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Brian Orakpo, other Longhorns shine at Texas’ pro day
By JIMMY BURCHjburch@star-telegram.com
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AUSTIN — Texas defensive end Brian Orakpo did not sprint for NFL scouts during Wednesday’s pro day session at the school campus. But he did enough agility drills to show the tight hamstring that hampered his February workout at the Scouting Combine is a distant memory.
"The hamstring is good. All of that is behind me," said Orakpo, who is projected to be a high first-round pick in the NFL Draft on April 25-26 in New York. "I did a little extra [Wednesday], just to satisfy the coaches. I didn’t want them to have any question marks."
Representatives from 23 NFL teams, including Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson, watched Orakpo weigh in at 262 pounds and post a standing broad jump of 10 feet, 10 inches during his battery of tests. C.O. Brocato, the Tennessee Titans’ head scout, said Orakpo showed the full gamut of skills that NFL teams covet in a pass rusher. Included is enough versatility to play as a defensive end in a 4-3 alignment or as a standup, rush linebacker in a 3-4.
"He’s got everything you want: size, speed, quickness and strength," Brocato said. "He’s just got to learn ... that he’s got to be more consistent about doing it every play."
Orakpo said he has yet to be contacted about an invitation to the live draft in New York but would embrace the opportunity if it surfaced.
"I wouldn’t mind that," Orakpo said. "I’ve never been to New York."
Miller, Melton turn heads
Two players who boosted their stock during Wednesday’s workouts were defensive tackle Roy Miller and defensive end Henry Melton.
The 6-foot-1 Miller, who played at 290 pounds last season, weighed in at 313 for NFL scouts. But he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.8 seconds, faster than the 4.98 and 5.09 times he ran at the combine.
"I’ve gained 23 pounds and ... showed that I can still be athletic at 313 [pounds]. I think that’s pretty good," said Miller, who was downgraded at the combine for a lack of bulk. During the interim, Miller said he’s been working out while ingesting 4,800 calories per day.
A Killeen native, Miller said he has received significant attention from Dallas Cowboys scouts and would welcome the chance to play in his home state.
Melton (6-foot-3, 269 pounds), a Grapevine High School graduate, posted a 4.5 time in the 40-yard dash that intrigued scouts. He also posted a 34-inch vertical leap and did 23 repetitions on the bench press at 225 pounds. A former running back, Melton played only two seasons in Texas’ defensive line and was a starter only in 2008, his senior season.
Tennessee’s Brocato called Melton a "very intriguing" player because he remains an unfinished product.
"He’d be a good one to bring in and let him learn how to finish it up," Brocato said. "He’s got the athletic ability and everything to do it. I was most impressed by him."
Age-old question
Receiver Quan Cosby, 26, was the oldest Longhorn to take part in the pro day session. But that should not hinder the NFL appeal of the former pro baseball player, said Gil Brandt, personnel analyst for NFL.com. A bigger hindrance could be Cosby’s height. He measured 5-foot-9 Wednesday.
"I think he’s the kind of kid you have to know and know what he stands for and what he does," said Brandt, a former Cowboys player personnel director. "He’s a lot stronger than you think he is and he plays bigger than 5-foot-9. ... He understands coverage, which is really great. Most receivers coming out of college don’t have any idea about coverages."
Palmer hopeful
Cornerback Ryan Palmer, an Arlington Bowie graduate, expressed disappointment with his time in the 40 (4.5 seconds). Because of his height (5-foot-8), Palmer considers speed his most valuable asset in efforts to hear his name called on draft day.
"He’ll be in somebody’s camp," Brocato said of Palmer. "But the big receivers are hurting the little-bitty corners. Palmer is 5-8. What’s he going to do when he has to go against a 6-4 guy?
"He’ll have a hard time sticking around [in an NFL camp] unless he’s special."
Jimmy Burch, 817-390-7760
By JIMMY BURCHjburch@star-telegram.com
Related Content
AUSTIN — Texas defensive end Brian Orakpo did not sprint for NFL scouts during Wednesday’s pro day session at the school campus. But he did enough agility drills to show the tight hamstring that hampered his February workout at the Scouting Combine is a distant memory.
"The hamstring is good. All of that is behind me," said Orakpo, who is projected to be a high first-round pick in the NFL Draft on April 25-26 in New York. "I did a little extra [Wednesday], just to satisfy the coaches. I didn’t want them to have any question marks."
Representatives from 23 NFL teams, including Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson, watched Orakpo weigh in at 262 pounds and post a standing broad jump of 10 feet, 10 inches during his battery of tests. C.O. Brocato, the Tennessee Titans’ head scout, said Orakpo showed the full gamut of skills that NFL teams covet in a pass rusher. Included is enough versatility to play as a defensive end in a 4-3 alignment or as a standup, rush linebacker in a 3-4.
"He’s got everything you want: size, speed, quickness and strength," Brocato said. "He’s just got to learn ... that he’s got to be more consistent about doing it every play."
Orakpo said he has yet to be contacted about an invitation to the live draft in New York but would embrace the opportunity if it surfaced.
"I wouldn’t mind that," Orakpo said. "I’ve never been to New York."
Miller, Melton turn heads
Two players who boosted their stock during Wednesday’s workouts were defensive tackle Roy Miller and defensive end Henry Melton.
The 6-foot-1 Miller, who played at 290 pounds last season, weighed in at 313 for NFL scouts. But he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.8 seconds, faster than the 4.98 and 5.09 times he ran at the combine.
"I’ve gained 23 pounds and ... showed that I can still be athletic at 313 [pounds]. I think that’s pretty good," said Miller, who was downgraded at the combine for a lack of bulk. During the interim, Miller said he’s been working out while ingesting 4,800 calories per day.
A Killeen native, Miller said he has received significant attention from Dallas Cowboys scouts and would welcome the chance to play in his home state.
Melton (6-foot-3, 269 pounds), a Grapevine High School graduate, posted a 4.5 time in the 40-yard dash that intrigued scouts. He also posted a 34-inch vertical leap and did 23 repetitions on the bench press at 225 pounds. A former running back, Melton played only two seasons in Texas’ defensive line and was a starter only in 2008, his senior season.
Tennessee’s Brocato called Melton a "very intriguing" player because he remains an unfinished product.
"He’d be a good one to bring in and let him learn how to finish it up," Brocato said. "He’s got the athletic ability and everything to do it. I was most impressed by him."
Age-old question
Receiver Quan Cosby, 26, was the oldest Longhorn to take part in the pro day session. But that should not hinder the NFL appeal of the former pro baseball player, said Gil Brandt, personnel analyst for NFL.com. A bigger hindrance could be Cosby’s height. He measured 5-foot-9 Wednesday.
"I think he’s the kind of kid you have to know and know what he stands for and what he does," said Brandt, a former Cowboys player personnel director. "He’s a lot stronger than you think he is and he plays bigger than 5-foot-9. ... He understands coverage, which is really great. Most receivers coming out of college don’t have any idea about coverages."
Palmer hopeful
Cornerback Ryan Palmer, an Arlington Bowie graduate, expressed disappointment with his time in the 40 (4.5 seconds). Because of his height (5-foot-8), Palmer considers speed his most valuable asset in efforts to hear his name called on draft day.
"He’ll be in somebody’s camp," Brocato said of Palmer. "But the big receivers are hurting the little-bitty corners. Palmer is 5-8. What’s he going to do when he has to go against a 6-4 guy?
"He’ll have a hard time sticking around [in an NFL camp] unless he’s special."
Jimmy Burch, 817-390-7760
