Notre Dame Football: Who Has the Most to Gain and Lose at Pro Day?
By J.P. Scott
Nine former Notre Dame football players will particpate in the team’s Pro Day on March 22nd.
Tomorrow will be one last chances nine former Notre Dame football players have to impress NFL scouts during an organized workout session. There is a lot on the line for a couple of these guys, as their projected draft statuses are still up in the air. For others — mainly Quenton Nelson and Mike McGlinchey — Notre Dame’s Pro Day will be another chance to familiarize themselves with some coaches and scouts on a personnel level. The two of them are widely considered to be first-round locks in next month’s NFL Draft.
So which former Golden Domers have the most to gain and lose from tomorrow’s workouts? Let’s take a look.
Most to Gain
Josh Adams, Running Back
Adams did not run or jump at the combine. He needs to do both tomorrow, as well as catch a couple of passes. NFL teams are looking for three-down backs who can stay on the field in any situation. It’s already a crowded draft at the position, and Adams have a very small sample size in term of his pass-catching ability. He caught just 41 passes during his three seasons in South Bend.
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Malik Zaire, Quarterback
Speaking of crowded classes, Zaire is on the brink of not being drafted thanks to a group of big names at his position — most of whom are projected to be taken at the top of the draft. He’ll need to show he can make good decisions with the football and put zip on every throw to convince even one team to take a flyer on him late.
Most to Lose
Durham Smythe, Tight End
Smythe is already widely regarded as one of the best blocking tight ends available in the draft. Right now, he’s projected by most analysts as a late-round pick. That said, he still needs to prove he can be an effective pass-catcher when called upon. Like Adams, he had a pretty small sample size as a receiver during his time at Notre Dame. He’ll also need to prove he has the speed to get open against faster linebackers in the NFL. He needs his hands and legs to come through for him tomorrow in order to maintain his current status in the eyes of scouts.