The University of Texas held their pro day today, as 79 NFL scouts and coaches had an opportunity to take a closer look at the bunch that led UT to its first poor season in over a decade. There was still plenty of athleticism on display, led by Aaron Williams and his improved 40 times.
Williams, who's gained 10 lbs. since the end of the college football season (he weighed in at 204 lbs.), had a great Pro Day as expected. The cornerback ran a 4.36 40, which was faster than the 4.5 he clocked in at the scouting combine.
"I definitely accomplished my goal today," Williams said. "I felt really strong coming in and I think I did solid. I caught the ball better, worked on my cuts, my backpedal...so it was a good workout."
He ranks right around the back end of the first round or early second on public draft boards. Laken Litman says that Chykie Brown also showed well.
Brown dropped three catches at the combine, so making catches in front of the coaches and scouts today was crucial.
"Scouts said I had a great workout and that I looked different in their eyes after today," said Brown, who posted a 4.35 40 and a 39-inch vertical jump. "My film spoke better than my combine workout and today I brought everything together."
In addition to his ball skills, Brown showed off his hip fluidity, explosiveness and movement on the field. He mentioned that many of the teams he's talked to are interested in moving him to nickel, which he doesn't mind at all.
Curtis Brown was limited by the flu, but he established his 2nd-3rd round grade by working out well at the combine. Gil Brandt commented on some others:
Sam Acho (6-1 ¾, 259 pounds) stood on everything at the combine. He had an excellent workout. He showed great change in direction, which will help him as an OLB in a 3-4 defense.
G Mike Huey (6-4, 304) ran 5.16 and 5.18 40s, to go with a 33 ½-inch vertical and 9-5 broad. He also had a 4.60 short shuttle, 8.31 3-cone drill, and did 35 bench presses at 225 pounds.
TE Greg Smith (6-4 1/8, 245) ran 4.78 and 4.83 40s and had a 39-inch vertical. He also ran a 4.30 short shuttle and 7.15 3-cone drill.
WR James Kirkendoll (5-9 7/8, 174) ran 4.41, 4.42 and 4.47 40s, had a 38-inch vertical, 11-foot broad jump, and ran 4.15 in the short shuttle and 6.92 in the 3-cone drill.
John Chiles, Vondrell McGee, Eddie Jones and Kyle Hix also worked out.