Less than a month before the 2013 NFL Draft, a number of former Tigers tried to impress scouts Wednesday on LSU’s annual Pro Day at the program’s practice facility.
Many players looked at the day of workouts as an opportunity to improve their draft stock after the 2013 NFL Combine, while it provided other players their first opportunity to show scouts what they can do.
Former LSU defensive end Barkevious Mingo has been labeled a “boom-or-bust” type of draft prospect after wowing teams at the combine with his athletic ability. Mingo said he wanted to prove to people that he is more likely to “boom” than “bust.”
With his success at the combine, Mingo refrained from doing any of the timed and measured exercises. Instead, he participated solely in the individual workouts.
“He has great speed on the football field,” said LSU coach Les Miles. “They will find a place for him to play.”
Former LSU cornerback Tyrann Mathieu returned to the LSU practice facility for the final time to participate in individual workouts at Pro Day.
He and his former teammates reminisced about the days when they played together.
“I missed being on the field with [Mathieu],” said former LSU safety Eric Reid. “He did everything I expected him to do and more. If somebody takes a chance on him, he will make a great player.”
Mathieu said he looks forward to being welcomed by a new team and putting his past behind him.
“It is very exciting, but it is humbling at the same time because of all the things I went through this past year,” Mathieu said. “I am just looking forward to it. I am ready for it to be over.”
Reid also participated in individual workouts, including the 40-yard dash, in which he clocked an official time of 4.5 seconds. This was a slight improvement from his performance at the combine, where he ran it in 4.53 seconds.
Reid said he can’t comprehend how his life will change when he is selected in the draft.
“It is surreal,” Reid said. “Guys say that it is a dream, but I have lived it. I grew up here, I went to LSU and now I am taking that next step — that is the NFL. It has not even hit me yet.”
Pro Day also allows less-heralded players to prove to teams they are worth a selection.
Such is the case with Lavar Edwards who, as LSU’s backup defensive end last season, was not able to build as much of a résumé as most prospects.
Edwards had a performance on par with his showing at the combine, running a 4.78-second 40-yard dash, posting a 32-inch vertical leap and tallying 21 reps in the bench press.
“Lavar Edwards should be drafted,” Miles said. “I do not think there is any question we have had great defensive-end play. … I think he will play in the NFL for years.”
“It is surreal. Guys say that it is a dream, but I have lived it. I grew up here, I went to LSU and now I am taking that next step. That is the NFL. It has not even hit me yet. When the draft comes, the hardest thing for me to do will be to not cry.”
LSU junior running back Michael Ford (42) catches the football Wednesday, March 27, 2013 during Pro Day at Football Operations Center.
