All 32 NFL teams check out Thomas, other MSU players
Jordan Thomas couldn’t help but smile on Wednesday morning.
The Mississippi State tight end got another opportunity to impress National Football League scouts at MSU’s Pro Day and was thankful to be able to show off his skills once again.
“It’s been a great experience and I wouldn’t trade it for anywhere else,” Thomas said. “If you asked me in high school, ‘would I be in the position I am today?’ I would probably tell you no. I’m enjoying everything about it from the (NFL) Combine to Pro Day.”
All 32 NFL teams were represented in Starkville on Wednesday and a total of 41 scouts or staff members were from those organizations.
There wasn’t much question about Thomas’ catching ability from the scouts. They were asking about his blocking.
“There is not a whole lot of blocking on me filmwise because I played receiver so they just questioned my blocking and if I can or if I’m willing,” Thomas said. “They don’t have any doubts about me catching the football and running. They’ve got film on me running past defensive backs.”
Thomas knows the only way he can get better with his blocking is perfecting the trait on his own in the offseason.
During last season for the Bulldogs, Thomas was tied for third in catches with 22 and he was third all by himself with 263 yards receiving. He had three touchdown catches.
Along with Thomas, some of the other players looking to make an impression were snapper Hunter Bradley, running back Bennie Braswell III, linebacker Kelan Chairs, kicker Logan Cooke, cornerback Lashard Durr, defensive back-wide receiver Jamoral Graham, wide receiver Donald Gray, defensive back J.T. Gray, linebacker Dez Harris, defensive back Cedric Jiles, offensive lineman Jocquell Johnson, linebacker Traver Jung, offensive lineman Martinas Rankin, wide receiver Kareem Vance Jr., and quarterback Damian Williams.
Thomas and Rankin got a jump on the process by participating in the NFL Combine earlier this month in Indianapolis.
There were improvements in Thomas’ numbers from the NFL Combine.
In the 40-yard dash, Thomas ran an unofficial
4.69, which was better than the 4.74 in Indianapolis. He also had a better vertical jump with a mark of 29.5 inches.
J.T. Gray measured the best on Pro Day with a 4.48 time in the 40-yard dash, a team-high 19 reps in the bench press and team-highs in the vertical jump at 33.5 and broad jump.
Another Gray, Donald, recorded a 32 in the vertical jump and had 16 reps in the bench press.
Donald Gray missed the final five games of his senior season because of a groin injury, but still has hopes of catching on with a pro team perhaps through free agency.
There were some encouraging signs sent his way on Wednesday after he ran routes in front of the scouts.
“They like my intensity and everything that I bring,” Gray said.
Rankin has the potential of being the highest drafted MSU player when the NFL Draft takes place beginning April 26.
He has already met with 26 NFL teams and likes his position.
“I’m feeling good and can’t complain,” Rankin said. “I’ve come a long way and still have a long way to go. I’m continuing to work hard and everything is feeling good.”
Scouts were most interested in Rankin’s ability to play all five offensive line positions.
Rankin plans to work in the weight room to get stronger and improve on technique to show he is committed to doing what teams are asking of him.
“I just wanted to prove versatility and I’m a good football player all around,” Rankin said. “I want to do whatever it takes to get on the field wherever I go.
“This is something I’ve worked my entire life for and it’s a dream. It still hasn’t hit me yet, but I’m embracing the process.”
Bulldog specialists Bradley and Cooke put in a little extra work in front of NFL scouts on Wednesday at the close of Pro Day on the outdoor fields. Both have received interest from several teams.