "Absolutely. Every day, I wake up and try to go get a workout in or try to go throw. I am trying to take care of my body and eat right. I went down to work with the best possible people I could in Fort Lauderdale at XPE. I have the best quarterback coach that you can find. I surrounded myself with some of the best people in the industry just to make sure I was going to be prepared for all of it. I think when I had opportunities, I went out and ceased them. Everything does not always go perfect but I think I had two good shows at the [NFL] Combine."
Q: What is it like to be out here with your teammates for the last time?
NF: "It is sad that it probably will be the last time most of us go out on a field together. It is a bittersweet thing. I think we all really enjoyed the time we spent together the last few years. I feel like everyone here had a pretty good showing. To kind of cap all of that off on a high note, we just go out there and throw the ball around and catch it to just have a good time."
Jeffery Simmons, defensive tackle
Q: What has it been like for you with your injury?
JS: "It's been challenging. The main thing is, I have to stay focused. I just wake up every morning, get my day started and going to rehab. I'm just controlling the things that I can control right now."
Q: When you talk to teams, are they hopeful that you'll be able to play this season?
JS: "I actually have been talking to them about that. The main thing we say is just to get healthy. That's my thing. Trying to get healthy is what I can control right now."
Q: You mentioned trusting the process. What has this experience been like for you?
JS: "Even though I'm not really doing drills, this is what I dreamed of. Growing up, my little brother and I used to be in the backyard hitting trees with shoulder pads. One day, I want to put my mom in a big house. My dreams are turning into reality right now. Doing interviews with NFL teams and with teams that I watched growing up is amazing. I'm just blessed for the opportunity."
Q: How much, mentally, have you had to grow since being recruited in high school?
JS: "It's different. You had all of the hype coming out of high school with people saying, 'You're the best player on your team.' Coming into college, everybody is good. Entering an SEC program, you have to get your mind right. You have to be a step ahead and put extra work in. That's me anyways, even in high school. You have to be mentally strong. You have to get up for class and go to meetings. Even now, it's still mental. The game is mental."
Q: How has the process of rehabbing your knee gone?
"I am not able to be on the field actually to put in work with football drills. The knee injury has helped me become more mentally strong. At times, it can be 'why did this happen to me?' As I've said, it is just one of those mental things where you have to stay focused."
Montez Sweat, defensive end
Q: What are your thoughts about coming out here and doing more drills after having such a strong NFL Combine?
MS: "I still have everything to prove. I just talk about creating my own path and my own destiny. I'm not like those other guys who sit out drills. I'm here to compete."
Q: What are your thoughts about the upcoming NFL Draft?
MS: "It's obviously a big stepping stone and everybody wants to get drafted. It's on my mind a lot."
Q: When you ran the best time for a defensive lineman, did you surprise yourself or is that something you thought was possible?
MS: "I thought it was for sure possible to run pretty fast. Obviously, I exceeded my expectations. When you put the work in, you get results. So, it was no surprise to me."
Q: What do you and Jeffery [Simmons] talk about when you all discuss the coming weeks and the Draft?
MS: "We talk about everything. In my opinion, personally, I feel like he's going in the first round. He's just an amazing player. We're just catching up and talking about training. All through this Pro Day, he was in my ear saying, 'Man, I wish I could do this. I wish I could do that.' I just have a great relationship with him."
Q: What is it like going through this process knowing that you're about to be an NFL player?
MS: "It makes me anxious. It's very humbling. When my dreams finally come true, I'm just going to be blessed."
Joe Moorhead, head coach
Q: What has today been like seeing those guys get, basically, the biggest job interview of their life at this point?
JM: "First and foremost, today is about the players. It's their moment and their time to shine. It's another step for them in achieving a lifelong goal. It's been great seeing them coming out here and inching closer to making it a reality."
Q: Did you encourage the other guys on the team to come out here and see what this process is like?
JM: "I don't think we had to. I hope they weren't skipping any class to do it. I think they should come out. We want all of our guys to have the NFL as their dream, as long as it's not their only dream. That's why you sign up to play. That's why you pick an SEC school to compete at the highest level. We want them to be exposed to this experience."
Q: What do you say to NFL teams about Jeffery Simmons off the field?
"Jeffery has been a model student-athlete on and off the field. His academics, his community service endeavors, his performance on the field, his leadership, the way he treats other people, have all been exemplary."
Q: Is it bittersweet that you've only had a year with these guys and now you have to let them go and get back to spring practice?
JM: "I think it is bittersweet in the sense that you have three potential first round picks of defensive backs. I was kidding around with Montez [Sweat] the other day and told him that we petitioned the NCAA for a sixth year, but he didn't think that was very funny. I did. We'd love to have those guys back. But, I believe that they've done some great things for Mississippi State on and off the field. They've left their mark. They're legacy and they're going to be moving on to bigger and better things."
Q: What does it mean for the overall program with having NFL scouts here with this group of guys and getting to see some of the other guys on the team as well?
JM: "I think it's huge. For every Pro Day, you're going to see underclassmen come out here, work, and envision what it's going to be like when it's their time. Once again, I think it is validation that you can come to Mississippi State and achieve all of your goals. Hopefully, it's a process where every single year on Pro Day you see NFL representatives here. It's the best turnout we get here because of our caliber of player and person we are developing here."
Players Mentioned
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S
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DE
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DT
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