Former LSU special teams standout Dan Graff claimed he was one of the fastest players on the team during his four seasons with the Tigers.
The stopwatch will do the talking today while he vies for a job in the NFL during LSU’s Pro Day.
Former LSU players seeking a career at the next level will get their initial chance to show off their speed, strength and football knowledge to representatives from the NFL.
Eight former Tigers already made their first impressions during the NFL Combine a couple weeks ago in Indianapolis, but now the attention turns to the smaller-name players who are projected as late-round picks or undrafted free agents.
“Pro Day’s most important for the later round or even free agent types,” said Mike Detillier, local NFL draft analyst. “You’ve seen a lot of the early-round picks, but you haven’t seen the middle-round guys.”
Besides on-the-field measurables, Detillier said Pro Day gives NFL coaches the opportunity to learn about the character of possible future players.
“Most importantly, those coaches and general managers will be able to have a little sit-down time with the respective coaches from the schools and pick their brain,” Detillier said.
Detillier said low-profile players like Graff, punter Derek Helton and running back Richard Murphy must grab the attention of the NFL scouts if they want a future on Sundays.
“You have to stand out so that a scout remembers that when he was in Baton Rouge, ‘That guy really looked good,'” Detillier said.
Graff said he understands the importance of making the most of the limited exposure during Pro Day.
“I know some coaches might know of me,” Graff said. “I’m just trying to go out there and try to make a name for myself. Hopefully after Pro Day they’ll further investigate who I am.”
Cornerback Patrick Peterson has garnered all of the attention since declaring for the NFL draft.
Peterson, who isn’t running during Pro Day, continued to gain national exposure after running a 4.34-second 40-yard dash at the combine, the second-best time overall.
“He’s got nothing else to prove,” Detillier said. “I wouldn’t workout again [at Pro Day]. He’s proven everything athletically.”
ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. lists Peterson as the No. 1 prospect on his Big Board.
Detillier said mid-round players like wide receiver Terrence Toliver, running back Stevan Ridley and defensive lineman Pep Levingston still have some things to show on Pro Day.
“There’s a lot of receivers bundled in that second, third round,” Detillier said. “Toliver’s got to prove he can catch the ball well.”
Ridley, who ran the 40-yard dash in 4.67 seconds at the combine, wasn’t utilized much as a receiver out of the backfield at LSU, only recording 17 catches in his career.
“He needs to show he can catch the ball,” Detillier said. “He hasn’t been thrown the ball a lot. That’s one thing to watch with him.”
Detillier said Levingston has climbed the draft ranks more than any other former Tiger.
“There’s a lot of buzz around him,” Detillier said. “The thing that Pep can bring to the NFL is his versatility. He can play both end and tackle.”
Detillier said Levingston could go as high as a fifth- or sixth-round pick.
Follow Michael Lambert on Twitter@TDR_Lambert.
 
 
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Contact Michael Lambert at [email protected]