What is Pro Day and why is it important for the NFL Draft?

Prospective NFL players have moved on from the Scouting Combine to holding College Pro Days, and potential first-round draft pick David Ojabo has unfortunately injured his leg or ankle at a pass rush drill at University of Michigan Pro Day, according to the NFL Network.

The extent of the injury is not yet clear, but the defensive lineman had to be assisted to get off the field. The 21-year-old is considered to be one of the best pass-rushers among NFL hopefuls. His injury might affect his chances to have more time to be observed by scouts.

What is a Pro Day?

Pro Days are a way for talent assessors to watch college football players go through various tests and demonstrate their skills by carrying out individual drills. As these exercises are usually held in their home campus, the student players are more likely to feel comfortable and perform their best.

This is a lot different from the NFL Scouting Combine, where all the prospective pro footballers undergo physical tests in Indianapolis in front of NFL coaches, executives, and scouts.

Being in their home field on Pro Day is presumed to result in a better gauge of how the players usually perform. It also gives those who are looking to hire them more information on which to base their decisions.

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Pro Day: a second chance for NFL prospects

Some athletes can and do perform well at the Scouting Combine. On the flip side, a player could have a poor performance at the Combine drills, but get a chance to redeem himself by an excellent showing on Pro Day.

At the Scouting Combine, the teams have limited time to talk to and get to know the players. On college Pro Day, there are more chances for coaches and other decision makers to interact with and learn about them

The Pro Day helps ensure that they make the best decisions when draft day comes around.