by Chris Warner, Patriots Daily Staff
In his college career, Jameson Konz did almost everything. He played special teams. He played linebacker before switching to H-back and tight end. The one thing he didn’t do was get the attention of NFL scouts – at least until after his pro day.
The Kent State utility knife lived up to [...]

by Chris Warner, Patriots Daily Staff
Once overlooked by most Division I programs, Chris Maragos ended up changing schools and positions to give himself the best chance to make it to the NFL. What may have helped him the most, though, was his pro day performance.
Wisconsin’s 2009 interception leader posted a blistering 6.4-second 3-cone drill and [...]

by Chris Warner, Patriots Daily Staff
When we think Indiana, most of us think basketball. Last week, Hoosier Matt Mayberry underwent his own version of March madness, starring at Indiana’s pro day with a 4.57-second 40-yard dash and 24 bench press reps.
The 6-foot-1, 235-pound linebacker led Indiana in tackles this past season with 108. He spoke [...]

by Chris Warner, Patriots Daily Staff
Bigger running backs get reputations as between-the-tackles guys who get a few yards up the middle and not much else. At 220 pounds, Ben Tate knew this perception of him going into the NFL combine, and he figured he’d do something about it.
The Auburn product cast aside that image by [...]

by Chris Warner, Patriots Daily Staff
New England drafted Tyrone McKenzie in the third round, looking to add youth and depth to the linebacker corps. The South Florida grad (who also played at Michigan State and Iowa State) ended up missing the season due to a knee injury sustained in rookie camp last spring.
Despite that setback [...]

by Chris Warner, Patriots Daily Staff
Last year at this time, Darius Butler was a highly-ranked cornerback unsatisfied with his combine performance. After improving his 40-time at UConn’s pro day, most draftniks figured he’d maintained his first-round status.
Though getting drafted in the second round (41st overall) may have been disappointing for Butler, New England fans could [...]

by Chris Warner, Patriots Daily Staff
NFL coaches want their defenders to have size, speed and intelligence. They can tell that cornerback Myron Lewis has the first quality just by looking at him. The 6-foot-2 Vanderbilt product showcased the other two attributes at the combine and in college. Now, he’s hoping he’s impressed those same NFL [...]

by Greg Doyle, Patriots Daily Staff
Scott Sicko is a pass-catching tight end from UNH who caught 160 passes for the Wildcats during his career, including 22 touchdowns. He was a FCS (formerly Division 1-AA) All-American this year helping UNH to the semi-finals in the FCS Playoffs, before losing to eventual champion Villanova. Scott has a chance [...]

by Chris Warner, Patriots Daily Staff
While most football coaches preach the importance of special teams, Virginia Tech’s Frank Beamer practices for success. Hokies punter Brent Bowden reaped the rewards, earning All-ACC honors and an invite to the NFL combine.
Bowden was just about to hop on a flight when PD caught up with him. He took [...]

by Chris Warner, Patriots Daily Staff
More NFL teams have switched to a 3-4 defense this year, which puts hybrid end/outside linebacker types at a premium. Good thing for James Ruffin.
The Northern Iowa stalwart earned FCS All-American honors last season, leading the Missouri Valley Football Conference with 10.5 in sacks. In his PD interview, he discussed [...]

by Chris Warner, Patriots Daily Staff
If it’s true that a small school player trying to reach the NFL has to make a big impression, Jared Veldheer’s off to a great start. The 6-foot-8, 312-pound tackle from Hillsdale College in Michigan stood out at the NFL combine, ranking in the top tier for offensive linemen in six events, [...]

by Chris Warner, Patriots Daily Staff
Like all the draft prospects PD has interviewed, Ross Pospisil has big plans for the future. Unlike everyone else, those plans don’t involve playing football.
Navy’s most prolific tackler in 2009 is looking beyond the gridiron in the years to come. He spoke to PD in an informative interview covering a [...]